IP31 vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP31 and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 7). IP31 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water, while IP57 provides dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
The IP31 rating offers protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP31
No
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP31
No
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP31
No
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP31
No
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP31 vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP57 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP57 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.