IP31 vs IP5X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP31 and IP5X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 0). IP31 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water, while IP5X provides dust-protected and no protection.
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.
IP5X is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) with water protection not specified. Used where dust limitation matters but the equipment is kept dry.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP5X
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP5X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP31
No
IP5X
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP31
No
IP5X
No
Submersible
IP31
No
IP5X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP31
No
IP5X
No
The exact difference (IP31 vs IP5X)
Solid protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP5X
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP5X provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP5X is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP5X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP31 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1), while IP5X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP31 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP5X offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP5X for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.