IP31 vs IP60
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP31 and IP60 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 0). IP31 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water, while IP60 provides dust-tight 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.
IP60 is dust-tight with no water protection. Used for indoor equipment in very dusty environments that stays completely dry — dust exclusion without any moisture tolerance.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP60
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP31
No
IP60
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP31
No
IP60
No
Submersible
IP31
No
IP60
No
Outdoor suitable
IP31
No
IP60
No
The exact difference (IP31 vs IP60)
Solid protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP60 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP31 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1), while IP60 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP31 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP60 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP60 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.