IP31 vs IPX4
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP31 and IPX4 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 4). IP31 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water, while IPX4 provides no protection and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IPX4 (solid protection not specified) resists splashing water from any direction. A common minimum for bathroom and outdoor-covered appliances where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX4
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX4
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP31
No
IPX4
No
Water-jet resistant
IP31
No
IPX4
No
Submersible
IP31
No
IPX4
No
Outdoor suitable
IP31
No
IPX4
Yes
The exact difference (IP31 vs IPX4)
Solid protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX4
Level 0 — No Protection
IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IPX4 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP31 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX4
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IPX4 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IPX4 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP31 and IPX4 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.