IP31 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP31 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 5). IP31 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water, while IPX5 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IPX5 resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Used where water-jet resistance matters more than dust sealing.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP31
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP31
No
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP31
No
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP31
No
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP31 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP31 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IPX5 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX5 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IPX5 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.