IP31 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP31 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 6). IP31 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water, while IPX6 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 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.
IPX6 resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Suitable for heavy-rain or hose-exposed equipment 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
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP31
No
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP31
No
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP31
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP31
No
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP31 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP31 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IPX6 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IPX6 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX6 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IPX6 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.