How you can conduct waterproof testing using ingress protection

By evaluating the degree of protection given against mechanical incursion, dust, accidental touch, and water into casings and enclosures, ingress protection (IP) testing lowers the risk of product failure in the field.

The IP code assigns a classification to enclosures based on how well they protect against solid and/or liquid incursion. The IP Code is made up of the letters IP, two digits, and a potential letter. The first digit represents the degree of defense offered by the enclosure against entry of solid foreign objects and access to dangerous portions. The second digit represents the degree to which the equipment inside the enclosure is protected from dangerous water infiltration. To designate simply the amount of protection against human access to dangerous sections, a further letter may be added.

Ingress Protection Rating
The Ingress Protection (IP) rating of an enclosure describes the kind and level of ingress protection it has. The application of standardized testing results in an IP rating. The ratings are divided into two categories: one for solids (foreign objects and dust) (the number immediately following “IP”), and the other for liquids (such as water) (the second number immediately following “IP”).

The majority of manufacturers utilize the 1–8 scale known as Ingress Protection for electronics and other products. The least grade of waterproofing, IPX1, indicates that the product was not truly intended to function in wet or underwater conditions. With an IPX8 rating, a product can be submerged and still function effectively, albeit the depth and duration of submersion may differ. The majority of gadgets have an IP rating of 7. The gadget is normally not supposed to be immersed, but if it is and is removed right away, it should still work well.

ISO 20653 and IEC 60529 are the requirements for waterproof testing. Each of these describes appropriate practices and ingress protection testing ratings. When products that are not waterproof are exposed to moisture, it can result in physical damage, electrical risks including fire or shock, corrosion, and mold growth.

Dust tightness
Casings with ratings ranging from IP1X to IP4X are not at all dust-tight, hence in these circumstances, the IP certification speaks more to the device’s safety. The size of an object that is prohibited from entering the casing or enclosure is indicated by the number, in other words. A probe with a diameter of 1.0 mm is prohibited from entering the enclosure starting with IP4X.

Ratings of IP5X and IP6X include dust tightness. The IP6X test is undertaken for an under pressurized device, whereas IP5X is conducted without under pressure, which is the distinction between these two categories. In use, under pressure may develop inside a container or casing, for instance, when the temperature drops or the weather changes. Both tests are carried out in a dust chamber using talc powder, and they can last anywhere between two and eight hours.

Water tightness
The second number, which describes the classification of water protection, has more flexibility than the first number, which had clear limits for dust and larger items. Water dripping from different angles is prevented by IPX1, IPX2, and IPX3 enclosures. Each classification exam is conducted using specialized test equipment.

Ratings for defense against water jets include IPX5 and IPX6. The first one is carried out using a 12-liter-per-minute water stream, while the second one uses a powerful 100-liter-per-minute stream. Additionally, a more recent rating, IPX9K, includes water jets. Strong water jets with hot water fall under this tough classification.

Water immersion tests are IPX7 and IPX8. The equipment is submerged in water in both tests to a minimum depth of 1 meter. While the IPX8 test’s duration and immersion depths are decided based on the device’s actual operational profile, the IPX7 test’s test duration is 30 minutes.

It should be noted that the higher rating does not always compensate for the lower ratings in cases of water tightness. For instance, just because a device has an IPX7 certification for water immersion does not necessarily mean that it is also protected from water jets, as the pressure on the surface and the sealing during water jet tests may result in enclosure leaks. Therefore, a device should be labelled, for instance, IPX5/IPX7, to indicate that it is protected from stream and immersion.

If the gadget is brand-new, you can drop your phone into salt water with an IPX7 or IPX8 cover without having a heart attack. As IP testing are only performed on brand-new devices, a device’s rating after extended use may drop. For instance, the device sealings are likely to deteriorate when the device is in use due to exposure to temperature and humidity. As a result, IP rating is useless for predicting a product’s long-term dependability.

Characteristics of ingress protection test equipment
The control system offers two options: a controller with easy programming or a full-color touch control system developed independently. It also has a friendly user interface, straightforward operation, stability, low-noise construction and low-carbon energy conservation. IP X 1 and IP X 2 drip basins come with negative pressure suction devices that guarantee the operator won’t be splashed with water and offer full personal safety protection. Stepper motors are used to drive the 3, IP X 3, and IP X 4 swing tubes, which have accurate Angle and configurable Swing Rate. From the rotational plate’s center, each nozzle in each group radiates outward.

Compressed air is automatically utilized to remove water stains after the test. Original nozzle with a water column non-proliferation rating of 4, IP X 5, IP X 6, and an angle adjustment gear. Automatic lifting of the water surface with IP ratings of 5, 7, and 8 takes place. A water quality filtration system is supplied to stop contaminants in the water from clogging the nozzle. It’s easy to see the conditions of the tested samples within the test box thanks to the large-area visual toughened glass door.

FAQs
What sorts of waterproof testing are available?
Testing includes dripping, spraying, splashing, jetting, and immersion.

What kinds of tests are available for the waterproof testing of foreign solid objects (IP1X to IP 6X)?
Water tightness can be used to waterproof test solid objects.

Lisun Instruments Limited was found by LISUN GROUP in 2003. LISUN quality system has been strictly certified by ISO9001:2015. As a CIE Membership, LISUN products are designed based on CIE, IEC and other international or national standards. All products passed CE certificate and authenticated by the third party lab.

Our main products are Goniophotometer, Integrating Sphere, Spectroradiometer, Surge Generator, ESD Simulator Guns, EMI Receiver, EMC Test Equipment, Electrical Safety Tester, Environmental Chamber, Temperature Chamber, Climate Chamber, Thermal Chamber, Salt Spray Test, Dust Test Chamber, Waterproof Test, RoHS Test (EDXRF), Glow Wire Test and Needle Flame Test.

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