IP Testing
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Ingress Protection
Ingress protection (IP) tests are performed to ensure enclosures provide adequate protection against the environment in which they are located. Tests include ingress of solid foreign objects, water and dust. Measurements are performed according to the procedures of AS 60529 (IEC 60529).
The IP Code outlines a system of classification for the protection of electrical enclosures against the intrusion of foreign bodies (i.e., tools, fingers, dust, etc.) and moisture. The rating is specified by the letters IP followed by two digits i.e. IP25, IP68, etc.
First number – Degree of ingress protection
The first number of the IP code indicates the degree of protection against contact with moving parts and the degree that the equipment is protected against solid foreign bodies intruding into an enclosure.
- 0 – No special protection
- 1 – Protection from a large part of the body such as hand or from solid objects greater than 50 mm in diameter
- 2 – Protection against objects not greater than 80 mm in length and 12 mm in diameter
- 3 – Protection from entry by tools, wires, etc., with a diameter or thickness greater than 2.5 mm
- 4 – Protection from entry by solid objects with a diameter or thickness greater than 1.0 mm
- 5 – Protection from an amount of dust that would interfere with the operation of the equipment
- 6 – Dust-tight
Second number – Degree of moisture protection
The second number indicates the degree of protection for the equipment inside the enclosure against the harmful entry of various forms of moisture (e.g. dripping, spraying, submersion, etc.)
- 0 – No special protection
- 1 – Protection from vertically dripping water
- 2 – Protection from dripping water when tilted up to 15°
- 3 – Protection from sprayed water
- 4 – Protection from splashed water
- 5 – Protection from water projected from a nozzle
- 6 – Protection against heavy seas, or powerful jets of water
- 7 – Protection against temporary immersion
- 8 – Protection against complete continuous submersion in water (up to 1 metre deep for 15 minutes)
Ingress protection
Why IP Testing Matters
Most people have heard terms like IP68, IP67 and IPX5 as selling points of consumer electronics, but the rating applies to a lot of other electronic products too. Ingress protection measures how well an enclosure or casing withstands intrusion: two digits make up the IP code, the first for protection against solid particles and the second against liquids.
Dust and water damage
Dust and water can render the PCBs inside electronics useless and may even cause dangers such as fire and explosion. Water or dust entry can lead to short circuits or corrosion.
Harsh and outdoor use
Crucial for products used in harsh or outdoor conditions, where exposure to the elements can reduce functionality and longevity.
Meet industry requirements
Different industries set different levels of environmental protection; testing and obtaining an IP code proves a product meets them and suits its intended use.
Sell your product
IP ratings show the level of protection against water and dust, which can also help your product sell.
How we test
How IP Testing Is Performed
Solids and dust (first digit)
Calibrated items with specific dimensions test against solid ingress, and accessibility probes check how far larger objects penetrate. For dust, a dust chamber agitates dust of a particular size so it fully suspends and covers the test item; afterwards the outside is cleaned and the enclosure checked for dust inside. Openings such as charging ports, speaker ports and microphone holes are typical entry points.
Water (second digit)
Dripping, spraying and driving water tests, with water jets streamed at the device from all sides at specified pressures, and immersion tests where the enclosure is fully submerged. Exposure time and submersion depth are set by international standards. After testing the casing is opened to see whether any water has entered.
A variety of dedicated IP test equipment – specified dust, nozzles and immersion tanks – determines the level of resistance the enclosure provides. Ratings and their meanings are in the tables above; IP5X and IP6X are the two dust ratings, and water ratings run from IPX0 to IPX8.
Getting it right
Choosing the Right Ingress Test
- Match the method to the environment: immersion testing may suit products used in wet environments, dust testing products used in dusty ones.
- Use an accredited facility: ingress testing needs specialised tools and knowledge to be accurate and dependable.
- The right equipment: specialised spray nozzles for spray testing and chambers for dust testing.
- Documented results: our test report records the procedure, equipment and outcomes as proof of testing to the applicable standards – and if protection is insufficient, the design or materials may need to change.
FAQs
IP Testing FAQs
What does an IP rating like IP67 mean?
The rating is specified by the letters IP followed by two digits: the first represents protection against solid particles and the second protection against liquids.
Which standard do you test to?
Measurements are performed according to the procedures of AS 60529 (IEC 60529), the most commonly used enclosure testing standard.
How is dust ingress tested?
In a dust chamber: dust of a particular size is agitated to fully suspend in the enclosure and cover the test item, then the outside is cleaned and the enclosure checked for dust inside.
How is water ingress tested?
With dripping, spraying and driving water tests, and immersion tests; the exposure time and submersion depth are set by international standards.
Which test does my product need?
For products used in wet environments immersion testing may be more appropriate; for dusty environments, dust testing. See also impact (IK) testing and environmental testing.
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