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Degree of Protection (IP Code) – IPX1 to IPX8, IP2X, IP5X, IP6X Tests
The Ingress Protection (IP) Code, often referred to as the IP rating, is defined in the IEC 60529 standard. It classifies the degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against the intrusion of solid foreign objects, dust, and water. The format of an IP code is typically IPXY, where:
- X denotes the level of protection against solid foreign objects (from 0 to 6).
- Y indicates the level of protection against water ingress (from 0 to 9K, though IPX9K is defined in ISO 20653, mainly for road vehicles).
Protection Against Solid Objects: IP2X, IP5X, IP6X
IP2X – Protection Against Finger Access
- Definition: Protection against solid objects >12.5 mm, such as fingers or similar objects.
- Test Method: A 12.5 mm diameter test finger (per IEC 60529) is applied with a force of 10 N. The finger should not touch live parts.
- Application: Frequently used in electrical enclosures and consumer electronics where basic user safety is required.
IP5X – Dust Protected
- Definition: Protection against dust ingress in sufficient quantity to interfere with satisfactory operation. Complete protection against contact.
- Test Method: Enclosure is placed in a dust chamber under partial vacuum. Talcum powder (particle size 75 μm) is used. Duration: 8 hours.
- Pass Criteria: Dust may enter but should not interfere with the operation or reduce safety.
- Relevant Standard: IEC 60529 – Test under Clause 13.4.
IP6X – Dust Tight
- Definition: Complete protection against dust ingress.
- Test Method: Same as IP5X, but with stricter requirements — absolutely no dust entry allowed.
- Pass Criteria: No dust shall enter the enclosure.
- Applications: Used in industrial and outdoor environments where dust ingress can severely affect operation (e.g., mining equipment, military hardware).
Protection Against Water: IPX1 to IPX8
- Each IPX rating indicates a higher level of water protection, as per IEC 60529 Clause 14.
IPX3 – Spraying Water
- Definition: Protection from water sprayed at up to 60° from vertical
- Spray nozzle: Hand-held spray directed for at least 5 minutes
- Pass Criteria: No harmful water ingress.
Test Method:
IPX4 – Splashing Water
- Definition:Protection against water splashing from any direction.
- Spray nozzle: Similar to IPX3 but from all directions; more vigorous testing.
- Application Suitable for bathrooms or outdoor fixtures.
Test Method:
IPX7 – Immersion up to 1 Meter
- Definition: Protection against temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
- Test Method: Enclosure is immersed in water so that the lowest point is 1 meter below the surface.
- Pass Criteria: No water ingress in quantities that affect performance.
- Application: Mobile phones, outdoor sensors.
Test Method:
Standards Followed:
- IEC 60529:1989+A1:1999+A2:2013
- ISO 20653:2013
- EN 60529
- UL 50E / NEMA 250
IPX1 – Vertically Dripping Water
- Definition:Protection against vertically falling water drops.
- Test Method: Enclosure is mounted in its normal operating position. Water drops fall vertically at a rate of 1 mm/min for 10 minutes.
- Pass Criteria: No harmful effects or ingress.
IPX2 – Dripping Water with Tilt
- Definition:Protection against dripping water when tilted at 15°.
- Test Method: The enclosure is tilted at 15° in four directions. Water drips at 3 mm/min for 2.5 minutes per direction (10 minutes total).
- Application: Used in appliances expected to be slightly tilted (e.g., washing machines).
IPX5 – Water Jets
- Definition:Protection from water jets from any direction.
- Test Method: Water is projected using a 6.3 mm nozzle at 12.5 l/min at 30 kPa pressure for 3 minutes from 3 meters.
- Application Industrial equipment exposed to water spray.
IPX5 – Water Jets
- Definition:Protection from powerful water jets.
- Test Method: Water projected from a 12.5 mm nozzle at 100 l/min at 100 kPa for 3 minutes from 3 meters
- Pass Criteria : No harmful ingress.
- Use Case: Deck lighting, marine equipment
IPX8 – Continuous Immersion
- Definition:Protection against continuous immersion beyond 1 meter (typically agreed between manufacturer and user).
- Test Method: Manufacturer defines depth (often 1.5–3 meters) and duration.
- Pass Criteria : No ingress harmful to equipment.
- Example: Submersible pumps, underwater lightst
- Note: Requirements for IPX8 must exceed IPX7 in both depth and duration.
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