IP PROTECTION TEST – TEST FOR RESISTANCE TO WATER AND DUST
IP protection test of the enclosures according to the EN 60529 and EN 20653 standards
The IP (International Protection) code is a convention defined by the CEI EN 60529 standard (“Degrees of protection of enclosures”) to identify the degree of protection of the enclosures of electrical and electronic devices (with rated voltage up to 72.5 kV) against the penetration of external solid or liquid agents.
The IP degree is generally indicated with two characteristic digits plus any two letters (additional and supplementary):
The EN ISO 20653 standard (“IP degree of protection – Road vehicles”), specific for the automotive sector, defines the same figures for the IP degree cited by the CEI EN 60529 standard but introduces the code “K”, which describes special requirements for road vehicles that are not covered by the CEI EN 60529 standard. In particular it defines:
IP5KX = IP5X of the CEI EN 60529 standard
IP6KX = IP6X of the CEI EN 60529 standard
IPX4K = protected against pressurized water sprays
IPX6K = protected against strong high pressure water jets (flooding)
IPX9K = protected against water in case of high pressure jets/steam cleaning
Generally the degrees of protection are matched for both digits, the most common are:
IP44: Protection against the penetration of solid bodies larger than 1 mm. Protection against splashes in any direction.
IP54: Protection against the access of dust. Protection against water jets penetrating in any direction. The penetration of dust and liquids must not damage the equipment.
IP65: Total protection against dust. Protection against powerful jets of water in any direction. Liquid penetration must not damage the equipment.
IP67: Total protection against dust. Protection against temporary immersion in water for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 metre.
IP 68: Total protection against dust. Protection against permanent immersion in water over 1 meter deep, in this case the manufacturer must specify the maximum depth to which its casing can be subjected.
IP 69K: Total protection against dust. Maximum protection of the tested sample against water penetration, even in high pressure or steam cleaning systems.
Verification of the IP degree in the Cevlab laboratory
The CevLab laboratory, with its instrumentation and expertise, is able to perform IP tests (from the most common levels described above to the less standard ones) to verify the degree of protection on automotive and non-automotive components. The versatility of its instrumentation and the support of a team specialized in IP tests allow CevLab to be able to respond to the needs of customers from different sectors, ensuring a complete and ad hoc service in any context.
Our laboratory carries out tests to determine the IP degree of protection of enclosures against the penetration of foreign bodies and the penetration of water in compliance with the CEI EN 60529 and EN ISO 20653 standards.
