IP-code. Protection against ingress of solid objects, dust and moisture
IP-code – introduction
IP degree of protection (eng.: ingress protection) – a parameter characterising the enclosure of an electrical device, indicating the level of protection of the user against access to hazardous parts and of the device itself against penetration by external agents.
The IP code consists of the letters “IP”, two characteristic numeral numbers and optionally two letters – an additional letter and a suplementary letter.
The first digit indicates the level of protection the enclosure provides against access to hazardous parts (e.g., electrical conductors, moving parts) and the ingress of solid foreign objects. The second digit indicates the level of protection that the enclosure provides against harmful ingress of water.
IP tests – protection against access to hazardous parts and solid foreign objects
The first letter of the IP code according to the PN-EN 60529 or ISO 20653 standard, for digits from 1 to 4 defines the class of protection against access to hazardous parts and solid foreign objects.
Tests verifying if the enclosure can be assigned a given protection class have been designed so that the degree of protection when using the specific housing is clearly defined. Tests are performed with the use of access probes (spheres, wires and test fingers), applying the force specified in the standard on the test object.
Degree of protection against solid foreign objects
Degree of protection against solid foreign objects provides information on what is the maximum size of objects that can penetrate the enclosure.
| IP degree | Access probe |
| IP1X | Sphere ø 50 mm |
| IP2X | Sphere ø 12.5 mm |
| IP3X | Wire 2.5 mm |
| IP4X | Wire 1 mm |
The condition for a given degree of protection against solid foreign objects is met, when the access probe does not penetrate the enclosure, which could disturb equipment operation.
Degree of protection against access to hazardous parts
Degree of protection against access to hazardous parts provides information on whether the enclosure is protected against the risk of electrocution (by electrical parts), mechanical injuries of the human body (by moving parts), etc.
| IP degree | Access probe |
| IP1X | Sphere ø 50 mm on a handle |
| IP2X | Sphere ø 12.5 mm on a handle / test finger (depending on the standard) |
| IP3X | Wire 2.5 mm on a handle |
| IP4X | Wire 1 mm on a handle |
The access is verified with the use of a system that signals closing of the electrical circuit.
BOSMAL’s tests covering the entire IP protection range
If degrees of protection against access to hazardous parts and solid foreign objects differ within a given piece of equipment (its enclosure may have protections restricting the access to hazardous parts), the IP code is extended to include an additional letter A, B, C or D.
Standards
- PN-EN 60529
- DIN 40050-9
- ISO 20653
All our IP testing methods are certified (AB 128 accreditation).
IP tests (dust resistance)
Testing performed
- Dust resistance tests (IP5X/IP6X) according to PN-EN 60529 and ISO 20653
Objects tested
- elements of electrical and electronic equipment,
- assemblies for machines and devices.
Test dust types used
- Arizona (A2, A4) according to ISO 12103-1,
- talk,
- Portland cement,
- others.
Test benches
- chambers with vertical circulation of dust-air mixture of volumes 1 m3 and 0.3 m3.
Characteristics of the dust chamber of volume 1 m3
- dimensions of the chamber workspace: (1000 x 1000 x 1000) mm,
- the ability to perform tests at ambient temperature and at elevated temperature (up to 100°C),
- the ability to perform tests at negative pressure,
- access opening with a diameter of 80 mm, enabling the routing of power cables and vacuum hoses to the test objects inside the chamber,
- possibility of coupling the chamber with an external drive system, e.g. in the case of tests on alternators.
Example test in dust chamber – alternator durability testing
IP tests (resistance to water)
Testing performed
- resistance to dripping water (IPX1, IPX2)
- resistance to rain (IPX3, IPX4) using a tube with oscillating movement,
- resistance to spurts of water (IPX5, IPX6, IPX6K),
- immersion (IPX7, IPX8),
- resistance to high-pressure washing (IPX9, IPX9K).
In the photo: Testing an electric motor for IPX6K protection class
Standards
We perform testing (PCA accredited range) according to the following norms:
- PN-EN 60529:2003/A2
- ISO 20653
- also JIS D 0203, DIN 40050 p.9, as well as many other manufacturer norms and research programmes agreed with the customer.
Dripping water testing stand
- dripping box with nozzles 0.4 mm, possibility of testing area expansion to 1 m²
- tilted table (15°) and rotating table
- precipitation height: 1 mm/min, 3 mm/min
In the photo: dripping box for the tests IPX1, IPX2.
Rain testing stands
- tube with oscillating movement (ranges 20 cm, 40 cm, 60 cm) and other spray terminations
- flow rate up to 40 l/min
- possibility of rotating the test object
- possibility of using UV dye
In the photo: rain simulation on test object by means of an oscillating spray tube – tests IPX3, IPX4.
Water immersion testing stand
- immersion tank (diameter of elevator 900 mm, head of water: 1.5 m)
- possibility of modifications: water temperature, submersion depth, testing time
In the photo: test object in immersion tank.
Resistance to high-pressure washing test stand
- working pressure: 30-120 bar
- water temperature: <80°C
- nozlle fulfilling the requirements of PN-EN 60529:2003/A2:2014-07 (inter alia)
In the photo: testing a vehicle lamp for IPX9K protection class
Tested objects
- Parts of vehicles’ equipment and other assemblies from machines and devices
In the photo: testing an alternator for IPX9K protection class
Other water resistance tests
Testing the resistance of products to wading through water
Example: testing an electric vehicle cooling fan
Damp resistance tests
Technical parameters
- Water flow rate: up to 40 l/min
- Rotational speed: controlled
Flow tubes in accordance with:
- JIS D 0203
- DIN 40050 part 9
- EN 60529
Resistance to high-pressure washing test
Technical parameters
- Water flow rate: up to 16 l/min
- Water pressure: up to 100 bar
- Water temperature: up to 100°C
- Flow stream: flat (25° to 40°)
- Element mounted in a fixed position, or with the possibility of rotating in a single plane through 360°
High Pressure Cleaning with Thermal Shock
Technical parameters
- test object temperature around 80°C (oil),
- water temperature to 14°C,
- water pressure 82 bars
High Pressure Cleaning with Thermal Shock – test zarejestrowany kamerą termowizyjną
Standards
- DIN 40050-9
- ISO 12103-1
- ISO 20653
- JIS D 0203
- PN-EN 60529
- VW 80000 (M-03)
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