Many products have to be able to withstand being exposed to the element and IP testing is used to ascertain whether a product will operate as intended in its environment.
IP ratings are standardised ratings that confirm the type and degree of ingress protection the product possesses. Ratings always start with 'IP' and are then followed by two letters, the first digit will indicate the ingress protection against solid bodies and dust, whilst the second shows the protection against water ingress. When referring to either of these contaminants, the remaining type is identified with an 'X', showing that the relevant rating has not been given. For example, a rating of IP1X shows that the product has a rating of 1 against foreign objects and that a rating for ingress against water has not been given. Conversely, IPX7 indicates a moisture resistance rating of 7, with no rating against foreign body protection. When two numbers are given it shows that a product has been assessed and rated against both foreign objects and water. For example, IP68 shows that a product is protected against dust ingress and water submersion. This is a severe IP certification as the item must be dust tight and is also protected against complete, continuous submersion.
IP testing is carried out in accordance with BS EN/IEC 60529 for which Cranage EMC and Safety is UKAS accredited. Using a UKAS accredited laboratory for your IP testing gives manufacturers assurance that we have been assessed as technically competent, with accurate and reliable test results. BS EN/IEC 60529 covers the following:
Solids/dust:
IP1X Protected against solid objects greater than 50 mm diameter
IP2X Protected against solid objects greater than 12.5 mm diameter
IP3X Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5 mm diameter
IP4X Protected against solid objects greater than 1.0 mm diameter
IP5X Dust Protected. Ingress is not totally prevented but dust shall not penetrate in a quantity to interfere with operation of the apparatus or to impair quality
IP6X Dust Tight.
Water:
IPX1 Protected against vertically falling water drops
IPX2 Protected against vertically falling water drops when enclosure tilted up to 15°
IPX3 Protected against spraying water at an angle up to 60°
IPX4 Protected against splashing water from any angle
IPX5 Protected against water jets
IPX6 Protected against powerful water jets
IPX7 Protected against the effects of temporary immersion. The product is tested in 1m of water for 30 minutes. IPX8 Protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water.
