IPX5 and IPX6 classify resistance to direct, pressurized water streams, distinguished by the nozzle size and flow rate used during testing

Search

Second Characteristic Numeral 5 and 6: Pressurized Water Jet Tests

Degrees IPX5 and IPX6 define the enclosure’s capability to withstand forceful water jets, simulating conditions like hosing down. Both tests utilize a standard hose nozzle (Figure 6) and require spraying the enclosure from all practicable directions.

IPX5 (Protected against water jets): This test uses a nozzle with an internal diameter of 6.3 mm. The required delivery rate is 12.5 l/min ± 5%. The core of the stream should be approximately 40 mm in diameter at 2.5 m distance from the nozzle.
IPX6 (Protected against powerful water jets): This test utilizes a larger nozzle with an internal diameter of 12.5 mm. The delivery rate is significantly higher at 100 l/min ± 5%. The core of the stream should be approximately 120 mm in diameter at 2.5 m distance.

The water pressure is adjusted solely to achieve the specified delivery rate. For both levels, the nozzle must be positioned between 2.5 m and 3 m from the enclosure surface.

The duration of the test is determined by the surface area of the enclosure: 1 minute per square meter of enclosure surface area likely to be sprayed, with a minimum duration of 3 minutes. The acceptance criteria stipulate that water projected in jets shall not have harmful effects, meaning ingress must not interfere with safety, cause tracking, or reach parts not designed to operate wet.

IEC 60529 IPX1/IPX2 Drip Box Water Test Chamber | Vertical & 15° Tilted Dripping Water Ingress Protection Verification Equipment

IP ratings General Testing Requirements, Acceptance Criteria, and Compliance Responsibility

Verification of IP ratings relies on standardized atmospheric conditions, non-harmful ingress acceptance criteria, and the final manufacturer’s responsibility for the completed product. All tests specified in IEC 60529 are type tests. To ensure repeatability, they should be carried out under standard atmospheric conditions, unless otherwise specified, including a temperature range of 15 °C to 35…

The IP Code uses a mandatory two-numeral system, IPXX, optionally extended by supplementary letters to indicate specific protection levels and test conditions

The degree of protection provided by an enclosure is designated by the IP Code in a specific arrangement consisting of up to five parts: If a characteristic numeral is not required to be specified, it must be replaced by the letter “X” (“XX” if both are omitted). For example, IPX5 means the protection against solids…

Second Characteristic Numeral 1 to 4: Dripping, Spraying, and Splashing Water Tests

Water protection levels 1 through 4 define resistance to low-velocity water, ranging from simple vertical dripping (IPX1) to full 360-degree splashing (IPX4). The second characteristic numeral indicates protection against harmful effects due to water ingress, tested with fresh water. Lower levels focus on drops and low-pressure projection. For all these tests, the acceptance condition is…

The IEC 60529 standard establishes a unified classification system for enclosure protection against three primary hazards, applicable up to 72.5 kV

The standard IEC 60529 describes a system for classifying the degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment. This system is generally suitable for most electrical equipment, provided the rated voltage does not exceed 72.5 kV. The fundamental objective of this standard is multi-faceted: to provide definitions for degrees of protection, establish designations for…

IPX9 is a specialized degree, introduced by Amendment 2, classifying protection against highly stressful, short-range water jets used in rigorous cleaning environments

Second Characteristic Numeral 9: High Pressure, High Temperature Jet Test The degree of protection IPX9, introduced by Amendment 2, is specific to enclosures resisting high pressure and temperature water jets. Water projected from any direction under these extreme conditions must not have harmful effects. The test procedure involves a specialized fan jet nozzle (Figures 7,…

TESTING

Search