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

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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.

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…

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

Immersion protection (IPX7/8) relies on static pressure resistance, with IPX8 test conditions requiring prior agreement and being more severe than temporary immersion (IPX7).

Second Characteristic Numeral 7 and 8: Immersion Protection and Multiple The degrees of protection IPX7 and IPX8 address the capability of an enclosure to withstand the static pressure and saturation effects of being submerged in water. It is critical to understand the rule governing versatility: an enclosure designated IPX9 only is considered unsuitable for exposure…

IEC60529 Brief Introduction to IP Code

The IP Code is a coding system designed to indicate the degrees of protection provided by enclosures against access to hazardous parts, ingress of solid foreign objects, and ingress of water . It consists of the letters “IP” followed by two characteristic numerals, with optional additional and supplementary letters . The first numeral (0-6) indicates protection…

Optional Letters for Enhanced Access and Test Condition Specificity

Optional additional letters (A-D) specify enhanced human access protection, while supplementary letters (H, M, S, W) define critical testing conditions and intended application. The IP Code allows for the inclusion of two sets of optional letters that modify or add context to the core protection rating. Additional Letters (A, B, C, D): Protection against access…

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…

TESTING

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