EN 60529 testing, closely aligned with IEC 60529 standards, assesses how well an enclosure can shield its contents from external contaminants, which may be either solid particles or liquids. This type of evaluation is often referred to as ingress protection (IP) testing. The IP Code is composed of the letters “IP” followed by two digits or a digit and a letter, with an optional additional letter. The first digit signifies protection against solid objects, while the second indicates liquid protection.
Each IP test under EN 60529 and IEC 60529 defines specific parameters. For instance, the size of solid particles varies with different ratings. In water testing, factors like duration, flow rate, temperature, depth, and angle are specified. Water exposure can range from drips to full immersion.
The criteria for passing EN 60529 and IEC 60529 tests are somewhat flexible, often leaving the final judgment to manufacturers. Some enclosures achieve zero ingress, while others may allow minimal ingress without compromising functionality. The definition of successful protection largely depends on the product’s intended use.
Below are various levels of protection against solid objects represented by the first digit in the IP Code:
- Level 0: No protection
- Level 1: >50 mm (e.g., back of a hand)
- Level 2: >12.5 mm (e.g., fingers)
- Level 3: >2.5 mm (e.g., tools)
- Level 4: >1 mm (e.g., wires)
- Level 5: Dust protected
- Level 6: Dust tight
The second digit in the IP Code indicates water ingress protection:
- Level 0: Not protected
- Level 1: Dripping water
- Level 2: Dripping water when tilted up to 15°
- Level 3: Spraying water
- Level 4: Splashing water
- Level 5: Water jets
- Level 6: Powerful water jets
- Level 7: Immersion up to 1 m
- Level 8: Immersion beyond 1 m
Additional letters in the IP Code provide further details about protection against access to hazardous parts or other specific conditions:
- A – Back of hand
- B – Finger
- C – Tool
- D – Wire
- H – High voltage device
- M – Device moving during water test
- S – Device standing still during water test
- W – Weather conditions
Although mechanical impact resistance was once part of these standards, it has been removed from the third edition of IEC 60529 onwards.
