Ingress Protection: Testing for Water Jets and Powerful Water Jets (IPX5 & IPX6)

Ingress protection testing evaluates how well an enclosure can guard against intrusions. Two significant types of ingress protection tests involve exposing the equipment under test (EUT) to water jets and powerful water jets.

These tests are designated as IPX5 and IPX6. The “X” in the first digit ranges from 0 to 6, indicating the level of protection against solid particles. For water jets, the second digit is always a 5, while for powerful water jets, it is always a 6. Thus, IP55 and IP56 differ because one uses standard water jets and the other uses more powerful water jets.

Below is an overview of IPX5 and IPX6 testing as specified in IEC 60529:

IPX5 Water Jet Testing

• Definition: Water projected by a nozzle with a diameter of 6.3mm.
• Requirement: The EUT must show no harmful effects from water sprayed against its enclosure from any direction.
• Test Details: The test lasts at least three minutes, with a water volume of 12.5 liters per minute and pressure of 30 kN/m² at a distance of three meters.

IPX6 Powerful Water Jet Testing

• Definition: Water projected by a nozzle with a diameter of 12.5mm.
• Requirement: The EUT must show no harmful effects from water sprayed against its enclosure from any direction.
• Test Details: The test lasts at least three minutes, with a water volume of 100 liters per minute and pressure of 100 kN/m² at a distance of three meters.

For a comprehensive list of all possible IPX5 and IPX6 ingress protection code combinations from IEC 60529, please refer to the chart at the end of this page.

Detailed Procedures for IPX5 and IPX6 Testing

IPX5 Water Jet Testing Procedure

• Test Setup: Utilize a nozzle with an internal diameter of 6.3 mm to project water. The distance between the nozzle and the enclosure surface should be between 2.5 to 3 meters.
• Water Application: Maintain a constant flow rate of 12.5 liters per minute during the test.
• Test Duration: Test for at least one minute per square meter of the enclosure’s surface area, with a minimum duration of three minutes.
• Evaluation: After testing, dry the unit externally and inspect the interior for any signs of water penetration. Any detected ingress will be reported to determine if the unit passes or fails.

IPX6 Powerful Water Jet Testing Procedure

• Test Setup: Place the enclosure on a testing table in the spray room. Adjust water pressure to achieve approximately 100 liters per minute flow rate, maintaining this pressure throughout the test. Use a nozzle with an internal diameter of 120 millimeters.
• Water Application: Position the nozzle between 2.5 and 3 meters from the enclosure and direct high-pressure water jets at various angles.
• Test Duration: Conduct the test for one minute per square meter of likely sprayed surface area, with a minimum duration of three minutes.
• Evaluation: After testing, dry the unit externally and inspect its interior for any signs of water penetration. Report any ingress to determine pass/fail criteria.

Products Requiring IPX5 and IPX6 Testing

Industries needing IPX5 and IPX6 testing often involve products or equipment exposed to water jets or powerful sprays during regular use:

1. Automotive Industry: Vehicle components like headlights, taillights, and exterior sensors require these tests to ensure resistance during car washes or heavy rain.
2. Aerospace Industry: Aircraft components such as external sensors or communication equipment undergo these tests to assess resistance during flight or maintenance.
3. Industrial Machinery: Outdoor or wet environment machinery needs these tests to handle cleaning processes involving water jets.
4. Electronics and Consumer Devices: Rugged smartphones, waterproof speakers, and outdoor cameras need these tests to demonstrate their water resistance capabilities.
5. Medical Equipment: Devices used in environments like hospitals may undergo these tests to ensure safe cleaning and maintenance.

Professional IPX5 waterproof and IPX6 waterproof testing equipment

IEC60529 IPX5 IPX6 Strong water jet intrusion protection test equipment:

IEC 60529 IPX5 IPX6 Water Spray Jet Test Equipment:

Summary Chart for IP Ratings