Ingress protection (IP) testing is essential for determining the level of protection that an enclosure offers against external elements. Among these tests, IPX3 and IPX4 are specifically designed to evaluate a product’s resistance to water sprays and splashes. These tests are crucial for ensuring that electronic devices and other equipment can withstand exposure to water without losing functionality or compromising safety.
What Do IPX3 and IPX4 Mean?
The IP rating system uses two digits to define the level of protection. The first digit (ranging from 0 to 6) indicates protection against solid particles, while the second digit specifies protection against liquids. For IPX3, the second digit is 3, indicating resistance to spraying water. For IPX4, the second digit is 4, signifying resistance to splashing water.
Detailed Overview of IPX3 and IPX4 Testing According to IEC 60529
IPX3 Spraying Water Testing:
- Description: This test involves water sprayed at any angle up to 60 degrees.
- Requirement: The equipment under test (EUT) must not suffer any harmful effects from the sprayed water.
- Procedure: Water flow is controlled via a flow meter, and an oscillating tube or handheld spray nozzle can be used depending on the device size. The tube oscillates 120 degrees (60 degrees each side of vertical) in about 4 seconds for one complete motion cycle. The test duration is one minute per square meter, with a minimum of five minutes.
IPX4 Splashing Water Testing:
- Description: This test involves water splashing against the enclosure from any direction.
- Requirement: The EUT must not experience any harmful effects from the splashed water.
- Procedure: Similar to IPX3 testing but without a counterbalance shield. The tube oscillates almost 360 degrees with a spray distance of 200 mm at a rate of 0.07 liters/min per hole for ten minutes. A handheld nozzle can also be used to spray the enclosure from all angles at a rate of 10 liters/min.
Laboratory Procedures for IPX3 and IPX4 Testing
IPX3 Testing Setup:
- Use an oscillating tube or handheld spray nozzle based on device size.
- Adjust water pressure using a flow meter.
- Place the enclosure at the center of the oscillating tube setup.
- Conduct the test for one minute per square meter with a minimum duration of five minutes.
IPX4 Testing Setup:
- Similar equipment as in IPX3 but without a counterbalance shield.
- Oscillate the tube almost 360 degrees or use a handheld nozzle.
- Ensure regulated water flow and maintain a spray distance of 200 mm.
After each test, units are wiped down, opened, and inspected for any signs of water ingress. If necessary, additional units can be tested upon manufacturer request for design confidence.
Importance of IPX3 and IPX4 Certification
These tests are vital across various industries:
- Electronics Industry: Ensures smartphones, tablets, laptops, outdoor security cameras, GPS systems, action cameras, and Bluetooth speakers can withstand rain or splashes.
- Outdoor Equipment: Assesses ruggedized watches, fitness trackers, portable PA systems, marine electronics, and camping gear for outdoor activities.
- Medical Devices: Validates that medical instruments designed for outdoor use remain functional when exposed to water.
- Automotive Industry: Confirms exterior lighting systems, side mirrors, and dashboard displays are durable under wet conditions.
- Industrial Equipment: Ensures outdoor sensors and ruggedized terminals can endure exposure during various tasks.
Why is Bonad’s IPX3 and IPX4 waterproof test equipment your best choice?
- Highly accurate test results: These devices use advanced technology and precision sensors to accurately measure and record the waterproof performance of products at IPX3 and IPX4 levels. This can help manufacturers ensure that their products meet relevant standards and requirements.
- User-friendliness: Bonad’s IPX3 and IPX4 waterproof test equipment is designed to be simple and easy to use and easy to operate. Users can easily set test parameters through an intuitive interface and operation buttons, and monitor data during the test in real time.
- High quality and reliability: Bonad is well-known in the industry for its high quality and reliability. Their waterproof test equipment is made of durable materials and undergoes strict quality control to ensure long-term stable operation and provide accurate and reliable test results.
- Customer support: Bonad provides comprehensive customer support, including technical support such as equipment installation, training and after-sales service. Their professional team will ensure that customers have a satisfactory experience during use and solve any problems that may arise.
- Customized options: Bonad offers customized options to design and manufacture equipment according to the specific needs and requirements of customers. This means that customers can customize the equipment according to their product characteristics and test requirements to ensure the best test results.
IPX3 IPX4 Oscillating Tube Rain Spray Test Equipment
Oscillating Tube Test Chamber for IPX3 IPX4 Water Spray Test
Summary Table of IP Ratings
| IP Rating | Solid Object Protection | Water Protection |
|---|---|---|
| IP03 | Not Protected | Spraying water |
| IP13 | Solid object >50 mm | Spraying water |
| IP23 | Solid object >12.5 mm | Spraying water |
| IP33 | Solid object >2.5 mm | Spraying water |
| IP43 | Solid object >1 mm | Spraying water |
| IP53 | Dust protected | Spraying water |
| IP63 | Dust tight | Spraying water |
| IP04 | Not Protected | Splashing water |
| IP14 | Solid object >50 mm | Splashing water |
| IP24 | Solid object >12.5 mm | Splashing water |
| IP34 | Solid object >2.5 mm | Splashing water |
| IP44 | Solid object >1 mm | Splashing water |
| IP54 | Dust protected | Splashing water |
| IP64 | Dust tight | Splashing water |
