Ingress protection (IP) testing is essential for determining the level of protection an enclosure offers against external elements. Among the various tests, the dripping water tests, designated as IPX1 and IPX2, are crucial for assessing a product’s resistance to water ingress. The “X” in the IP code represents protection against solid particles, ranging from 0 to 6, while the second digit indicates protection against water, specifically dripping water in this context.
Overview of IPX1 and IPX2 Tests
IPX1 Testing:
- Definition: This test involves exposing the equipment under test (EUT) to vertically falling water droplets.
- Requirements: The EUT must show no detrimental effects from the dripping water.
- Test Details: The test lasts for 10 minutes, with a water application rate equivalent to 1mm of rainfall per minute.
IPX2 Testing:
- Definition: This test subjects the EUT to dripping water while it is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.
- Requirements: The EUT must remain unaffected when tilted at any angle up to 15° and exposed to dripping water.
- Test Details: Similar to IPX1, this test also lasts for 10 minutes but is divided into four segments of 2.5 minutes each, with the EUT tested in four different positions.
Conducting IPX1 and IPX2 Certification Tests
Test Setup:
To perform these tests, a specially-designed drip tray is used. Typically, only one unit undergoes testing unless additional units are requested by the manufacturer for design validation.
Water Application:
- For IPX1, the unit is placed on a turntable that rotates at one revolution per minute. It is positioned 100mm away from the rotational axis to ensure even exposure across its upper surface.
- For IPX2, no turntable is used. Instead, the unit is tested in four fixed positions while inclined at a 15-degree angle.
Test Duration:
Both tests run for a total of 10 minutes. However, IPX2 testing is split into four intervals of 2.5 minutes each.
Evaluation:
After completing the tests, the exterior of the unit is dried off and inspected internally for any signs of water ingress. Any detected ingress is reported back to the manufacturer to determine if the unit meets pass/fail criteria.
Products Requiring Ingress Protection Water Testing
Compliance with international standards through IPX1 and IPX2 testing ensures that products are durable, safe, and reliable, thereby boosting consumer confidence and meeting regulatory requirements across various industries.
Consumer Electronics: Devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches often undergo these tests to ensure they can handle light water exposure.
Home Appliances: Items such as coffee makers, blenders, and juicers are tested for resistance against spills and splashes.
Automotive: Components like lighting systems and infotainment displays are subjected to these tests to ensure minor water exposure does not affect functionality.
Lighting Fixtures: Both indoor and outdoor lighting systems are tested for their ability to resist drips and splashes.
Medical Devices: Portable monitors and diagnostic tools may require these tests to verify durability under specific moisture conditions.
Industrial Equipment: Machinery used in industrial settings undergoes these tests to confirm they can operate under light water exposure.
Recreational Devices: Waterproof or resistant gadgets like cameras and speakers are often tested to demonstrate their resilience against water ingress.
Summary of IP Ratings
Below is a summary chart detailing various combinations of solid object protection (first digit) and dripping water protection (second digit):
| IP Rating | Solid Object Protection | Water Protection |
|---|---|---|
| IP01 | Not Protected | Dripping water |
| IP11 | Solid object >50 mm | Dripping water |
| IP21 | Solid object >12.5 mm | Dripping water |
| IP31 | Solid object >2.5 mm | Dripping water |
| IP41 | Solid object >1 mm | Dripping water |
| IP51 | Dust protected | Dripping water |
| IP61 | Dust tight | Dripping water |
| IP02 | Not Protected | Dripping water when tilted up to 15° |
| IP12 | Solid object >50 mm | Dripping water when tilted up to 15° |
| IP22 | Solid object >12.5 mm | Dripping water when tilted up to 15° |
| IP32 | Solid object >2.5 mm | Dripping water when tilted up to 15° |
| IP42 | Solid object >1 mm | Dripping water when tilted up to 15° |
| IP52 | Dust protected | Dripping water when tilted up to 15° |
| IP62 | Dust tight | Dripping water when tilted up to 15° |
Professional IPX1 and IPX2 dripping water test equipment
BONAD Company’s IPX1 and IPX2 waterproof testing equipment are designed for testing the waterproof performance of electronic products and other devices under different levels of water ingress.
IPX1 and IPX2 waterproof testing equipment have the following features:
- Precise control: These equipment adopt advanced control systems to precisely control the spraying speed, angle, and time to meet different standards and requirements.
- Reliability: These equipment are made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, ensuring stable and reliable performance for long-term use without malfunctions or damages.
- Easy operation: These equipment have user-friendly interfaces and operating methods, allowing operators to easily set parameters, start tests, and obtain results.
- Safety: These equipment are designed with safety in mind, complying with international safety standards and equipped with necessary safety protection devices to ensure the safety of operators and tested devices.
IPX1/2 Waterproof Laboratory Test Equipment:
IPX1 IPX2 Waterproof Test Equipment for Dripping Rain Testing:
IEC 60529 IPX1 IP2X Dripping Water Test Apparatus:
