IP69K Ingress Protection Testing
The ingress protection standard test methods specify levels of dust resistance and water resistance. Testing involves determining the level of protection against solids and liquids. The level of protection is called the IP Code or ingress protection level. IP standards for International Protection marking.
Electrical enclosure testing is extremely important. Ingress protection testing identifies various levels of enclosures. For more information, please see our electrical enclosure ratings. At the end of the day, water or solid particle ingress testing equipment is essential to user and consumer safety.
Summary of IP69K Ingress Protection Testing
Ingress Protection (IP) ratings are a standard used worldwide to define the levels of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from foreign bodies such as dirt and water. The IP69K rating is the highest protection available, offering resistance against high-pressure, high-temperature washdown procedures. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to conduct IP69K testing, common failures, and how to obtain IP69K certification for your device or enclosure.
What is IP69K Testing?
IP69K testing is a procedure that tests the ability of a device or enclosure to withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. The ‘6’ in IP69K signifies that the device is dust-tight, offering complete protection against contact. The ‘9K’ indicates the device can resist high-pressure, steam cleaning procedures.
How to Conduct IP69K Testing
Conducting an IP69K test requires a specific setup and procedure:
Test Setup
The device is placed on a turntable, 200mm above the ground. The specific dimensions of the test setup, including the nozzle and the distance of the nozzle from the device, are defined by the standard.
Test Procedure
For the liquid portion of the IP69K test, the test duration is 30 seconds per surface at a distance of 10-15cm. The water pressure is between 80-100 bar at a temperature of 80°C. The nozzle is held stationary at four angles: 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°, while the turntable rotates 5 times per minute.
On the other hand, the solid portion of the IP69K portion of the test is conducted by the equipment to be tested is placed inside the dust chamber. Next, the chamber is sealed to prevent any dust from escaping. Talcum powder is loaded into the powder circulation device, which is then activated to create a cloud of dust inside the chamber. Lastly, the equipment is subjected to the dust for a specified period of time, typically at least 8 hours.
Evaluation
After the test, the device is evaluated for any signs of water or dust ingress, which would indicate a failure of the test.
How Does IP69K Testing Help Manufacturers
Product Reliability
Devices that pass the IP69K test are highly reliable in harsh environments. They can withstand high-pressure, high-temperature washdown procedures, which are common in industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and more. This reliability can reduce the risk of device failure, saving manufacturers the costs associated with warranty claims and product recalls.
Competitive Advantage
IP69K certification can give a product a competitive edge in the market. It serves as a mark of quality, showing customers that the product meets the highest standards for dust and water ingress protection. This can help to attract customers and increase sales.
Compliance with Regulations
In some industries, regulations may require devices to meet certain IP ratings. By conducting IP69K testing, manufacturers can ensure their products comply with these regulations, avoiding potential fines or legal issues.
Product Development
The testing process can also provide valuable feedback for product development. If a device fails the test, this can highlight areas where the design could be improved. This can lead to the development of more robust and reliable products in the future.
Customer Confidence
Lastly, IP69K testing can boost customer confidence in a product. Customers can purchase the product knowing it has been thoroughly tested and certified to withstand harsh conditions. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
To obtain IP69K certification, a device must successfully pass the IP69K test conducted by a certified testing laboratory.
How to Obtain IP69K Ingress Protection Certification for Your Device or Enclosure?
Overall, IP69K testing is an important part of product development and design, particularly for products that are intended for use in extremely dusty environments. By ensuring that a product meets the IP69K rating requirements, manufacturers can provide their customers with a product that is safe, reliable, and suitable for use in a wide range of environments and applications.
Keystone Compliance is an accredited ingress protection test lab with a comprehensive scope that includes every single ingress protection test. We have significant experience in ingress protection testing and can test products in various sizes.
Expert IP Code Testing Facility
Our team provides quick turnaround times on quotes, short lead times on scheduling, and constant communication before, during, and after the test program is complete. Please contact us at ipcode@keystonecompliance.com or (724) 657-9940 to request a quote or learn more about our ingress protection expertise.
For more information on ingress protection regulatory compliance testing, please follow the links below.