IPX1 Ingress Protection Testing
IPX1 testing is a basic level of ingress protection testing. It is a dripping water test. The test ensures that a device’s enclosure protects the device’s internal components from water damage from vertical water droplets. This testing is an essential test performed on enclosures, containers, and electronic devices.
The origin of the IPX1 ingress protection rating is the IEC 60529 standard. The two digits after IP signify the level of protection. The first number indicates the level of protection against solid particles. The second number indicates the level of protection against liquids.
At a high level, the IPX1 testing process involves exposing an electronic device to water dripping at a specific angle and rate. This is considered light water exposure. The test simulates the effects of water dripping or splashing on the device from a height, such as in a laboratory or indoor setting.
How is IPX1 IP Code Testing Completed?
IPX1 testing is completed by placing the unit under test on a turntable under a drip box. The drip box must be able to provide a water flow of one millimeter per minute. The test duration is 10 minutes. During the test, the electronic device is positioned on a turntable and rotated at one RPM.
Upon completion of the IPX1 testing, the electronic device’s enclosure is inspected. The ingress protection test lab will look for any signs of water penetration, such as discoloration, deformation, or other physical changes that may occur due to water ingress.
The acceptance criteria are essentially vertically falling drops of liquid have no harmful effects on the device or enclosure.
If water does enter the enclosure, the water should not interfere with the designed operation of the equipment or impact safety. It should not deposit on insulation parts where it could lead to tacking along the creepage distances.
The water should not reach live parts or windings that are not designed to operate when wet. The liquid should also not accumulate near the cable end or enter the cable. For enclosures with drain holes, all water that entered should not accumulate. The water should drain without harming the equipment.
What is the Objective of IPX1 Ingress Protection Testing?
The objective of IPX1 testing is to determine if a device’s enclosure can withstand the ingress of water dripping vertically onto its surface. IPX1 is the lowest level of protection against liquid penetration. It is primarily designed for devices that are unlikely to be exposed to water or other liquids in their intended use.
There is a limitation of IPX1 certification. Even though a device might be IPX1 certified, it is recommended to use such devices in areas where they could be exposed to liquids. IPX1 is the lowest level of protection in the IP rating system. Items with an IPX1 rating should never be considered waterproof.
How Does IPX1 Water Resistance Testing Help Manufacturers?
Having an IPX1 level of protection enables the manufacturer to comfortably sell the product knowing that minimal liquid exposure will not cause issues with the device. This indicates certain quality and safety standards. Many manufacturers will use this as a competitive advantage and speak to compliance in their marketing.
How Does IPX1 IP Rating Testing Help Consumers?
From a consumer standpoint, IPX1 testing provides confidence that electronic devices are water-resistant to some extent. These devices can safely be used in various indoor environments without the risk of damage from incidental water exposure.
What Can Cause a Failure to IP Code Rating IPX1?
One of the most common causes of failure to IPX1 IP code testing is the selection of improper materials. Materials that are not water-resistant or not designed to withstand water pressure will cause devices to fail.
Proper testing is also key in IPX1 testing. The unit must be positioned correctly and the drip tray must be calibrated and properly aligned. If that does not occur, the water may not be applied to the unit or enclosure evenly which can produce inaccurate results.
What Equipment Should Be Tested to Ingress Protection Rating IPX1?
Being the most basic of the IP levels of protection against water, most devices with IPX1 are devices that may be occasionally exposed to water.
Since devices tested to IPX1 ingress protection are not deemed waterproof, most devices tested to this standard are designed to not be exposed to water.
How to Obtain IPX1 Ingress Protection Certification for Your Device or Enclosure?
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.
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.
Learn more about other water-related ingress-protection testing standards:
www.keystonecompliance.com/ipx2-ingress-protection-testing
www.keystonecompliance.com/ipx3-ingress-protection-testing
www.keystonecompliance.com/ipx4-ingress-protection-testing
www.keystonecompliance.com/ipx5-ingress-protection-testing
www.keystonecompliance.com/ipx6-ingress-protection-testing
www.keystonecompliance.com/ipx7-ingress-protection-testing