IPX5 Ingress Protection Testing

IPX5 Ingress Protection (IP) Code Testing is called the water jet test. Like other ingress protection standards, the objective is to determine the ability of an enclosure to repel water and moisture. In this case, the water is sprayed from every direction and with a decent volume.

The origin of the IPX5 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.

How is Ingress Protection Rating IPX5 Testing Completed?

IPX5 testing requires the water to be projected by a nozzle, that is 6.3 mm, against an enclosure. The spray must be from any direction. The test duration is one minute per square meter of the enclosure’s surface area for at least three minutes. The water volume is 12.5 liters per minute. The water pressure is 30 kPa.

Once testing is completed, the unit is externally dried and then the enclosure is opened. The test lab will then inspect the inside of the enclosure to search for any signs of water penetration.

The acceptance criteria are essentially water projected in jets against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.

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.

What is the Objective of IPX5 Water Resistance Testing?

The objective of IPX5 testing is to ensure that devices that are placed in high-pressure water environments and prevent water and humidity from entering the enclosure. Unlike lesser IP code ratings (IPX1 through IPX4), IPX5 devices are expected to encounter direct exposure to water at a higher volume and higher water pressure.

How Does IPX5 IP Code Rating Testing Help Manufacturers?

By completing ingress protection to IPX5, manufacturers can identify potential issues in the lab as opposed to in the field. This limits warranty claims, returns, and reputation issues. IPX5 testing can identify flaws in the enclosure or equipment design that will save the manufacturer significant time and money.

How Does IPX5 IP Rating Testing Help Consumers?

IPX5 testing evaluates the ability of enclosures and shipping containers to protect their contents from the penetration of water and humidity. Consumers purchasing products with IPX5 certification have confidence that the product will reliably withstand these environments.

Products that are IPX5 water-resistant are considered waterproof. They are designed to continue proper operations despite direct contact from streams of water. However, these products are not designed to be submerged in water.

What Can Cause a Failure to IPX5 Ingress Protection?

Enclosures that fail IPX5 testing are often designed with a weak point in the enclosure. The enclosure must protect the device from a decent water flow and water pressure from all angles. Some enclosures have a weakness at a certain point and certain water spray angle.

The weaknesses are largely concentrated in the areas around openings such as doors, openings, ventilation, seams, and ports. It is common for some products to withstand a short exposure to water but as the duration increases as it does in IPX5, the failures come to light.

What Equipment Should Be Tested to IP Code IPX5?

Equipment typically tested to IPX5 IP Code testing includes electronic devices, smartphones, tablets, and outdoor equipment. In general, any equipment exposed to high-pressure water environments, such as rain or spray from a high-pressure hose should be tested to IPX5.

Equipment that is recommended to be IPX5 certified includes a mixture of both indoor and outdoor equipment. The setting and use determine the proper test plan. The equipment includes obvious outdoor placed devices such as outdoor speakers and electronics, industrial equipment, and wearables.

Some medical equipment is recommended to be tested for IPX5 including medical beds, IV pumps, and monitoring devices. These devices do not have frequent exposure but enough to justify the testing and engineering design to ensure proper functionality despite occasional exposure.

It is worth noting that IPX5 is the lowest ingress protection rating to be considered waterproof.

How to Obtain IPX5 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: