IPX6 Ingress Protection Testing

IPX6 Ingress Protection (IP) Code Testing is also known as the powerful water jets IP Code test. This testing is the most intense of the water-related IP code tests that involve dripping, spraying, or splashing water. Like the other ingress protection tests, IPX6 testing determines an enclosure’s ability to protect its contents. resistance to water ingress, specifically against high-pressure water jets.

The IPX6 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 IPX6 Ingress Protection Rating Testing Completed?

The first step in IPX6 testing is to prepare the nozzle system. This system must be capable of generating high-pressure water jets. The nozzle system is calibrated to produce a water jet of approximately 100 liters per minute. To be in tolerance, the water flow must be +/- 5%.

The water pressure is 100 kPa at a distance of 3 meters. The core of the substantial stream should be a circle of approximately 120 millimeters at 2.5 meters away from the nozzle. The minimum test duration is three minutes. The distance from the nozzle to the enclosure should be between 2.5 and three meters.

To complete the testing, the enclosure is placed on the testing table in the spray room. High-pressure water jets are then directed at it from different angles. The test lasts for a specified duration of one minute per square meter for a minimum of three minutes.

Upon completion of the test, the electronic device is inspected for any signs of water penetration. These can include discoloration, deformation, or other physical changes that may occur due to water exposure.

The acceptance criteria are essentially water projected in powerful jets against the enclosure from any direction that shall have harmful effects.

What is the Objective of IPX6 IP Code Rating Testing?

The IPX6 test ensures that the enclosure’s internal contents are protected from water damage. This prevents potential electrical failures and malfunctions that may occur due to water exposure. The test lasts for a specified duration, usually three minutes, during which the device is continuously exposed to high-pressure water jets.

Equipment and enclosures tested to IPX6 are considered waterproof. However, so are devices exposed to immersion testing, which would be IPX7 and IPX8. While IPX6 is the most aggressive of the non-immersion ingress protection tests, there is still a distinction between it and the level of protection provided by immersion testing.

How Does IPX6 Ingress Protection Testing Help Manufacturers?

Manufacturers rely on IPX6 certification for products intended to be directly exposed to water at high volume and high pressure. By designing products to meet this requirement, manufacturers will improve quality, reduce returns and improve competitiveness.

How Does IPX6 IP Code Testing Help Consumers?

A product that is IPX6 certified gives customers confidence that the product will continue to operate despite direct exposure to water. Any water exposure less than immersion will not impact the performance of the device.

Higher ingress protection ratings can help consumers determine which device to purchase. Many manufacturers use IP ratings as a competitive advantage. Because of this, more consumers are aware of IP certification than at any other time.

What Can Cause a Failure to IPX6 Water Resistance?

With IPX6 being the most intense of the drip, spray, and splash tests, designing a product to meet this standard is more difficult. The construction of the unit or enclosure must be nearly perfect. All seals must be tight and fully extend the length of the seam.

All ports and cable openings must be properly gasketed with the correct material. Ventilation openings must be properly designed and constructed. All of the internal electronics must be located in areas that cannot be impacted by water regardless of the water direction and pressure.

What Equipment Should Be Tested to IP Rating IPX6?

Electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and outdoor equipment, are frequently exposed to degrees of high-pressure water. Some of these devices can be tested to lesser ingress protection standards such as IPX1 through IPX5.

IPX6 testing simulates conditions such as heavy rain or water jets from a high-pressure hose. For this reason, some devices must meet IPX7, or else their operations will be adversely impacted. These include marine devices and automotive electronic devices.

For automobile devices, not only must they be able to withstand heavy rain, they must be able to withstand a car wash. Marine devices must be designed to withstand not just the water but also the impact and corrosion of saltwater exposure.

How to Obtain IPX6 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: