IPX7 Ingress Protection Testing

IPX7 water resistance testing is completed by completely immersing an enclosure in water. Devices and enclosures tested to IPX7 are considered waterproof.

The origin of the IPX7 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 IPX7 Ingress Protection Testing Completed?

The IX7 immersion ingress protection test is completed in a controlled environment. The unit or enclosure to be tested is placed in an immersion tank of water. The water temperature should not differ from the temperature of the enclosure by more than 5 K.

The lowest point of the enclosure with a height of fewer than 850 millimeters should be located 1,000 millimeters below the surface of the water. The highest point of the enclosure with a height equal to or greater than 850 millimeters should be 150 millimeters below the surface of the water.

The test duration for IPX7 testing is 30 minutes.

The acceptance criteria state that the ingress of liquid in quantities causing damaging effects shall not be possible when the enclosure is continuously immersed in water under standardized conditions.

If water does enter the equipment, the liquid should not impact the designed operation of the equipment or safety. It should not deposit on insulation parts where it could lead to tracking along the creepage distances.

The water should not reach live parts or other parts are not designed to operate wet. The liquid should also not collect near the cable end or enter the cable. For enclosures with drain holes, all water that enters should not accumulate. The water should drain without impacting the equipment.

What is the Objective of IPX7 IP Rating Testing?

IPX7 Ingress Protection (IP) Code Testing is a critical process for evaluating the water resistance of electronic devices and enclosures. The main objective of IPX7 testing is to verify that an electronic device’s enclosure can resist water ingress when submerged in water.

How Does IPX7 IP Code Testing Help Manufacturers?

Manufacturers rely on IPX7 testing to identify design flaws or weak points in their devices’ enclosures. By completing testing, these potential problems are addressed before the device is sold to customers.

IPX7-certified products are considered waterproof because of their ability to continue to properly operate despite submersion in water. Because of this, there is a distinct difference between IPX6 products and IPX7 products.

Manufacturers who achieve the IPX7 ingress protection rating will often use this certification in marketing material and consider it a competitive advantage.

How Does IPX7 Water Resistance Testing Help Consumers?

Consumers want the products they buy to last. Before smartphones and wearables, the consumer knowledge of ingress protection ratings was limited. Now, many consumers are aware of the protection provided.

Manufacturers who promote their ingress protection ratings help customers make informed purchasing decisions.

What Can Cause a Failure to IP Code Rating IPX7?

Compliance with IPX7 requires a perfect combination of proper design, correct materials, and excellent assembly. Anything short of that will result in openings in the unit or enclosure and pending failure.

Another cause of failure common with IPX7 testing is damage. If the product or enclosure has cracks, dents, or other damage, these blemishes will cause failures once the device is submerged. This damage might be very difficult to see with the eye, but water will find its way through.

What Equipment Should Be Tested to IPX7?

The direct answer to what products should be tested to IPX7 testing is any product that could encounter significant exposure to water including immersion. Consumer products that are predominantly designed to be IPX7 compliant include smartphones, wearables, and headphones.

Many industrial, transportation, automotive, military, and aerospace products must be ruggedized and compliant to IPX7. Some medical products must remain compliant when submerged in water.

It is essential to ensure that these devices can withstand water immersion to avoid potential damage to internal components. This can lead to electrical failures or malfunctions.

How to Obtain IPX7 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: