Ingress Protection Testing

Dust and Water Protection

Learn everything you need to know about Ingress Protection (IP) class testing and optimized product reliability. Shorten your time to market with our expert advice and first-class testing services.
Ingress Protection Digits

IP Code Classification

What is Ingress Protection Testing?

Ingress Protection (IP) testing is a standardized process used to evaluate the degree of protection provided by an enclosure or housing against the ingress of foreign objects (such as dust and debris) and moisture. The IP code (Ingress Protection Code) is an internationally recognized standard (defined by the IEC 60529 and ISO 20653 standards) that classifies and evaluates the degree of protection of electrical devices and enclosures.

The IP code consists of two digits, each indicating a specific level of protection:

  1. The first digit represents the protection against solid objects, such as dust and particles, on a scale from 0 to 6.

  2. The second digit represents the protection against liquids, such as water, on a scale from 0 to 9.

With our extensive experience and profound expertise in environmental simulation testing, we are fully equipped to handle your project with utmost professionalism.

IEC 60529 Standard

Video: Ingress Protection Class Testing

Explore the IP test within the environmental laboratory of our subsidiary, IBL-Lab GmbH, featured in the "Insight Lab" series. In today's video, we delve into an IP test following IEC 60529 standards, assessing the water and dust resistance of enclosures—an integral component in the certification process for electrical products. Tune in to the video for a closer look and additional insights!

IP Rating

IP Codes: Level of Protection

Dust-tight: Protection against the ingress of dust Complete protection against contact Protection against dust deposits inside Protection against contact No protection Large surface contact with the hand Solid particles from 50 mm Ø Touch with the fingers Solid particles from 12.5 mm Ø Contact with tools from 2.5 mm Ø Solid particles from 2.5 mm Ø Contact with tools from 1 mm Ø Solid particles from 1 mm Ø No protection Vertically falling water drops Protected against direct sprays of water up to 15 ° from the vertical Protected against direct sprays of water up to 60 ° from the vertical Splash water from all directions Water jet from all directions Water ingress during temporary flooding Water ingress in the event of temporary submersion Water ingress during permanent immersion Water for high-pressure or steam jet cleaning IPx0 IPx1 IPx2 IPx3 IPx4 IPx5 IPx6 IPx7 IPx8 IPx9 IP0x IP1x IP2x IP3x IP4x IP5x IP6x First Digit: Mechanical Protection Second Digit: Water Ingress Protection IP 6 8 Example for IP68: Complete protection against contact and dustproof / Waterproof in case of permanent immersion IP Ratings Chart

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Our Services

Bringing your product to market successfully requires careful planning, complex regulatory approval processes and compliance with strict product requirements. In addition to driving innovation and ensuring customer satisfaction, timing is also critical to a timely market entry. We can support you through all the necessary stages, from planning and testing to getting your products ready for the global market.

Consulting

Benefit from our many years of experience already in the development phase of your products.

Testing

As an accredited testing laboratory, we offer testing services according to the highest quality standards and norms.

Certification

We take care of the complete certification process and bring your product successfully to the market.

EMI Receiver Rohde & Schwarz

Accredited Test Lab

Innovative Radio Systems require Innovative Solutions

In our DAkkS-accredited laboratories, we offer comprehensive regulatory testing solutions in accordance with European directives as well as global standards to ensure the reliable operation of your products. Using Rohde & Schwarz test equipment, we test with state-of-the-art equipment and guarantee you reliable service.

We ensure the interoperability of your wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, industrial automation systems, vehicle radar, UWB, Qi technologies and more.

Radio Frequencies

To ensure all necessary radio frequency requirements

Electromagnetic Compatibility

For reliable and trouble-free operation of your device

Electrical Safety

To assure safe operation of your electrical product

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The experts at IB-Lenhardt AG and IBL-Lab GmbH are always there for you. Just contact us!
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66386 St. Ingbert, Germany
+49 6894 38938-99
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Frequently Asked Questions

All you need to know IP Testing

Why is Ingress Protection (IP) testing important for my product?

IP testing ensures the durability of your product by evaluating its resistance to water and dust ingress. This helps ensure performance reliability and extends the life of your device in various environmental conditions.

What are the IP protection classes?

The IP code, also known as IP protection class, consists of two digits that indicate the degree of protection of a device against harmful influences. The first digit stands for protection against foreign bodies and contact (0-6), while the second digit describes protection against moisture and water (0-9). The combinations are specified in the DIN EN 60529 and ISO 20653 standards.

What IP rating should I target for my product?

The ideal IP rating depends on the application of your product. For example, consumer electronics may require a lower rating, while outdoor equipment may require a higher level of protection against harsh weather conditions. We tailor our testing to your specific needs.

How does IP testing contribute to regulatory compliance?

IP testing is often a requirement for regulatory approval. Compliance with industry standards such as IEC 60529 not only ensures the safety and reliability of your product, but also facilitates its entry into global markets by meeting international requirements.

Can you briefly explain the IP test process?

IP testing involves subjecting the product to various simulated environmental conditions, including water jets or immersion, as well as dust exposure. The product is evaluated based on its ability to withstand these challenges, resulting in an IP rating that indicates its level of protection.

How long does the IP testing process typically take?

The duration varies depending on the complexity of the product and the specific tests required. In general, the testing process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Our team works efficiently to provide timely and accurate results to help you meet your project timelines.

Standards for Environmental Simulation Tests

ETSI
ETSI EN 300 019-1-4 V1.1.2Equipment Engineering (EE); Environmental conditions and environmental tests for telecommunications equipment; Part 1-4: Classification of...
ETSI EN 300 019-2-3 V2.1.2Equipment Engineering (EE); Environmental conditions and environmental tests for telecommunications equipment; Part 2-3: Specification of...
ETSI EN 300 019-2-4 V2.1.2Equipment Engineering (EE); Environmental conditions and environmental tests for telecommunications equipment; Part 2-4: Specification of...
IEC
IEC-60068-1Part 1: General and guidance
IEC-60068-2-1Environmental testing – Part 2-1: Tests - Test A: Cold
IEC-60068-2-14Environmental testing – Part 2-14: Tests – Test N: Change of temperature
IEC-60068-2-2Environmental testing – Part 2-2: Tests – Test B: Dry heat
IEC-60068-2-27Environmental testing – Part 2-27: Tests – Test Ea and guidance: Shock
IEC-60068-2-30Environmental testing – Part 2-30: Tests – Test Db: Damp heat, cyclic (12 h + 12 h cycle)
IEC-60068-2-31Environmental testing – Part 2-31: Tests – Test Ec: Rough handling shocks, primarily for equipment-type specimens
IEC-60068-2-38:2021 RLVEnvironmental testing – Part 2-38: Tests – Test Z/AD: Composite temperature/humidity cyclic test
IEC-60068-2-6Environmental testing – Part 2-6: Tests – Test Fc: Vibration (sinusoidal)
IEC-60068-2-64Environmental testing – Part 2-64: Tests – Test Fh: Vibration, broadband random and guidance
IEC-60068-2-68Environmental testing – Part 2-68: Tests – Test L: Dust and Sand
IEC-60068-2-78Environmental testing – Part 2-78: Tests – Test Cab: Damp heat, steady state
IEC-60529Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 61969-3Mechanical structures for electrical and electronic equipment – Outdoor enclosures – Part 3: Environmental requirements, tests and...
ISO
ISO 9227 - tests in artificial atmospheres - Salt spray tests (ISO 9227:2017)Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres - Salt spray tests (ISO 9227:2017);
RTCA
RTCA / DO-160EEnvironmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment
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Environmental Testing

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