Ingress Protection (IP) Testing
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What Is Ingress Protection Testing?
Testing To The IP Code. Ingress Protection testing verifies an enclosure’s resistance to solid foreign objects and water. The IP code has two digits: the first (0–6) rates protection against solids i.e. dust; the second (0–9) rates protection against water. For example: IP67 = dust‑tight + temporary immersion. IP Testing follows the standard IEC 60529 / EN 60529.
We can perform the following levels of solids and water IP testing:
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Solids |
Water |
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Level of Ingress Protection |
Level of Ingress Protection |
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1. Protected against a solid object greater than 50mm (such as a hand, 50N of force) |
1. Protected against vertically falling drops of water. Limited ingress permitted (Turn table at 1RPM required per spec) |
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2. Protected against a solid object greater than 12.5mm (such as a finger, 10N of force) |
2. Protected against vertically falling drops of water with enclosure tilted up to 15 deg. From vertical. Limited ingress permitted |
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3. Protected against a solid object greater than 2.5mm (such as a screwdriver, 3N of force) |
3. Protected against sprays of water up to 60 deg. From the vertical. Limited ingress permitted for three minutes (Calculation of surface area required) |
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4. Protected against a solid object greater than 1mm (such as a wire, 1N of force) |
4. Protected against water splashed from all directions. Limited ingress permitted |
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5. Dust protected. Limited ingress of dust permitted. Will not interfere with operation of the equipment. 2 – 8 hours (Category 2 only) |
5. Protected against jest of water. Limited ingress protection |
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6. Dust tight. No ingress of dust. 2 – 8 hours (Category 2 only, need pressure regulating system) |
6. Water from heavy seas of water projected in powerful jets shall not enter the enclosure in harmful quantities |
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7. Protection against the effects of immersion in water between 15cm and 1m below the surface from 30 minutes |
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8. Protection against the effects of immersion in water under pressure for long periods |
Dust ingress:
• IP 1X–IP4X: increasing protection from large objects to 1 mm wires
• IP 5X: dust‑protected (limited ingress allowed, not harmful to operation)
• IP 6X: dust‑tight (no ingress)
Examples of water protection levels:
•IP X0
• IP X1–IPX2: dripping water (including tilt)
• IP X3–IPX4: spray and splash
• IP X5: water jets
• IP X6: powerful water jets
• IP X7: temporary immersion
• IP X8: continuous immersion (parameters agreed with client)
Our Testing Process
Scope & Pre‑Assessment
Plan
Execute
Inspect
Report
Why Choose Kiwa Electrical Compliance?
A relationship‑led partner
Transparent guidance from concept to certification.Depth across EMC, Radio and Safety testing and approval services
Integrated programmes to reduce timelines and speed up time to market with confidence.Knowledgeable team
Knowledgeable team with in depth testing expertise and standard development insights.Practicality and speed
Optimised, tailored quotes and proactive communication to keep you informed.IP Testing Services We Offer
Pre‑Compliance and Design‑Stage Support
• Early enclosure review and risk hotspot analysis (gaskets, vents, seals, drain paths)
• Pre‑checks and targeted trials before formal testing
• Remediation guidance and quick re‑tests
• Gap analysis of legacy reports vs current requirements
IP Testing to IEC/EN 60529
• Probe: IP1X to IP4X using a variety of calibrated probes
• Dust: IP5X and IP6X in a self‑contained talc powder circulating chamber with controlled airflow
• Water: IPX1–IPX8 using calibrated dripping, spray/splash and jet fixtures plus immersion tanks
• Engineer inspection immediately post‑test and clear, decision‑ready reporting
Sector‑specific options
• Automotive: coordinate IP69K to ISO 20653 (vehicle contexts) through the Kiwa network, where required
• Lighting & outdoor electronics: spray/jet exposure and immersion scenarios
• Industrial enclosures and HMIs: dust‑tight and jetting requirements
Reporting & Documentation
• Test plan and setup photos
• Results against claimed IP code(s) with pass/fail criteria
• Observations and remediation guidance if non‑conformities occur
• Final test report suitable for technical files and product claims
Who We Work With
Product Managers and Product Engineers - delivering faster routes to market
Compliance Managers and Compliance Engineers - ensuring ongoing conformity with international standards
Design Engineers - advising on EMC, Radio, and Safety design considerations
Quality Managers - providing accredited test data for audits and regulators
Procurement Leads and Purchasing Leads - reducing risk when sourcing compliant components
Business Benefits
Why IP Testing Matters
Faster market access
Reduced redesign risk
Evidence‑ready documentation
Operational efficiency
Providing confidence
FAQs
Which IP rating should I choose?
It depends on environment and exposure. For example, IP54 for general dust/splash, IP65/66 for jets, IP67/68 for immersion, and IP69/IP69K for high‑pressure wash‑down or automotive contexts.
Is IP69 the same as IP69K?
No. IP69 (IEC 60529 IPX9) applies to general equipment; IP69K (ISO 20653) is for road vehicles with different method parameters. We can coordinate IP69K where relevant.
Can I claim IP67 if only IPX7 was tested?
To claim IP67 you must also meet IP6X (dust‑tight). Each digit is tested independently under IEC/EN 60529
Do you offer pre‑compliance reviews?
Yes. We can assess enclosure design, agree test parameters, and run targeted trials before formal testing.
What are typical timelines?
Lead times and durations depend on scope and sample readiness. We’ll confirm realistic dates with your quote.
Your trusted partner for streamlined testing and market access.
Prove your enclosure’s resistance to dust and water with independent IP testing -tailored plans, clear reports and integrated programmes from Kiwa Electrical Compliance.
