Ingress Protection (IP Code) Certification Testing

MIL-810 IP Code Compliance Testing

The ingress protection standard test methods specify levels of dust and water resistance. As a MIL-STD-810 certified lab, we realize the importance of Ingress Protection (IP Code testing. Meeting the MIL-810 regulatory compliance requirements can be difficult. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process. 

Keystone Compliance partners with customers to achieve MIL-STD-810 product compliance. We take pride in providing the peace of mind that all of your needs will be met. Additionally, our engineers are in constant communication throughout the entire test process. When products do not meet the requirements, we assist with finding solutions.

Request a quote to see why so many companies partner with Keystone Compliance. Have a question about our MIL-810 ingress protection testing laboratory? Contact us or call (724) 657-9940 and we will determine the best course of action.

Summary of MIL-810 Ingress Protection (IP Code) Testing

Ingress protection regulatory compliance testing is a form of enclosure testing. Testing involves determining the level of protection against solids and liquids.

The level of protection is called the IP Code or ingress protection level.

Electrical enclosure testing is extremely important. NEMA 250 identifies various levels of enclosures. For more information, please see our electrical enclosure ratings. At the end of the day, water ingress testing equipment is essential to user and consumer safety.

Solid Particle IP Testing

A product’s susceptibility to solid particle ingress is determined through the use of calibrated IP testing equipment. Solid foreign objects can include fingers and other solid items. It also can include using sand testing and dust testing.

To test larger solid objects, IP testing facilities will use calibrated items of certain dimensions. These items are also called accessibility probes to see if there are openings in a case that allow penetration.

For the dust test, the test item is placed in a dust chamber. The dust is a calibrated material that is agitated so that it is suspended in the chamber and covers the test item. Once the dust ingress testing is completed, the outside of the enclosure is thoroughly cleaned. The enclosure is then opened to see how much dust is inside.

One of the more popular sand and dust military standards is RTCA-DO-160 Section 12.0.

Water Ingress Protection Testing

There are several methods of determining if a case is a waterproof enclosure. The waterproofness testing can include liquid of various levels, volumes and test durations.

They can also undergo driving rain tests or spraying water tests. The driving rain or water jet test can be from a garden hose or a fire hose.

Immersion testing is also a component of ingress protection IP testing. The test item is immersed in water. The depth of the submersion and time of exposure is defined in the international standards. Different products must be immersion proof to meet the IP test standard requirements.

Liquids for IP testing can also be conditioned. Products going on ships may need to be tested in cold water. The liquids can also be corrosive. For example, we have completed several ocean simulations. Products were immersed in cold salt water to simulate ocean conditions.

How is an IP Code Determined?

The IP Code has two digits. The code ranges from IP0X to IPX9.

The first digit ranges from 0 to 6. It is the ingress protection against solid bodies. The second digit ranges from 0 to 9. It is the ingress protection against liquids. The two digits in an ingress protection marking code are completely independent of each other.

Some devices only need to be IP rated to one of the two digits. If a product is only tested on liquid and not solids, it can have an “x” for the solids digit. This is why the testing is sometimes called IPX testing. Given these parameters, there are 70 combinations of ingress protection codes.

Examples of IP Code Ratings:

  • IP67 rating: The test item is dust tight and provides immersion protection up to 1 meter.
  • IPX4 rating: The item was not tested to solids but provides protection against splashing water.
  • IP5X rating: The item is protected from limited dust particles but does not provide protection against liquids.

For more information, view our list of Popular IP Code Standards. Also, please visit our complete IP Ratings Table.

What is IP69K Testing and Why is it Important?

There is an IP code case test different from the rest. IP 69K ratings represent an enclosure that is dust tight and liquid resistant from high pressure and high temperature water jets. The IP69K rating is also considered steam jet testing. This rating provides the highest level of case, enclosure, and seal testing.

Achieving an IP69K rating means the product can withstand very challenging conditions. Thus, it indicates a high level of robustness and durability of the product. For manufacturers, this not only guarantees the safety and reliability of their products but also provides a competitive advantage. Customers who recognize the importance of this rating may prioritize such products, especially if they operate in environments where the protection offered by this rating is essential.

What are the Most Common Enclosure Protection Standards?

One of the most popular enclosure testing standards is IEC 60529 / EN 60529. Other popular standards include NEMA 250, IEC 60598 Testing of Luminaires, and ISO 20653 Road Vehicle ingress protection testing. There is a cross-reference chart between NEMA and IP Codes, which has been included below.

There are several military enclosure standards. These include:

Expert Regulatory MIL 810 Ingress Protection Testing Laboratory

From IP0X to IPX9, Keystone Compliance can accommodate every ingress protection test needed. Our ISO-17025 accreditation includes all 70 IP rating combinations.

When products fail, Keystone assists in the troubleshooting process. Our engineers take pride in providing constant communication throughout the entire testing process. Additionally, we provide quick turn around times on scheduling and globally recognized reports.

Ready to get started? We are! Contact us for more information on Ingress Protection, IP Code, testing.

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