Water testing
Test your product from splash water to high-pressure jets.
From IPX1 to IPX9
View the specifications for each test ↓
Overview of all IPX tests
✓ Experts & Experience
✓ According IEC 60529
✓ Proven simulations
✓ Quality assurance
How waterproof is your product?
Water damage can be disastrous for your product. For example, in electronics or vehicles.
Your products don't need to be splash-proof, but they must withstand complete submersion; we test for that too.
Each IPX test indicates how well a product is protected against water. Each test represents different test conditions. The testing provides you with an official protection level that you are allowed to display.
Would you also like an IP rating for your product?
Types of IP water tests: IPX1 to IPX9(K)
| 2nd digit | Meaning | test |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | No test needed |
| 1 | Protection against vertically dripping water | Test with water droplets for 10 minutes |
| 2 | Protection against water falling at an angle of up to 15° | Test with water falling at an angle |
| 3 | Protection against spray water up to 60° from vertical | Test with a spray nozzle at 0.7 l/min |
| 4 | Protection against water from all directions | Test with a spray nozzle, 10 liters/minute |
| 5 | Protection against water jets (low pressure) | Test with a hose, 12.5 liters/minute at 3 meters |
| 6 | Protection against powerful water jets | Test with a hose, 100 liters/minute at 3 meters |
| 7 | Protection against temporary immersion (up to 1 meter deep) | 30-minute immersion test |
| 8 | Protection against prolonged immersion (deeper than 1 meter) | Testing is dependent on manufacturer specifications (usually tailored to depth and duration). |
| 9K | Protection against high-pressure and high-temperature water jets | Test with high-pressure jetting up to 100 bar and 80°C |
Specifications of our testing machines
This refers to tests IPX1 through IPX9.
✓ Test chamber dimensions (internal): 500x500x500 mm
✓ Test area size below: unlimited
✓ Water flow: 1-100 l/m
✓ Temperature: 10 - 55 degrees Celsiusius
Standards
IEC 60529
- Title: Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP Code)
- Contents: The basic standard for IP classifications, with methods for testing protection against the ingress of solids and liquids.
EN 60529
- European version of IEC 60529.
- The same IP classification tests apply in Europe.
ISO 20653
- Title: Road vehicles – Degrees of protection (IP code) – Protection of electrical equipment against foreign objects, water, and access.
- Content: specifically focused on vehicles and their components.
IEC 62262
- Title: Degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against external mechanical impacts (IK Code).
- Contents: Describes the IK classification for protection against mechanical impacts.
ISO 12944
- Title: Paints and varnishes – Corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems.
- Content: Specifically for corrosion protection of housings.
IEC 60068-2 Series
- Title: Environmental Testing – Various Parts (Vibration, Shock, and More).
- Content: Environmental tests such as vibration and shock that can be performed in addition to IP tests.
EN 62208
- Title: Empty enclosures for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – General requirements.
- Contents: Test methods for enclosures that must also provide IP protection.
Medical equipment
- IEC 60601-1: Guidelines for the safety and performance of medical equipment, including seals and IP-related aspects.
Automotive
- ISO 16750-4: Contains test procedures for the environmental conditions of electronic components in vehicles, including water and dust resistance.
Industrial machinery
- IEC 61439: Standard for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies, with guidelines for IP tests.
Consumer electronics
- IEC 62368-1: Safety of audio/video, information and communication technology equipment.
In many industries, such as electronics, medical equipment, and automotive, a certain IP rating is required.
By conducting tests with a professional partner like Sebert Group, you can ensure that your product meets international standards.
Combine IP testing for higher IP codes
For complex products, such as electronics or industrial equipment, a combination of tests is often necessary. Here, both digits represent a different test code, namely the 1st digit and the 2nd digit. Think of:
✓ IP44 ✓ IP65 ✓ IP68
A selection of our tests:
IP certification makes quality measurable. We don't test for the label, but for long-term performance."
All IPX water tests in a row
Read more information about each test, what you can expect, and what you'll gain.
Electronic devices and enclosures such as:
- Household appliances
- Industrial equipment
- Or medical technology
are exposed to moisture in various environments. Moisture infiltration can significantly impact the performance and lifespan of your product.
The IP rating is one of the basic levels of the Ingress Protection (IP) classification and assesses whether a product is resistant to vertically dripping water.
Your advantage: The burden of proof that your product is resistant to this.
The IPx2 test is an important Ingress Protection test.
The IPX2 test assesses whether a product is resistant to dripping water at a 15° angle.
You can perform this test for products such as:
- household appliances you use in damp areas
- or medical equipment that must be condensation-resistant
Ensure your product functions in more humid environments.
The IPX3 test assesses whether a product is resistant to spray water at an angle of up to 60°.
This essential Ingress Protection (IP) test can be performed for products such as:
- Outdoor lighting that defies the rain
- Industrial control panels (in humid environments)
- Or automotive electronics that are exposed to splashing water.
Water resistance is essential for the quality of your product in this regard.
The IPX4-test determines whether your product is resistant to splashing water from all directions.
This is an important Ingress Protection (IP) test that is performed for products such as:
- Outdoor lighting
- Control panels
- Vehicle electronics
- Household appliances
They all come into occasional contact with water in various forms.
This test could be performed for products such as outdoor lighting, control panels, vehicle electronics, and household appliances that occasionally come into contact with water.
The IPX5-test is a standardised method for determining whether a product is protected against direct low-pressure water jets.
The test is relevant for products that are exposed to:
- Rain
- Cleaning processes
- Splashing water
- Of industrial/maritime environments.
Perform this test on your products that need to be resistant to water jets.
With this IPX certification, you demonstrate not only reliability but also the resilience of your product.
The IPX6-test is a crucial test method that tests whether your product is protected against powerful high-pressure water jets.
This test is suitable for products that need to withstand harsh weather conditions and intensive use.
Your advantage: meet strict requirements with an IPX6 certification or combine for a higher rating. Demand guarantees and returns with well-tested products.
Isn't your product supposed to be in the water?
Then this test is for your product. Especially for products that could accidentally end up in the water, there is IPX7.
This tests the protection against temporary immersion. This will limit the damage to your product.
Is the product used underwater for extended periods?
Then you offer certainty with the IPX8-test. This test checks if a product remains waterproof when continuously submerged. We test this under specific pressure and time conditions.
The IPX9-test is the highest standard in water protection.
Is your product resistant to powerful high-pressure water jets and high temperatures? We test that in the IPX9.
Some relevant products/implementations:
- Vehicles
- Industrial equipment
- Other applications in extreme conditions.
Your advantage: certification at the highest level for water protection. Tested by an accredited company to the highest standard.
The IPX4 test
The IPX4 assesses whether a product is protected against splashing water from any angle. This is an extension of the IPX3 test, where water was only sprayed at an angle of up to 60°.
To perform the test, an oscillating arc or spray nozzle is used. This equipment simulates realistic conditions in which a product is exposed to splashing water and rain.
Oscillating arc method:
Water flow: 2.17 l/min (±5%). The test is performed for 10 minutes, and the product is rotated 90° after 5 minutes. The bow rotates 180° relative to the vertical. After the test, it is assessed whether water infiltration has occurred in the product and whether its functionality has remained intact.
Test Chamber Specifications
Our testing facilities are equipped with advanced equipment that ensures accurate and reproducible test results. The test chamber specifications are:
Usable dimensions of test chamber (inside): 400 x 400 x 500 mm
Water flow: 0.07 litres per minute (±5%) x 31 spray needles.
Are you sure about your product? Test it at Sebert's!
We're taking on the challenge!
Test your product(s) so you have a complete picture of the impact of factors on your product. Whether it's water, dust, or the intrusion of external factors like hands and fingers.
Optimise your product, prevent damage to your organisation and others, and meet the strictest requirements. Choose that competitive advantage and reduce warranties and returns.
