IPX5 and IPX6 Water Jet Resistance Tests.

The IPX5 and IPX6 tests measure the resistance of enclosures to water jets. These tests simulate conditions where equipment is exposed to water spray, providing valuable insights into the equipment’s ability to withstand such environmental factors.

IPX5 Test Parameters:

• Water Jet: Known as “Water Jet”
• Nozzle Diameter: 6.3 mm
• Flow Rate: 12.5 ± 0.625 liters/min
• Pressure: Approximately 30 kN/m², from a distance of 2.5 – 3 meters
• Test Duration: Minimum of 3 minutes, or 1 minute per square meter of surface area

IPX6 Test Parameters:

• Powerful Water Jet: Known as “Powerful Water Jet”
• Nozzle Diameter: 12.5 mm
• Flow Rate: 100 ± 5 liters/min
• Pressure: Approximately 100 kN/m², from a distance of 2.5 – 3 meters
• Test Duration: Minimum of 3 minutes, or 1 minute per square meter of surface area

Test Process:

1. Preparation: The sample is placed on a rotating table inside a special chamber.
2. Adjustment: Pressure and flow rate are adjusted to the specified levels for the test.
3. Spraying: Water is sprayed onto the sample for the required duration.
4. Observation: The sample is observed for any loss of functionality or water ingress.

Relevant Standards:

• IEC 60529
• EN 60529
• TSE 60529

Standard reference

In IEC 60529, IPX5 verifies protection against water jets from a 6.3 mm nozzle and IPX6 against powerful jets from a 12.5 mm nozzle, applied from all practicable directions. The nozzle flow rate, distance and test duration are defined by the standard.