Ingress Protection Code: Dripping Water Tests (IPX1 and IPX2)

Ingress protection or IP, a widely used classification system, assesses the degree of protection enclosures provide against various elements like dust and water. Two digits make up the IP code, the first of which represents the degree of protection against solid objects and the second represents the degree of protection against liquids. This page focuses on the IPX1 and IPX2 dripping water tests, which measure a product’s resistance to drops of water falling vertically.

IPX1 dripping water test

The IPX1 dripping water test measures a product’s resistance to droplets of water falling vertically at a rate of 1 millimeter per minute. The product is put on a turntable that rotates at the speed of one revolution per minute during the controlled environment test. Water is dropped from a height of around 200mm onto the surface of the product. Usually, the test lasts about ten minutes.

The product is checked for any water entry into the enclosure during the IPX1 test. The lack of water entry indicates that the product complies with IPX1 standards. It is crucial to remember that IPX1 only offers protection against water droplets that are falling vertically; it does not take other angles or continuous exposure to water into account.

By assessing the product’s resistance to water entry from a 15-degree slanted angle, the IPX2 dripping water test improves upon the IPX1 test. With a flow velocity of 3 mm per minute and a test time of 4 x 2.5 minutes (a total of 10 minutes), the test conditions are identical to IPX1.

Water is dripped onto the product’s surface while it is slanted at a 15-degree angle from vertical during the IPX2 test. After checking for water infiltration, the enclosure is determined to be in accordance with IPX2 regulations, if there are any.

Implications and Applications

Various sectors and applications frequently use the IPX1 and IPX2 dripping water tests. Electrical apparatus, lighting fixtures, outdoor enclosures, and specific consumer goods are among the products that are tested. The product is sufficiently secured against water infiltration from vertically falling drops and tilted positions thanks to IPX1 and IPX2 compliance, respectively. This is especially true for installations that are outside or exposed, where protection from rain or drips of water is essential to avoiding damage, electrical risks, or functional issues.

Ratings for ingress protection (IP) are crucial in determining a product’s resistance to the elements. The ability of a product to resist water infiltration from vertically falling drops and tilted situations can be determined using the IPX1 and IPX2 dripping water tests. The product will be durable and safe in the right applications if these standards are met.

Video 01: Dripping Water Tests (IPX1 and IPX2)