Protection index tests (IP, IK)

Evaluate access to dangerous parts, penetration of solid bodies and water, and protection against mechanical shocks

Why carry out IP testing?

Protection index (IP) tests classify equipment according to its resistance to the intrusion of solids, liquids and mechanical shocks. These tests are essential for :

Assess the level of protection against dust and water in accordance with IEC 60529.
Check that products comply with current regulations before they are put on the market.
Guarantee user safety by preventing access to hazardous areas.
Test mechanical shock resistance (IK) to ensure equipment robustness.
Ensure product reliability and durability in harsh environments.

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Electronic equipment in contact with liquids

The different types of IP and IK tests

Our laboratories are equipped to carry out various tests to quantify the degree of protection of the equipment entrusted to us:

IP testing (IEC 60529 & ISO 20653)

IP tests are characterised by two numbers. The first indicates the expected level of protection against penetration by solid objects (0 to 6). The second corresponds to the level of protection against ingress of water (0 to 8). If no requirement is specified in one of these areas, the letter X replaces the corresponding number.

Protection against solid bodies (IP0X to IP6X) : Verification of dust tightness.
Protection against liquids (IPX0 to IPX9K): Water tightness tests under various conditions (rain, immersion, pressurised jets).
Specific environments: Spray tests, prolonged immersion, high-pressure water jets.

IK tests (IEC 62262)

Protection against mechanical shocks (IK00 to IK10) : Simulation of impacts with spring hammers, free falls and pendulums.

Our IP and IK testing services

Electronics industry

Assessment of the tightness of enclosures and components.

Aeronautics and space

Checking the protection of on-board equipment.

Automotive and Rail

Tests on lighting systems, sensors and electrical components.

Defence and energy

Qualification of equipment for extreme environments.

Marine

Performance control in salty and humid environments.

Our testing capabilities and technical resources

Equipment for IP testing, IP ratings

Drop box (IPX1 and IPX2) : Vertical rain simulation.
Immersion tank (IPX7 and IPX8): Verification of watertightness under water.
Spray immersion (IPX5 and IPX6): Simulation of powerful water jets.
Dust enclosures (IP5X and IP6X): Test of exposure to fine particles.
IPX9K tests: Tightness to high-pressure and high-temperature water jets.

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Failure modes identified during testing

Spring impact hammers: Determination of impact resistance up to IK10.
Pendulum hammers: Standardised impact tests for various materials and configurations.

Standards applicable to IP and IK tests

Our tests comply with the main international regulations:

IEC 60529: Definition of IP protection indices.
ISO 20653: Tests for road vehicles.
IEC 62262: Classification of IK protection levels.
ISO 16750-4: Resistance tests in severe environments.
Low Voltage Directive: Regulations for electrical equipment.

Failure modes identified during testing

The IP and IK tests identify several types of failure:

Ingress of dust or water into sensitive parts.
impairment of electrical and mechanical performance** **Deformation of materials under mechanical impact
deformation of materials under mechanical impact** **Loss of protection leading to risk of fire
Loss of protection leading to risks for the user

Integrating IP and IK testing into product development

IP and IK tests ensure the reliability of equipment exposed to harsh environments. Our experts can help you with :

Analysing the normative requirements specific to your sector.
Implementation of tests with configurations adapted to your product.
Interpretation of results and optimisation of designs.

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Do you need to ensure that your products are compliant and robust against the intrusion of solids, liquids and mechanical shocks? Contact our experts for a tailored solution.

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