How To Understand IPX9K Test And The IPX9K Test Equipment More Easily

What is the IPX9K test?

Described in IEC 60529 and ISO 20653, IPX9K is the highest rating currently available for water ingress protection. Although IPX9K testing was originally developed for automotive products, it has become widely used in the electronics, military, and consumer product industries. The IPX9K test equipment that performs this test is also constantly evolving and improving.

Which products need to pass the IPX9K waterproof test?

Products that are exposed to extreme water pressure and temperatures, such as outdoor electronics, automotive components, and industrial equipment, are typically required to pass the IPX9K waterproof test. This test is designed to simulate high-pressure steam cleaning and ensures that products can withstand harsh environmental conditions and remain operational without any damage to their internal components.

Therefore, products such as marine and outdoor speakers, cameras, mobile phones, watches, and other electronic devices that are subjected to water splashes, heavy rainfalls, or exposure to pressurized water jets may need to pass the IPX9K waterproof test. Automotive components such as headlights, wiper blades, and washers also require this testing to ensure long-lasting performance, even in extreme weather conditions. So, these products need to pass the IPX9K waterproof test before launching in the market to assure their quality and durability.

What are IPX9K Testing Levels?

The ingress protection IPx9K has four levels. These are:

• Level 1: Standard Testing

Standard testing uses simply water and is the least harsh procedure; the product's entire surface must be exposed for at least three seconds.

• Level 2: Standard Testing with Detergent

The requirements for Level 2 of IPx9K are the same as those for normal testing, but the temperature is raised, and a cleaning detergent is added.

• Level 3: Harsh Test

The strict IPx9K Level 3 classification mandates hot, high pressure water with 100% product exposure for at least three seconds on each side.

• Level 4: Extreme Test

In order to test products under harsh conditions, Level 4 of IPx9K uses high-pressured, high-temperature steam cleaning.

What makes IPX9K testing different from IPX9 testing?

Both IPX9 and IPX9K ratings indicate that a product can withstand water jets that are sprayed at high temperatures and pressure, however the testing process and standards are different for each certification. IEC 60529 and ISO 20653 both specify test procedures for IPX9 and IPX9K ratings, respectively.

What does IPX9″K" K's stand for?

The test pressure requirements are denoted by "K." The 10000 KPA pressure requirement for IPX9K testing has been expanded to other protection grades, such as 4K and 6K, and actually maintains the requirement of the water spray pressure. Therefore, we should be aware that "K" primarily discussed the need for water pressure.

How to conduct the IPX9K test?

The IPX9K test is a water ingress protection test that is performed to simulate high-pressure, high-temperature water jets that electronics, automotive, and other products might experience during usage. The test is commonly performed on products such as washers, ovens, dishwashers, and other home appliances, as well as outdoor equipment such as motorcycles, tractors, and other vehicles.

The test involves placing the product being tested in a test chamber that sprays it with water jets from different directions and angles at a pressure of 100 bar and a temperature of 80 °C. The water jets are directed at the product for a minimum of 30 seconds per angle, covering all sides of the product, with a total test duration of at least 3 minutes. The water spray used in the IPX9K test simulates heavy rainfall, and the test is designed to test the seal integrity and water resistance of a product under harsh conditions.

The testing chamber used for the IPX9K test is built to withstand the high water pressure and temperature generated during the test. All electrical connections inside the chamber are sealed to prevent any electrical short-circuits or damage to the testing equipment. Additionally, a test report is generated, indicating the product's performance and the level of protection it can offer.

During testing, the product must remain operational throughout the entire process, and no water can penetrate into the product's critical components. If water does penetrate any critical components, the product fails the test and is returned for design or manufacturing improvements.

What's the IPX9K test equipment like?

IPX9K Test Chamber

Testing platform of IPX9K

LIB IPX9K high pressure and high temperature water spray test chamber is widely used in the electronics, military, and consumer product industries. IPX9K is the highest rating currently available for water ingress protection, in accordance with IEC 60529 and ISO 20653.

Products under test are subjected to high pressure (8000 – 10000 Kpa), high temperature (+80 °C) and water jets at a flow rate of 14 – 16L/min.

All models are upgrade to programmable controller and Ethernet access that provides simple operation and control.

If you are looking for a reliable manufacturer of IPX9K test equipment, then LIB is a great choice. Please contact us for more information.