What Is IP Testing?
Ingress Protection testing, or IP testing, tests a product's ability to protect against “ingress” that is, the infiltration of water, dust and foreign objects. Some of the standards related to IP testing are MIL-STD-810 (Military), RTCA/DO-160 (Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics), and IEC 60529 (International Electrotechnical Commission).
Many products require insulation from outside elements in order to function properly. Sand is one of these external elements. Ingress protection testing helps determine whether a particular product is going to function appropriately when placed in the field.
What Products Need Ingress Protection?
In America and Canada, many products that are governed by engineering standards such as UL or IEC standards must indicate an ingress protection (or IP) rating. These products include computers, laboratory equipment, certain medical devices, light fixtures as well as products that must remain dust-free or moisture-resistant. Items that are sealed and will likely be placed in hazardous places also need IP ratings.
In certain cases, IP testing is voluntary, but sellers often ask manufacturers for an IP rating before placing a product in inventory.
Other common items that require ingress protection testing include electrical sockets, cell phones, refrigerators (particularly their electric motors) and wrist watches.
