What is the rain test instrument?

When outdoor products fail, water ingress is often the real cause. A small leak during heavy rain or high-pressure washing can destroy electronics, reduce insulation resistance, and shorten product life. That is why rain testing is a mandatory part of product certification.

LIB rain test instruments are engineered according to IEC 60529, ISO 20653, and MIL-STD-810H. They simulate everything from light dripping water to extreme high-pressure hot spray, ensuring reliable waterproof validation before products enter the market.

1. What Test Levels Does a Rain Test Instrument Cover?

The most commonly used standard is IEC 60529, which defines IPX1 to IPX9K waterproof levels.

IPX1 – Light Dripping
Simulates gentle vertical dripping (1 mm/min for 10 min). Like indoor condensation or very light rain.

IPX2 – Tilted Dripping
Same drip intensity, but the sample tilts 15° in four directions. Simulates light rain hitting angled surfaces.

IPX3 – Rain Shower Spray
Oscillating tube ±60°. Represents steady rainfall driven by wind.

IPX4 – Splashing Water
Oscillating ±180°. Equivalent to heavy rain splashing from all directions.

IPX5 – Water Jet
6.3 mm nozzle, 12.5 L/min, 30–100 kPa. Similar to spraying with a strong garden hose.

IPX6 – Powerful Water Jet
12.5 mm nozzle, 100 L/min, 100 kPa. Comparable to fire hose impact.

IPX7 – Temporary Immersion
1 meter water depth for 30 minutes. Simulates accidental drop into water.

IPX8 – Continuous Immersion
Deeper than 1 meter (customized up to 50 m equivalent). Used for underwater equipment.

IPX9K – High-Temperature High-Pressure Spray
80–88°C water, 8000–10000 kPa, multi-angle spray (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°).
Simulates vehicle high-pressure hot washing. Defined in ISO 20653.

MIL-STD-810H Rain Test (Method 506.6)
More severe military standard. Simulates wind-driven heavy rain with higher impact velocity.

From light drizzle to extreme pressure washing, a rain test instrument must cover realistic rainfall conditions.

2. LIB IPX1–IPX6 Combined Rain Test Instrument for Lighting Testing

Lighting products such as street lamps and LED floodlights usually require IP65 or IP66 certification.

Model		RD-800C
Dimension	Internal dimensions	900*950*950mm -D*W*H
	Overall dimensions	1180*1420*1920mm -D*W*H
	IPX5 IPX6 tube dimensions	Length is 2000mm, diameter is 325mm
IPX1 IPX2	Drip box	600*600mm
	Hole spacing	20mm
	Hole diameter	φ0.4mm
IPX3 IPX4	Oscillating tube radius	400mm
	Spraying hole diameter	φ0.4mm
	Hole spacing	50 mm
	Number of holes	25
	Oscillating tube range	0~ ±180°
	Swivel velocity speed of tubes	60°/seconds
IPX5 IPX6	Nozzle diameter	Dia6.3mm for IPX5 nozzle diameter, Dia12.5mm for IPX6 nozzle diameter
	Water flow rate	12.5L/min ±5% for IPX5 test, 100L/min ±5% for IPX6 test
	Core of the substantial stream	circle of approximately 40 mm diameter at 2,5 m distance from nozzle
Turntable	Diameter	600mm
	Height	350~600mm, adjustable
	rotation speed	1~5r/min

Step 1 – Installation and Power-On Test
The lamp is mounted on the turntable (≤50 kg).
LIB Advantage: Built-in power supply allows energized testing to detect real-time electrical failure.

Step 2 – IPX3/IPX4 Rain Simulation
Oscillating tube generates controlled rainfall.
LIB Advantage: SUS304 stainless steel interior prevents corrosion during long wet testing.

Step 3 – IPX5 Water Jet Test
12.5 L/min jet at regulated pressure.
LIB Advantage: Precise pressure control ensures strict IEC 60529 compliance.

Step 4 – IPX6 Powerful Jet
100 L/min high-flow impact.
LIB Advantage: Secure fixtures and stable nozzle distance guarantee repeatability.

Step 5 – Post-Test Inspection
Visual check for water ingress.
Electrical insulation resistance measurement.
Performance comparison with pre-test data.

If no leakage or malfunction occurs, the lighting product passes IP65/IP66.

In addition to IPX1–IPX6 combined chambers, LIB also provides:
IPX7/IPX8 immersion systems,
IPX9K high-pressure hot spray systems,
MIL-STD-810H rain chambers for military applications.

3. LIB Services for Rain Test Instruments

LIB offers flexible customization based on industry requirements.

Recent automotive solutions include three LV124-related systems:
• Hot automotive components exposed to cold splash water (thermal shock).
• Mud-water splash simulation.
• Water immersion systems for vehicle parts.

LIB also provides walk-in IPX5 and IPX6 rain test chambers for large cabinets and equipment.

Before shipment (7–15 days fast delivery), every chamber undergoes a 72-hour Factory Acceptance Test. All systems comply with CE, RoHS, and ISO standards.

After-sales support includes:
• 3-year warranty
• Lifetime technical support
• Free spare parts during warranty
• 24/7 English service team
• Replacement guarantee if repair fails

4. FAQs on the LIB Rain Test Instrument

Q1: Can one chamber perform multiple IP levels?
Yes. LIB combined systems integrate IPX1–IPX6 in one unit.

Q2: Does it support IPX9K?
Yes. Separate high-temperature high-pressure systems are available.

Q3: Can samples operate during testing?
Yes. Energized testing is supported.

Q4: Is water consumption high?
No. Closed-loop water recycling reduces water usage significantly.

Q5: Which standards are supported?
IEC 60529, ISO 20653, IEC 60068-2-18, MIL-STD-810H, LV124, ISO 16750.

Rain resistance determines product survival in real environments. From lighting to automotive and defense equipment, LIB rain test instruments provide precise, repeatable, and standards-compliant solutions.

Contact LIB Industry to upgrade your waterproof testing capabilities and accelerate product certification.