ISO 20653 is a standard that specifies the degrees of protection provided by enclosures against the intrusion of solid objects (including dust) and water. It defines the IP (Ingress Protection) code, which consists of two digits. The first digit represents the level of protection against solid objects, and the second digit represents the level of protection against water.
IP code testing according to ISO 20653 involves subjecting the enclosure to various tests to assess its resistance to dust and water ingress. These tests include:
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Dust Testing: The enclosure is exposed to fine dust particles to determine its ability to prevent dust penetration. Different levels of dust concentration are used based on the intended application.
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Water Testing: The enclosure is subjected to various water flow rates and pressures to evaluate its resistance against water ingress. This includes tests for dripping water, spraying water, and immersion in water.
The results of these tests determine the IP code rating for the enclosure, indicating its level of protection against both solid objects and water. ISO 20653 IP code testing ensures that products meet specific requirements for different environments, such as outdoor or industrial settings, where protection against dust and water is crucial.
The remainder of this page outlines the different tests parameters located in the ISO 20653 standard:
Overview of All IP Code Elements and Meaning
|
Element
|
IP
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Meaning of the protection of electrical equipment
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Meaning of the protection of persons
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First Code of Element
|
|
Against foreign objects (including dust):
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Against Access:
|
0
|
Not protected
|
Not protected
|
1
|
With diameter > 50 mm
|
With back of hand
|
2
|
With diameter >12,5 mm
|
With finger
|
3
|
With diameter > 2,5 mm
|
With tool
|
4
|
With diameter > 1,0 mm
|
With wire
|
5K
|
Dust protected
|
With wire
|
6K
|
Dust tight
|
With wire
|
Second Code Element
|
|
Against water:
|
Not applicable
|
0
|
Not protected
|
1
|
Vertical water drips
|
2
|
Water drips (15 degrees inclination)
|
3
|
Water spray
|
4
|
Splash water
|
4K
|
Splash water with increased pressure
|
5
|
High-velocity water
|
6
|
Strong high-velocity water
|
6K
|
Strong high-velocity water with increased pressure
|
7
|
Temporary immersion
|
8
|
Continuous submersion
|
9K
|
High pressure/steam-jet cleaning
|
Additional Letter (optional)
|
|
Not applicable
|
Against access (unless described by first letter)
|
A
|
With back of hand
|
B
|
With finger
|
C
|
With tool
|
D
|
With wire
|
Supplementary Letter (optional)
|
M
|
Movement of moveable parts during water test
|
Not applicable
|
S
|
Standstill of moveable parts during water test
|
Degrees of Protection Against Foreign Objects
|
First code element
|
Degree of protection
|
Brief description
|
Requirements
|
0
|
Not protected
|
None
|
1
|
Foreign objects diameter ≥ 50 mm
|
Test probe with diameter 50 mm shall not penetrate completely
|
2
|
Foreign objects diameter ≥ 12,5 mm
|
Test probe with diameter 12,5 mm shall not penetrate completely
|
3
|
Foreign objects diameter ≥ 2,5 mm
|
Test probe with diameter 2,5 mm shall not penetrate completely
|
4
|
Foreign objects diameter ≥ 1,0 mm
|
Test probe with diameter 1,0 mm shall not penetrate completely
|
5K
|
Dust
|
Dust shall only penetrate in quantities which do not impair performance and safety.
|
6K
|
Dust
|
Dust shall not penetrate
|
NOTE “Shall not penetrate completely” indicates that the full diameter shall not pass through an opening of the enclosure.
|
Degrees of Protection Against Access
|
First code element
|
Additional letter
|
Degree of protection
|
Brief description
|
Requirements
|
0
|
–
|
Not protected
|
None
|
1
|
A
|
Back of hand (no protection against intentional contact)
|
Test probe with diameter 50 mm shall not penetrate completely and maintain sufficient distance from hazardous parts.
|
2
|
B
|
Finger
|
Jointed test finger with diameter 12 mm may penetrate completely, but shall maintain a sufficient distance from hazardous parts.
|
3
|
C
|
Tool
|
Test probe with diameter 2,5 mm, 100 mm long, may penetrate completely, but shall maintain a sufficient distance from hazardous parts.
|
4
|
D
|
Wire
|
Test probe with diameter 1,0 mm, 100 mm long, may penetrate completely, but shall maintain a sufficient distance
|
5K
|
D
|
Wire
|
6K
|
D
|
Wire
|
NOTE “Shall not penetrate completely” indicates that the full diameter shall not pass through an opening of the enclosure.
|
Degrees of protection against water
|
Second code element
|
Degree of protection
|
Brief description
|
Requirements
|
0
|
Not protected
|
None
|
1
|
Water drips vertically
|
Vertical drips shall not have any harmful effects or impair performance.
|
2
|
Water drips with enclosure inclined by 15°
|
Vertical drips shall not have any harmful effects or impair performance when the enclosure is tilted at any angle up to 15° on either side of the vertical.
|
3
|
Water spray
|
Water spray at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects or impair performance.
|
4
|
Splash water
|
Water which splashes against the enclosure from any direction shall not have any harmful effects or impair performance.
|
4K
|
Splash water with increased pressure
|
Water which splashes against the enclosure from any direction with increased pressure shall not have any harmful effects or impair performance.
|
5
|
High-velocity water
|
Water which is directed against the enclosure from any direction as a jet shall not have any harmful effects or impair performance.
|
6
|
Strong high-velocity water
|
Water which is directed against the enclosure from any direction as a strong jet shall not have any harmful effects or impair performance.
|
6K
|
Strong high-velocity water with increased pressure
|
Water which is directed against the enclosure from any direction as a strong jet with increased pressure shall not have any harmful effects or impair performance.
|
7
|
Temporary immersion in water
|
Water shall not penetrate in a quantity causing harmful effects or impair performance if the enclosure is immersed in water temporarily under specified pressure and time conditions.
|
8
|
Continuous immersion in water
|
Water shall not penetrate in a quantity causing harmful effects if the enclosure is continuously immersed in water under conditions which shall be agreed between supplier and car manufacturer, but which are more severe than code 7.
|
9K
|
Water during high-pressure/steam-jet cleaning
|
Water which is directed against the enclosure from any direction shall not have any harmful effects or impair performance.
|
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