Determination of IP (International Protection Marking) Rating

[Roland chung]

Hi all,

We declared that our pump is IPX4 device. The test lab believes that the device fails the waterproofing requirement because IEC 60320-1 inlet (IPX0) is used. The water can enter the inlet and short the pins. The IP rating is still invalid even though the device can luckily pass the IP-test, if there are no additional design features. So, construction will be inspected before doing the IP-test.

My questions are:

1) Should the IP rating be determined by the result of IP-test or by both the constructive measures and IP-test?

2) Should the connector of cord be connected or detached from inlet during the IP-test?

Any input will be appreciated.

Roland

 

[Stijloor]

A Quick Bump!

Can someone respond?

Thank you very much!!

 

[Miner]

The IP Rating test is typically performed on a complete product assembly, not by looking at the "weakest link" of the components because the "weakest link" might be in a sheltered area of the product.

Regarding whether the connector should be attached or not, this depends on whether it is attached as a standard stand alone assembly, or whether it is attached later by the end user.

 

[Mark Meer]

I agree with the previous post.

Your test-lab's assertion that they can determine IP based on specified IP of individual components makes no sense.

There's no reason you couldn't take a bunch of IPX0 components, and put them all in a waterproof enclosure. The system would then be waterproof...doesn't matter that the enclosed components are not.

Also, you might have some assembly procedures that modify components. For example, maybe your connector is IPX0 due to some holes in its enclosure. There is no reason you can't plug these holes during assembly, making it more protected against water ingress.

The test-lab should be concerned only with the entire, assembled device. Not individual components.