LED Waterproof Testing and IP Testing: Ensuring Quality and Performance

LED lighting fixtures are being used more and more extensively indoors and outdoors, and their waterproof performance has become an important consideration for users. LED waterproof testing and IP testing are important means to evaluate the waterproof performance of LED lighting fixtures.

What is the IP protection rating?
The IP (Ingress Protection) protection rating system is drafted by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to classify electrical appliances based on their resistance to dust and moisture. The IP protection rating consists of two numbers: the first number indicates the level of protection against dust and intrusion of foreign objects (this includes tools and human fingers, which should not come into contact with live parts of the appliance to prevent electric shock), and the second number indicates the degree of protection against moisture and water ingress. A higher number indicates a higher level of protection.

What are the LED waterproof testing?
1. IPX 1:
Test method: Vertical water dripping test
Test equipment: Drip test apparatus
Sample placement: Place the sample in its normal working position on a rotating sample table at a speed of 1 revolution per minute. The distance from the top of the sample to the water dripping mouth should not exceed 200mm.
Test conditions: Water dripping rate of 1.0±0.5mm/min
Duration: 10 minutes

2. IPX 2:
Test method: 15° tilted water dripping test
Test equipment: Drip test apparatus
Sample placement: Tilt the sample at a15° angle with one face perpendicular to the ground. The distance from the top of the sample to the water dripping mouth should not exceed 200mm. After completing the test on one face, rotate the sample and perform the test on the other three faces, for a total of four times.
Test conditions: Water dripping rate of 3.0±0.5 mm/min
Duration: 4×2.5 minutes (10 minutes in total)

3. IPX 3:
Test method: Spraying test
a) Pendulum tube spraying test
Test equipment: Pendulum tube spraying apparatus
Sample placement: Choose a pendulum tube with an appropriate radius, position the sample on the sample platform with the height aligned with the diameter of the pendulum tube, and ensure that the distance from the top of the sample to the water spraying nozzle is not greater than 200mm. The sample platform should not rotate.
Test conditions: The water flow rate is calculated based on the number of water spraying holes on the pendulum tube, with each hole having a flow rate of 0.07 L/min. During the spraying, the water from the holes within a 60° arc segment on both sides of the midpoint of the pendulum tube should be directed towardsthe sample. The sample should be placed at the center of the pendulum tube. The pendulum tube should swing 60° on each side of the vertical axis, for a total of 120°. Each swing (2×120°) takes about 4 seconds.
Duration: Continuous spraying for 10 minutes.

b) Nozzle spraying test
Test equipment: Hand-held spraying apparatus
Sample placement: Position the sample so that the distance between the top of the sample and the water spraying nozzle is between 300mm and 500mm.
Test conditions: The test should be performed with a balance weight installed on the apparatus, and the water flow rate is 10 L/min.
Duration: The test duration is calculated based on the surface area of the sample’s housing, with 1 minute per square meter (excluding the installation area), and a minimum of 5 minutes.

4. IPX 4:
Test method: Splashing test
a) Pendulum tube splashing test
Test equipment and sample placement: Same as IPX 3 a.
Test conditions: Except for the conditions mentioned below, the test conditions are the same as IPX 3 a. The water spraying from the holes within a 90° arc segment on both sides of themidpoint of the pendulum tube should be directed towards the sample. The sample should be placed at the center of the pendulum tube. The pendulum tube should swing 180° on each side of the vertical axis, for a total of about 360°. Each swing (2×360°) takes about 12 seconds.
Duration: Same as IPX 3 a. (10 minutes)

b) Nozzle splashing test
Test equipment and sample placement: Same as IPX 3 b.
Test conditions: Remove the balance weight from the apparatus, and the rest of the conditions are the same as IPX 3 b.
Duration: Same as IPX 3 b., which is calculated based on the surface area of the sample’s housing, with 1 minute per square meter (excluding the installation area), and a minimum of 5 minutes.

5. IPX 5:
Test method: Water spraying test
Test equipment: Nozzle with a water spraying mouth diameter of 6.3mm
Test conditions: Position the sample at a distance of 2.5m to 3m from the water spraying mouth. The water flow rate is 12.5 L/min (750 L/h).
Duration: The test duration is calculatedbased on the surface area of the sample’s housing, with 1 minute per square meter (excluding the installation area), and a minimum of 3 minutes.

6. IPX 6:
Test method: Strong water spraying test
Test equipment: Nozzle with a water spraying mouth diameter of 12.5 mm
Test conditions: Position the sample at a distance of 2.5m to 3m from the water spraying mouth. The water flow rate is 100 L/min (6000 L/h).
Duration: The test duration is calculated based on the surface area of the sample’s housing, with 1 minute per square meter (excluding the installation area), and a minimum of 3 minutes.

7. IPX 7:
Test method: Short-term immersion test
Test equipment and conditions: Immersion tank. The dimensions of the tank should allow the sample to be completely submerged, with a distance of at least 1m from the bottom of the tank to the sample’s bottom and a distance of at least 0.15m from the water surface to the top of the sample.
Duration: 30 minutes

8. IPX 8:
Test method: Continuous immersion test
Test equipment, conditions, and duration: To be determined bymutual agreement between buyer and seller, with a harsher level than IPX 7.

Note: Additionally, many outdoor electronic products also emphasize their ability to float.

Waterproof testing evaluates the waterproof performance of LED lighting fixtures by immersing them in water and observing if they can function properly. Generally, the waterproof performance of LED lighting fixtures can be divided into three levels: non waterproof, waterproof, and fully waterproof. Non-waterproof LED lighting fixtures have no waterproof design and will be damaged once they get wet. Waterproof LED lighting fixtures have added sealing strips or sealing rings on their casing, which can to a certain extent prevent the intrusion of water. Fully waterproof LED lighting fixtures not only have sealing designs on their casing, but also have tighter waterproof treatment on their internal circuits and connections, allowing them to work in water for a long time without being damaged.

For waterproof performance testing of LED lighting fixtures, international standards such as ISO 20653 and IEC 60529 can be followed. During testing, the LED lighting fixtures are fully immersed in water for about 30 minutes. Then, the fixtures are taken out of the water, and the presence of water droplets on the surface and whether the fixtures can functionproperly are observed. Based on the test results, the waterproof level of the fixtures can be determined. Generally, fixtures with an IP65 rating or higher are suitable for outdoor environments.

In addition to waterproof performance, the IP protection level of LED lighting fixtures is also an important indicator for evaluating their dust-proof performance. IP stands for Ingress Protection, and it consists of two numbers that represent the protection capability against solid and liquid objects, respectively. For example, an LED lighting fixture with an IP protection level of IP65 means that the fixture is completely protected against solid objects with a diameter of 1mm or more, and it has a certain level of protection against water sprayed into the fixture.

IP protection level testing can also be carried out according to international standards. During the testing, the LED lighting fixtures are placed in different-sized dust chambers and water tanks to simulate different usage scenarios. After the testing is completed, the appearance of the fixtures and the working condition of the internal circuits are observed to determine their IP protection level.

In practical use, it is important to choose LED lighting fixtures with suitable waterproof and IP protection levels. Insufficient waterproof performance of the fixtures can easily lead to damage and even safety accidents such as short circuits and electric shocks. Fixtures with poor dust-proof performanceare prone to accumulating dust, which can affect their luminous efficiency and heat dissipation.

Furthermore, the waterproof performance and IP protection level of LED lighting fixtures can also affect their prices. Generally, fixtures with higher waterproof and IP protection levels are more expensive. Therefore, when purchasing LED lighting fixtures, consumers should choose fixtures with waterproof performance and IP protection levels that meet their actual usage environment and needs.

By selecting LED lighting fixtures with appropriate waterproof performance and IP protection levels that meet requirements, one can ensure a safer and more reliable lighting effect. Additionally, when purchasing LED lighting fixtures, factors such as energy efficiency, luminous efficiency, and lifespan should also be considered to improve the overall user experience.

In conclusion, waterproof performance and IP protection level tests are important means to evaluate the water resistance and dust-proof performance of LED lighting fixtures. Through these tests, the waterproof level and IP protection level of the fixtures can be determined, and suitable LED lighting fixtures can be chosen for application. By selecting LED lighting fixtures with waterproof performance and IP protection levels that meet requirements, a safer and more reliable lighting effect can be achieved. Additionally, when purchasing LED lighting fixtures, factors such as energy efficiency, luminous efficiency, and lifespan should be considered to improve the overall user experience.

JL-X waterproof test machine is according to IEC60529:1989 +A1:1999 +A2：2013 《Degrees of protection provided by enclosures(IP Code)》, IEC60598, IEC60335 and IEC 60034-5, GB/T-2423.2, GB4208, GB7000.1. The JL-X includes the following test grades: IPX1, IPX2, IPX3, IPX4, IPX5, IPX6, IPX7 and IPX8 (Refer to page 51 of IEC60529). It is widely used in the authentication test organization for the products such as electrical & electronic products, LED luminaires as well as in the relevant quality control department for the waterproof detection of the enclosures protection grades.

Lisun Instruments Limited was found by LISUN GROUP in 2003. LISUN quality system has been strictly certified by ISO9001:2015. As a CIE Membership, LISUN products are designed based on CIE, IEC and other international or national standards. All products passed CE certificate and authenticated by the third party lab.

Our main products are Goniophotometer, Integrating Sphere, Spectroradiometer, Surge Generator, ESD Simulator Guns, EMI Receiver, EMC Test Equipment, Electrical Safety Tester, Environmental Chamber, Temperature Chamber, Climate Chamber, Thermal Chamber, Salt Spray Test, Dust Test Chamber, Waterproof Test, RoHS Test (EDXRF), Glow Wire Test and Needle Flame Test.

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