WHAT IS IP CERTIFICATION?
In this article we will try to tell you what the IP certification standard is, how to interpret the meaning of the numbers next to the IP acronym, therefore what product features it certifies and what certification the Explorer cases technical luggage range has obtained.
We will talk specifically about:
- What is the IP certification?
- What is the meaning of the acronym?
- How to interpret the numbers next to it?
- Why is Explorer Cases IP 67 rated?
What is IP certification?
IP (International Protection Marking) certification is a parameter that defines to what extent a device is protected against intrusion of solids and access of liquids. It has been defined and regulated by the International Electrotechnical Commission according to the IED 60529 standard.
What is the meaning of the acronym?
The code consists of three parts:
- IP (International Marking Protection): very simply defines the name of the certification itself
- A number between 0 and 6: tells the degree of protection against the introduction of dust and solid bodies where 6 is the highest degree of protection
- A number between 0 and 9: defines the degree of protection against the introduction of liquids, 9 being the highest degree of protection
How to interpret the numbers next to it?
Each number corresponds to a certain degree of resistance; industrial products are tested in order to receive the most appropriate certification for their characteristics.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST SOLIDS AND DUST
0 = not protected against any contact or ingress of solids
1 = protected against solids larger than 50 mm such as any large body surface as the back of the hand
2 = protected against solid bodies larger than 12 mm such as access with a finger
3 = protected against solid bodies larger than 2.5 mm such as a tool, large cables, etc.
4 = protected against solid bodies larger than 1 mm such as access with thin screws, small screwdrivers, etc.
5 = protected against dust ingress. Dust penetrates but not in such an amount as to prevent proper functioning
6 = fully protected against the ingress of dust, sand and small bodies.
The grades offering real protection are in fact the last two.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST LIQUIDS
0 = no protection, even a simple drop could cause damage
1 = protected against light rain. The test is carried out for 10 minutes with 1 mm of rain per minute.
2 = protected against rain. The test is carried out for 10 minutes with 3 mm of rain per minute.
3 = protected by heavy rain. The test is carried out for 5 minutes with 0.7 litres of rain per minute. In other words, if you stand in the rain and your smartphone or other certified device gets wet, no damage will occur.
4 = protected from splashing water coming from all directions. The test is carried out with an oscillating hose for 10 minutes.
5 = protected from water jets coming from all directions. The test is carried out with a direct water jet of 12.5 litres per minute at a distance of 3 metres for at least 15 minutes. The pressure also comes into play here, which – in this case – must be 0.3 bar.
6 = protected from surges. This is tested with a water flow of 100 litres per minute at a distance of 3 metres for at least 3 minutes and a pressure of 1 bar.
7 = protected against temporary immersion. The test is carried out up to a depth of 1 metre for a maximum of 30 minutes.
8 = protected against permanent immersion. Test conditions vary in agreement with the manufacturer.
9 = protected against high pressure and high temperature water jets. The test is carried out at a water pressure between 80 and 100 bar at a temperature of approx. 75°C.
Why Explorer Cases suitable for IP 67?
GT line offers a high-performance, waterproof and shock-resistant product with IP 67 certification and is also able to produce special IP 68 certified items to order. In addition to these civil certifications, Explorer waterproof cases also have military certifications: NATO’s Stanag 4280; Military Standard 810, military certification of the United States; Defence Standard 8141, military certification of the United Kingdom.