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The purpose of degree of protection testing (IP) is to determine the capability of an item to limit the entry of solid objects or water. In most cases the protection is against ingress to electrically conductive parts where such ingress could result in damage to the item or harm to the user.

For solid objects, the lowest IP level is to simulate the protection of entry of the back of a hand into an item, then progressing to a finger, a tool, a wire, and finally to dust particles.

For water ingress, the levels of protection simulate different levels of exposure to water.  The tests range from a drip of water, through to a hot and high-pressure jet of water, and submersion to various depths for various periods of time. These simulate many different scenarios, such as:

• A small leak of water dripping on to the item from above
• Water from a nearby source being lightly sprayed or splashed on to the item
• The item being located outside and exposed to rain
• The item being exposed to a large flow of water like from a hosepipe
• The item being exposed to a large flow of water like from a domestic jet washer, or even a high power and high temperature jet washer
• The item being dropped into shallow water
• The item being used in marine environments

The result of the testing is a classification of the item with an IP code.

The IP code that is provided is made up of two numbers and is presented in the from “IP XX”, so a typical industrial rating is IP 65. The first number indicates the level of protection against foreign objects, and the second number indicates the level of protection against water. Typically, the bigger the number the better the level of protection but it can depend on the product and its application.

For more information on IP testing please click here. 

All testing is recorded and reported, regardless of the outcome. We can provide you just with the outcome of the test, but it is likely that you will need more documentation than this.

Assuming that testing is successful, it may be that you only require a certificate for the IP code achieved. Such a certificate is normally sufficient in most instances, as it is this certificate that you would share with your customers to prove the IP code achieved.

If you require a more detailed summary of the testing and the results, we can provide you with a full test report. Test reports may be necessary for your records, but you may also require them for passing on to other conformity assessment bodies for use towards other conformity assessment work, such as product certification. The report will detail:

• Details of all items tested
• What equipment was used
• Specific test conditions
• All the test parameters met or attempted to be met
• The results of all testing conducted
• Any additional information pertinent to the testing, such as
  • test sample modifications
  • any additional testing conducted
  • any deviations or exclusions made to the test parameters
  • opinions and interpretations made on the results
  • any observations made during the test

If testing is successful, there is very little to gain from observing our testing. However, should your item fail to meet the test pass criteria, an observation of the test may be necessary for you to try to determine why the failure occurred and what next steps to take.

We therefore offer clients the opportunity to witness our testing. The witnessing of our testing of your item can give you a valuable insight into the test requirements and why a failure may have occurred.

If you are in the development phase of a product design, you may want to conduct experimental degree of protection testing instead of seeking certification.

Should you want to do this, Eurofins CML can conduct testing only work to assist your research and development work. The test program can be tailored to your needs so should be discussed with our engineers to help determine the most effective program for your development plans.