Project Introduction

Waterproof tests are applicable to electrical and electronic products that may be subjected to water during transportation, storage, or use. These waters can originate from heavy downpours, wind-driven rain, sprinkler systems, splash from wheels, flushing, or fierce waves. The relevant specifications should detail whether electrical and electronic products must operate normally during the test or can merely withstand the washing conditions while remaining intact.

Waterproof testing requirements are in place for portable, outdoor, and automotive electronics, with corresponding standards established internationally by organizations such as IEC, MIL, ETSI, and SAE.

Waterproof rating

IEC/EN60529 defines waterproofing into 9 levels (Level 0 to Level 8), with the waterproofing level (e.g., IPX4 - Waterproofing Level 4):

Level 0: Fully Waterproof, No Protection

Level 1: Vertical dripping should have no harmful effects

Level 2: Vertical surfaces of the shell should have no harmful effects on vertical dripping within a 15° range of inclination.

Level 3: Spraying within a 60° vertical range, no harmful effects.

Level 4: Splash water in all directions of the shell has no harmful effects.

Level 5: Spraying water in all directions of the shell has no harmful effects.

Level 6: Intense water jetting in all directions of the casing has no harmful effects.

Level 7: The shell's water intake after immersion in water under specified pressure for a specified time shall not reach a harmful level.

Level 8: After prolonged underwater immersion in accordance with conditions agreed upon by both the manufacturer and the user (which should be more severe than Level 7), the amount of water entering the shell should not reach a harmful level.