Integrated IPX3-IPX6 Water Ingress Testing Solution
Standards
The chamber is designed for IPX3–IPX6 water ingress testing in accordance with:
- IEC 60529:1989+A1:1999+A2:2013
- EN 60529
- ISO 20653:2023 for applicable automotive testing configurations
Applications
The IPX3-IPX6 water spray and jet test chamber supports product development, engineering validation, type testing, quality control and final inspection.
Typical applications include:
- Indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures
- Electrical cabinets and control enclosures
- Household electrical appliances
- Outdoor electronic products
- Automotive and motorcycle components
- Industrial control equipment
- Communication and monitoring devices
- Electrical and electronic product enclosures
- Testing laboratories and certification projects
Key Features
- Integrates IPX3, IPX4, IPX5 and IPX6 testing in one enclosed unit
- R400 oscillating tube with controlled angle and movement
- Separate 6.3 mm and 12.5 mm nozzles for IPX5 and IPX6 testing
- Motorized vertical nozzle movement for controlled water jet exposure
- 7-inch touchscreen and Panasonic PLC control system
- Programmable test time, motion and specimen power cycles
- Forward, reverse and alternating turntable rotation
- SUS304 stainless-steel internal and water-contact components
- Recirculating water system with filtration and water-level monitoring
- Electrical leakage, low-water-level, water interruption and short-circuit protection
- Configurable specimen capacity, turntable load and power supply
By integrating four IEC 60529 water test levels in one enclosed unit, the IPX3-IPX6 water spray and jet test chamber reduces equipment footprint and simplifies testing across product development, validation and routine quality control.
Technical Specifications
General Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Test levels | IPX3, IPX4, IPX5 and IPX6 |
| Test methods | Oscillating tube for IPX3/IPX4; water jet nozzles for IPX5/IPX6 |
| Control system | 7-inch touchscreen and Panasonic PLC |
| Standard internal test space | 900 × 900 × 900 mm |
| External dimensions | Approx. 1350 × 3400 × 1755 mm (L × D × H) |
| Internal material | SUS304 stainless steel |
| Outer structure | Coated steel cabinet |
| Water system | Integrated water tank, circulation and filtration |
| Maximum specimen dimensions | Configured according to specimen dimensions and required test clearance |
IPX3 and IPX4 Oscillating Tube Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
| Oscillating tube radius | R400 |
| Spray hole diameter | 0.4 mm |
| Spray hole spacing | 50 mm |
| Oscillating tube inner diameter | 15 mm |
| IPX3 total flow rate | 1.1 L/min ±5% |
| IPX4 total flow rate | 1.8 L/min ±5% |
| IPX3 oscillating angle | 120° total, 60° on either side of vertical |
| IPX4 oscillating angle | 350°, providing approximately full-circle exposure |
| IPX3 oscillation cycle | Approx. 4 seconds per complete oscillation |
| IPX4 oscillation cycle | Approx. 12 seconds per complete oscillation |
| Flow adjustment | Manual adjustment using a panel flowmeter |
IPX5 and IPX6 Water Jet Parameters
| Parameter | IPX5 | IPX6 |
| Nozzle diameter | 6.3 mm | 12.5 mm |
| Water flow rate | 12.5 ±0.625 L/min | 100 ±5 L/min |
| Nozzle-to-specimen distance | 2.5 m | 2.5 m |
| Water pressure | Adjusted to achieve the specified flow rate | Adjusted to achieve the specified flow rate |
| Nozzle movement | Motorized vertical movement | Motorized vertical movement |
| Flow adjustment | Manual panel flowmeter | Manual panel flowmeter |
The standard nozzle-to-specimen distance is 2.5 m, within the 2.5–3.0 m test distance used for IEC 60529 IPX5 and IPX6 testing.
Turntable and Electrical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
| Standard turntable diameter | Φ600 mm |
| Turntable load capacity | Configured according to specimen weight and testing requirements |
| Turntable speed | 1–5 r/min, adjustable |
| Rotation direction | Forward, reverse or alternating rotation |
| Turntable height range | 400–700 mm |
| Standard specimen power supply | AC 220 V, 10 A; other configurations available |
| Specimen power cycle | Power on: 0–999 min; power off: 0–999 min |
| Standard equipment power supply | AC 380 V ±10%, 50 Hz ±10%, three-phase with neutral and protective earth |
| Optional power supply | 60 Hz and other regional voltage and frequency configurations |
| Installed power | 3.0 kW |
| Protection functions | Electrical leakage, low water level, water interruption and short circuit |
Custom Configurations
The chamber can be configured for different specimens, laboratory conditions and destination markets.
Available options include:
- Internal chamber dimensions
- Maximum specimen dimensions
- Turntable diameter and load capacity
- Turntable height adjustment range
- Specimen power supply
- Equipment voltage and frequency
- Control functions and test programs
- Technical and compliance documentation
The final configuration is determined according to the specimen dimensions, weight, test method and operating requirements.
R400 and R600 Configuration Comparison
| Parameter | R400 Configuration | R600 Configuration |
| Oscillating tube radius | R400 | R600 |
| Standard internal test space | 900 × 900 × 900 mm | 1300 × 1300 × 1300 mm |
| External dimensions | Approx. 1350 × 3400 × 1755 mm | Approx. 1750 × 3800 × 1950 mm |
| IPX3 total flow rate | 1.1 L/min | 1.8 L/min |
| IPX4 total flow rate | 1.8 L/min | 2.6 L/min |
| Turntable height range | 400–700 mm | 550–1100 mm |
| Typical selection | Small to medium-sized specimens | Larger specimens requiring greater clearance |
The R400 configuration is suitable when the specimen fits within the smaller test space. For larger products requiring greater test clearance, see the R600 IPX3-IPX6 Waterproof Test Chamber.
5 major protection systems
Installation Requirements
The installation site should meet the following conditions:
- Level floor with suitable load-bearing capacity
- Recommended floor load capacity of at least 200 kg/m²
- Water-resistant installation area with suitable drainage
- Ambient temperature of 5–35°C
- Relative humidity not exceeding 85%
- Air pressure of 86–106 kPa
- Water supply pressure of at least 0.2 MPa
- Suitable water connection close to the equipment
- Independent electrical circuit with leakage protection
- Reliable protective grounding
- Adequate operating and maintenance clearance
Recommended clearance:
- Rear, left, right and top: at least 600 mm
- Front operating area: at least 1400 mm
The enclosed test area contains the main water spray and jet exposure, while the recirculating water system reduces water consumption. Suitable site drainage is still required.
Standard Accessories
The standard accessories include:
- One replacement filter element
- 100 spare spray needles
- One water supply pipe, approximately 5 m long
The final accessory list is confirmed according to the selected equipment configuration.
Documentation and Support
Depending on the project scope, available documentation may include:
- Factory inspection records
- Operating and maintenance manual
- Electrical diagrams
- CE documentation
- Third-party calibration certificates
- Packing and delivery documents
BONAD provides technical consultation, configuration guidance, installation and operating support, troubleshooting assistance and spare-parts support. Applicable warranty terms are stated in the quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What tests can the IPX3-IPX6 water spray and jet test chamber perform?
It supports IPX3/IPX4 oscillating tube tests and IPX5/IPX6 water jet tests in accordance with IEC 60529.
2. What is the difference between the IPX3/IPX4 and IPX5/IPX6 test methods?
IPX3 and IPX4 use an oscillating tube to expose the enclosure to spraying or splashing water. IPX5 and IPX6 use specified nozzles and flow rates to apply water jets.
3. Is the testing process fully automatic?
The touchscreen and PLC control the test time, oscillating tube or nozzle movement, turntable rotation and specimen power cycles. Water flow is adjusted manually through the panel flowmeters.
4. What is the difference between the R400 and R600 configurations?
The R400 configuration has a smaller oscillating tube radius and test space. The R600 configuration provides greater clearance for larger specimens. Both configurations support IPX3–IPX6 testing.
5. Can the specimen size and turntable capacity be customized?
Yes. The internal test space, maximum specimen dimensions, turntable diameter, load capacity and height range can be configured according to the specimen and testing requirements.
6. Can the specimen be powered during testing?
Yes. The chamber includes a specimen power supply with programmable power-on and power-off cycles. The voltage and current configuration can be adapted where required.
7. Does the equipment require a dedicated waterproof test room?
The enclosed design contains the main spray area and includes a recirculating water system. A dedicated open spray room is generally not required, but the installation area should have a water-resistant floor and suitable drainage.
8. Can the equipment power supply be configured for different countries?
Yes. The standard configuration is AC 380 V, 50 Hz, three-phase. A 60 Hz supply and other regional voltage and frequency configurations are available.
9. What documentation and after-sales support are available?
Depending on the project scope, documentation may include factory inspection records, operating manuals, electrical diagrams, CE documentation and third-party calibration certificates. Technical consultation, installation guidance, troubleshooting assistance and spare-parts support are also available.
10. How does the equipment help prevent nozzle clogging?
The water circulation system filters impurities before water reaches the oscillating tube and jet nozzles. The standard accessories include 100 spare spray needles and one replacement filter element for maintenance.
Discuss Your Testing Requirements
Whether you are establishing a new IP testing laboratory, upgrading an existing test capability or evaluating equipment for a specific product, BONAD can assist with technical selection, system configuration and supporting documentation.
Chamber dimensions, specimen capacity, turntable load and power supply can be configured for different applications. Please contact us for technical information, configuration guidance and a quotation.
