IEC 60529 Oscillating Tube Test Chamber – BONAD IPX3 IPX4 Test Chamber
IEC 60529 IPX3/IPX4 Test Method
The chamber is designed in accordance with IEC 60529:1989+A1:1999+A2:2013 for enclosure protection testing against spraying and splashing water.
- IPX3 Water Spray Test: The active spray holes cover an arc of 60° on each side of the center point, while the oscillating tube moves through a total range of 120°.
- IPX4 Water Splash Test: The full 180° spray arc is used while the oscillating tube moves through an almost 360° range.
The specimen is secured on the adjustable turntable at the center of the oscillating tube. The average water flow is 0.07 L/min per active spray hole, while tube movement, turntable operation and test duration are controlled according to the selected test procedure.
Applications
The IPX3/IPX4 water spray test chamber is suitable for water ingress and enclosure protection testing of:
- Lighting fixtures and outdoor luminaires
- Household appliances
- Electrical and electronic enclosures
- Industrial control components
- Automotive electrical components
- Communication products
- Outdoor equipment and accessories
- Products requiring IPX3 or IPX4 verification
The equipment can be used for product development, type testing, production quality control and third-party laboratory evaluation.
Key Features
- IPX3 and IPX4 testing: One chamber supports both water spray and water splash test procedures.
- Multiple oscillating tube options: Standard R200, R400 and R600 configurations are available.
- Precision spray holes: The SUS304 oscillating tube uses Ø0.4 mm spray holes for controlled water delivery.
- Controlled water spraying: Water flow can be monitored and adjusted according to the tube radius and number of active spray holes.
- Programmable tube movement: Oscillation range, movement speed and test duration can be set for different test procedures.
- Adjustable specimen turntable: Turntable rotation and height adjustment support accurate positioning and controlled water exposure.
- Integrated chamber structure: Helps contain water spray within the test area and supports controlled laboratory operation.
- Operational protection: Includes leakage, water shortage and short-circuit protection.
- Straightforward control: The control interface allows the operator to set and monitor the main test parameters.
Technical Parameters
Available Models
| Parameter | R200 Configuration | R400 Configuration | R600 Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | BND-IPX34B-R200 | BND-IPX34B-R400 | BND-IPX34B-R600 |
| Oscillating Tube Radius | R200 mm | R400 mm | R600 mm |
| Chamber Inner Dimensions | 500 × 500 × 500 mm | 900 × 900 × 900 mm | 1300 × 1300 × 1300 mm |
| Equipment Outer Dimensions | 1000 × 680 × 1440 mm | 1400 × 1080 × 1900 mm | 1740 × 1480 × 1950 mm |
| Water Flow Range | 0–1 L/min | 0–2 L/min | 0–3 L/min |
| Turntable Size | Ø200 mm | Ø400 mm; optional Ø200 mm | Ø600 mm; optional Ø400 or Ø200 mm |
| Turntable Height Adjustment | 150–250 mm | 350–600 mm | 550–1000 mm |
Common Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Spray Hole Diameter | Ø0.4 mm |
| Average Flow per Spray Hole | 0.07 L/min |
| Oscillating Tube Inner Diameter | 15 mm |
| Oscillation Range | 120° for IPX3; approximately 350° for IPX4 |
| Oscillation Cycle | Approximately 4 seconds for one IPX3 round trip; approximately 12 seconds for one IPX4 round trip |
| Oscillating Tube Material | SUS304 stainless steel |
| Turntable Speed | 1–5 r/min, adjustable |
| Protection Functions | Leakage, water shortage and short-circuit protection |
| Power Supply | AC 220 V |
| Rated Power | 1 kW |
| Applicable Standard | IEC 60529:1989+A1:1999+A2:2013, IPX3 and IPX4 |
Specifications may be adjusted according to the final equipment configuration.
Compliance and Documentation
CE documentation, calibration certificates and other compliance documents can be provided according to project requirements. Some third-party certificates or calibration services may require an additional charge.
Why Choose BONAD for IPX3/IPX4 Water Spray Testing?
BONAD is a testing solutions manufacturer. Our engineers support pre-sales model selection and customized configurations based on the specimen and test requirements. After delivery, BONAD provides installation and operating guidance, troubleshooting, maintenance assistance and spare-parts support.
Related IPX3/IPX4 Test Equipment
For larger specimens or projects requiring more flexible positioning, see our Open-Type IPX3/IPX4 Rain Test Equipment.
For localized testing or specimen surfaces that are difficult to expose with an oscillating tube, a Handheld IPX3/IPX4 Spray Nozzle may be more suitable, depending on the applicable test procedure.
FAQs
What is an oscillating tube test?
An oscillating tube test uses a semicircular tube with precision spray holes to apply controlled water spray to a specimen. The tube moves through a specified angle while the specimen is positioned on a turntable, allowing IPX3 and IPX4 water ingress protection to be evaluated.
Can one chamber perform both IPX3 and IPX4 tests?
Yes. The oscillation range, active spray area, water flow and test duration can be set according to the required IPX3 or IPX4 test procedure.
What is the difference between IPX3 and IPX4 testing?
IPX3 evaluates protection against spraying water at angles up to 60° on either side of the vertical, with the oscillating tube moving through a total range of 120°. IPX4 evaluates protection against splashing water from all directions, with the oscillating tube moving through an almost 360° range.
How does the oscillating tube spray water over the specimen?
Water is supplied through Ø0.4 mm spray holes distributed along the oscillating tube. As the tube moves through the selected IPX3 or IPX4 range, it sprays water over the specimen from controlled angles while the turntable rotates.
How should I select an R200, R400 or R600 oscillating tube?
The tube radius should provide sufficient space for the specimen to be positioned within the spray arc. Selection mainly depends on the specimen dimensions and mounting arrangement. BONAD can recommend a suitable configuration based on the application.
How is the specimen positioned during testing?
The specimen is placed and secured on the adjustable turntable. The turntable height is adjusted so that the specimen is positioned at the center of the oscillating tube for controlled water exposure.
How is the required water flow calculated?
The total water flow depends on the number of active spray holes: Total water flow = Number of active spray holes × 0.07 L/min per hole. Larger oscillating tubes generally have more spray holes and therefore require a higher total water flow.
What is the difference between chamber-type and open-type equipment?
Chamber-type equipment contains water spray within the test area and is suitable for controlled indoor laboratory testing. Open-type equipment provides more flexible specimen positioning and can accommodate larger oscillating tubes and test specimens.
Can specimens be energized during testing?
A protected power connection for the specimen can be added when energized testing is required. The electrical arrangement and applicable safety protection are reviewed according to the project.
Can irregularly shaped specimens be tested?
Yes. The rotating turntable helps expose different sides of the specimen to water spray. If the specimen shape prevents some required surfaces from receiving adequate spray, an alternative mounting arrangement or handheld spray nozzle may be more suitable.
What routine maintenance is required?
Routine maintenance includes using clean water, checking the Ø0.4 mm spray holes and water circuit for blockage, and cleaning the water tank and filtration components regularly.
Request a Configuration and Quote
Please contact BONAD for product details, configuration support or a quotation. Our team will review your application and recommend suitable IPX3/IPX4 water spray test equipment.
