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Many electronics devices are adding the feature of being waterproof as the demand for it is getting more common.
The IP Code (or International Protection Rating, sometimes also called Ingress Protection Rating) consists of the letters IP followed by two digits and an optional letter. As defined in international standard IEC 60529, it classifies the degrees of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects (including body parts like hands and fingers), dust, accidental contact, and water in electrical enclosures. The standard aims to provide users more detailed information than vague marketing terms such as waterproof.
The digits (characteristic numerals) indicate conformity with the conditions summarized in the tables below.
[Example]
I P 67 ①②
①dustproof ②waterproof
[Protection against dustproof]
Class
IP Code
Definition
0
IP0x
No protection against contact and ingress of objects
1
IP1x
Protected against any large surface of the body, such us as the back of a hand.
Protected against solid objects greater than 50mm in size.
2
IP2x
Protected against access to hazardous parts by a finger or similar object.
Protected against solid objects greater than 12.5mm in size.
3
IP3x
Protected against access to hazardous parts with a tool or thick wire.
Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5mm in size.
4
IP4x
Protected against access to hazardous parts with a wire, screw, etc.
Protected against solid objects greater than 1mm in size.
5
IP5x
Protected against access hazardous parts. Dust protected.
6
IP6x
Protected against access to hazardous parts. Dust-tight.
[Protection against waterproof]
Class
IP Code
Definition
0
IPx0
No protection
1
IPx1
Protects against water falling vertically
2
IPx2
Protects against water falling vertically with component tilted up to 15 deg.
3
IPx3
Protects against water falling vertically with component tilted up to 60 deg.
4
IPx4
Protects against water splashing from all directions
5
IPx5
Protects against jets of water with little water permitted
6
IPx6
Protects against heavy seas of water projected with powerful jets
7
IPx7
Protects against the effects of immersion in water between 15cm and 1m below surface from 30 minutes
8
IPx8
Protects against the effects of immersion in water under pressure for long periods
FAQ regarding waterproof.
【Higher grade means a higher performance?】
It is thought that a higher grade means a higher performance, but that isn’t necessarily true. For example, Test method for IPx5 or 6 are for jet flow and IPx7 is for submerging, which are completely different.
If the item passes the submerge test, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will pass the jet flow test. This example shows how a higher grade doesn’t always mean a higher performance.
【Does IPx7 not guarantee for dustproof?】
There are many products that show IPx6 or IPx7, but still have features for dustproof.
This doesn’t necessarily mean the product doesn’t meet the requirements for dustproof.
In order to put a number in the part ① that shows the dustproof performance, it’s necessary to be clear the standard of protection not only against the intrusion of dust, but also against the approach of fingers and tools to dangerous places, and the test that is carried out. If it hasn’t been done, the notation is "x".
【The meaning for an additional letter after IP rating】
Such as IP67DH, some ratings have additional letters after the number.
This letter shows strict definitions for testing waterproof and dustproof.
As with the "x" mentioned above, it doesn’t mean that the performance is poor due to having no alphabetical notation.
Additional letter
Definition
A
Safe against contact with back-of-hand
(access probe, ball 50mmΦ)
B
Finger-safe
(test fingers 12mmΦ and 80mm long)
C
Access with tools
(access probe, ball 2.5mm Φ)
D
Access with wire
(access prove, ball 1.0mmΦ)
Supplementary
Definition
letter
H
High-voltage electrical equipment
M
Tested when moving parts are in operation
S
Tested when moving parts have come to a standstill
W
Tested in specified weather conditions
If any other notation shown above, please contact us
【Yokowo’s efforts for waterproofing】
Yokowo conducts practical tests and alternative tests for waterproof connector. Practical test takes time to get results due to preparing equipment and water for submerging.
If we add this practical inspection process, we must implement a sampling test.
However, an alternative test enable us to get results more quickly and we can implement a 100% inspection before shipping.
To ensure quality assurance, all waterproof connectors are tested by an air leakage machine during mass production.
【Air leakage test】
The air leakage test is an inspection that measures the pneumatic tightness of the produced components. This test get results quickly and easily, it is done during mass production.
Using an air leakage test, Yokowo can perform not only the IP standard, but also customer’s required specifications.
Yokowo can make custom connectors and has experience supporting 1Mpa pressure in previous projects. (Yokowo also has a high-pressure injector for reliability testing)
Yokowo newly released waterproof blade & receptacle connectors. This connector retains the floating function of the blade & receptacle connectors with the added benefit of waterproof.
It was difficult to achieve a connector that has both these two features, but Yokowo finally developed a connector with these two features and additionally added more robustness features.
〈Isolated contact area〉
Fully partitioned off the contact area to prevent short circuit between adjacent contacts.
The receptacle side is waterproofed with an O-ring, and the plug side is waterproofed with a sheet. A flange is provided on each connector so that waterproofing between the customer’s product and the connector can be ensured when the connector is attached.
Please feel free to contact us if you need further details on ensuring the waterproofness of the device.
Yokowo can propose a wide variety of various waterproof methods as we have plenty of experience.
Waterproof technology: O-ring, rubber sheet, potting, double-sided tape
Waterproof structure (example)
Yokowo also can propose assembly connector with waterproof
・Product waterproof
・waterproof with cable
As we introduced in this newsletter, Yokowo can conduct various waterproof tests.
Please feel free reach us if you have any inquiry.
【Editor’s Notes】
Yokowo tries to make improvements and develop new products regardless of the specific market or products based on customer’s feedback
We are further increasing our standard catalog connectors in order to reduce the burden of customer’s design and initial costs. Also, we advise the best solutions based on our experience and achievements.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any requirements, inquiries, or questions.
■Previous Newsletter■
・Newsletter Nov.2021 High Speed Data Transmission Connector
・Newsletter Oct.2021 Relocation of Yokowo's Headquarters
■Yokowo introduction movie■
*The above link will direct you to YouTube site.
■Yokowo Fine Connector Div introduction movie■
*The above link will direct you to YouTube site.
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YOKOWO CO.,LTD FC Div.
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Yokowo conducts practical tests and alternative tests for waterproof connector. Practical test takes time to get results due to preparing equipment and water for submerging.
Air leakage detector (made by Javich)
The receptacle side is waterproofed with an O-ring, and the plug side is waterproofed with a sheet. A flange is provided on each connector so that waterproofing between the customer’s product and the connector can be ensured when the connector is attached.
