In today’s market, where product homogenization is increasingly common, “waterproof performance” has become a key selling point for many electronic devices, especially outdoor power stations, chargers, and other power products. We often see prominent “IPX7 Rated Waterproof” on product promotional pages. But have you considered the rigorous testing behind this label? Can your product truly pass the standard validation?
Just How Rigorous is IPX7 testing?
First, let’s quickly recap the IPX7 definition.
It specifies that an enclosure, under defined conditions, must withstand immersion in water to a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes without allowing harmful ingress of water.
Sounds simple? However, in practice, the “devil is in the details.” A single oversight can lead to test failure or even potential safety hazards.
Four Critical IP X7 Testing Points You Can’t Afford to Miss
Based on the standard and considering the specific nature of power products, here are four key aspects you must focus on when preparing for IPX7 testing:
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IPX7 Testing Environmental Conditions:
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Temperature Range: 15°C ~ 35°C
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Relative Humidity: 25% ~ 75%
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Atmospheric Pressure: 86 kPa ~ 106 kPa
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Test Equipment: Immersion Tank
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Test Duration: 30 minutes
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Test Water Depth:
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The lowest point of enclosures with a height less than 850mm should be located 1000mm below the water surface.
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The highest point of enclosures with a height equal to or greater than 850mm should be located 150mm below the water surface.
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Other Considerations: If the product’s safety standard does not specify test details, testing should be conducted according to the manufacturer’s requirements. If the product’s safety standard has additional stipulations (e.g., testing while powered on), those requirements must be followed.
GTG Advice: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
In real-world cases, we often find clients falling into the following traps:
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Pitfall 1: Overlooking Specific Safety Standard Requirements.
Focusing solely on the IP rating standard but forgetting that the product’s own electrical safety standard might have stricter rules, leading to an invalid test. -
Pitfall 2: Improper Sample Preconditioning.
Moving the sample directly from a cold storage area to a warm lab and starting the test immediately, which can cause condensation and potentially lead to a false failure. -
Pitfall 3: Incomplete Post-Test Inspection.
After testing, it’s crucial not only to check for visible water ingress but also to immediately perform electric strength (withstand) and insulation resistance tests to confirm that electrical safety has not been compromised.
IPX7 certification is far more complex than just “submerging in water.” From test plan development and environmental control to mastering key parameters and avoiding safety risks, every step requires deep expertise and technical experience.