Decoding the Importance of IP Ratings for Wire Harness Waterproofing

Waterproofing of wire harnesses is an indispensable element to ensure their proper functioning. Failure in waterproofing can lead to various electrical system malfunctions, especially in vehicles. This not only affects the overall comfort of the vehicle but may also pose serious safety hazards. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct waterproofing tests to verify the reliability of the design once the wire harness is designed.

Common expressions like IPXX have specific meanings, where IP and the following two digits hold distinct significance.

The IP protection rating system, drafted by the IEC, classifies electrical devices based on their dust and moisture resistance capabilities. The IP protection rating consists of two digits. The first digit represents the device's resistance level to dust and foreign object intrusion (tools, human fingers, etc., are not allowed to touch the live parts of the device to prevent electric shock). The second digit indicates the device's level of moisture resistance and waterproof sealing; a higher number denotes a higher protection level.

Protection levels are typically expressed in the format IP followed by two numbers, which clarify the protection level.

The first digit indicates the device's resistance to fine dust or the degree to which people are protected from harm in a sealed environment. It represents the protection level against the intrusion of solid foreign objects, with the highest level being 6.

The second digit indicates the device's waterproofing level, representing the protection level against water intrusion, with the highest level being 8.

For example, the protection rating of a motor is IP65. The first digit signifies the device's protection against dust and foreign objects, while the second digit represents the device's waterproofing level.

First digit (Dust protection level):

- 0: No protection

- 1: Protection against large solid object intrusion

- 2: Protection against medium-sized solid object intrusion

- 3: Protection against small solid object entry and intrusion

- 4: Protection against entry of solid objects larger than 1mm

- 5: Protection against harmful dust accumulation

- 6: Complete prevention of dust entry

Second digit (Water protection level):

- 0: No protection

- 1: Protection against dripping water; prevents vertical water droplets

- 2: Dripping water protection when tilted at 15 degrees; prevents dripping when tilted at 15 degrees

- 3: Protection against sprayed water; prevents rainwater or water sprayed at an angle less than 50 degrees

- 4: Protection against splashing water; prevents water splashing from all directions

- 5: Protection against water jets; prevents large waves or water from fast-flowing water holes

- 6: Protection against powerful water jets; the device can still operate normally when immersed in water under certain conditions or pressures

- 7: Protection against water immersion; the electrical device can be submerged indefinitely in water and still ensure normal operation under certain water pressure conditions

SED is committed to providing the most reliable protection for your vehicle. Through meticulous design based on IP protection ratings, we ensure that each wire harness maintains outstanding performance even in harsh conditions. Learn more about SED wire harnesses to make your driving experience more secure and smooth.

Understanding IP ratings is crucial for assessing the resistance of automotive wire harnesses to dust and water. With these ratings, especially using IP6X, manufacturers ensure their products meet stringent standards and deliver reliable performance even in challenging environmental conditions. Waterproof testing ranges from IPX1 to IPX8, comprehensively evaluating the resistance of wire harnesses to various water intrusion scenarios.