August 6, 2013. CertifiGroup announced it is one of North America’s first ISO 17025-accredited laboratories to offer IPX9K testing for automotive products. The new Ingress Protection testing in accordance with IPX9K allows manufacturers to certify equipment and enclosures for outdoor or harsh environments.
IPX9K is a special high-pressure steam-jet cleaning test. Joshua Hunt, head of the CertifiGroup environmental testing lab, provided an explanation. “The IPX9K test is derived from DIN 40050 Part 9,” he said. “High pressure and temperature water is jetted at an enclosure to test for ingress protection. IPX9K testing is the highest/harshest level of water testing per the IP code system.”
This testing applies to a wide variety of equipment, Hunt went on to explain, although the primary intent is for electrical equipment or components that are to be used in road vehicles that could be exposed to a cleaning process that involves high-pressure/steam jet cleaning. “However, any type of enclosure or apparatus which might be subjected to severe environmental conditions or cleaning methods will be suitable candidates for this test,” he added. “Most of our customers choose this test simply because it is the highest IP code designation available for water ingress testing.” The specific standards associated with this test are DIN 40050 Part 9 and IEC 60529.
CertifiGroup offers a free preliminary session for manufacturers and designers who can bring their product to the company's Cary, NC, laboratory.
www.certifigroup.com
