In-depth understanding of the IP waterproof rating system in the wiring harness industry

Waterproofing in wiring harnesses is an essential element to ensure their proper functioning. If waterproofing fails, it can lead to various electrical system failures, especially in automobiles, impacting not only the vehicle's comfort but also posing significant safety risks. Therefore, after completing the wiring harness design, conducting waterproof tests to verify the reliability of the waterproof design is crucial.

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

The IP protection level system, drafted by the IEC, classifies electrical appliances based on their dustproof and moisture-resistant characteristics. The IP protection level consists of two digits. The first digit represents the device's resistance level against dust and foreign object intrusion (where foreign objects include tools and human fingers, which should not come into contact with the live parts of the device to prevent electric shock). The second digit represents the device's moisture resistance and waterproof sealing level, with a higher number indicating a higher protection level.

Protection levels are typically expressed in the form of IP followed by two digits, where these numbers specify the protection level.

The first digit denotes the device's resistance to fine dust or the extent 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. The highest level is 8.

For example, the protection level of a motor is IP65. Here, the first digit signifies the protection level against dust and external objects, while the second digit represents the device's waterproof 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 solid objects larger than 1mm

- 5: Protection against harmful dust accumulation

- 6: Complete prevention of dust entry

Second digit (Waterproof level):

- 0: No protection

- 1: Protection against dripping water, preventing vertical dripping

- 2: Dripping water protection even when inclined at 15 degrees; still protects against dripping when tilted at 15 degrees

- 3: Protection against sprayed water, rain, or water sprayed at an angle less than 50 degrees

- 4: Protection against splashing water from all directions

- 5: Protection against water jets, preventing the entry of large waves and water sprayed from rapidly opening nozzles

- 6: Protection against strong waves; the electrical equipment can continue operating normally when immersed in water under certain time or water pressure conditions

- 7: Protection against water immersion; electrical equipment can be submerged indefinitely and still operate normally under certain water pressure conditions

DMIC is committed to providing the most reliable protection for your vehicle. Through detailed design based on IP protection levels, we ensure that every wiring harness maintains excellent performance even in harsh conditions. Learn more about DMIC wiring harnesses for a safer and smoother driving experience.

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