Water Test Room is to ensure our products meet the required level of protection against water ingress.
IPX3 And IPX4 – Rainwater-Proof Test
Rain-proof luminaires (IPX3) are sprayed with water for 10 minutes by means of an oscillating semi-circular spray tube. Perforated so that jets of water are directed towards the luminaire. The water flow rate at the inlet of the test apparatus is approximately 0.07 l/min ± 5 % per hole multiplied by the number of holes (approximately 80 kN/m²).
The tube oscillates through an angle of 120° (this is split into 60° on either side of the luminaire). Allowing time for one complete oscillation (2 x 120°) being about 4 s. The luminaire is mounted above the pivot line of the tube. This is so the ends of the luminaire receive adequate coverage from the jets. The luminaire is turned about its vertical axis during the test at a rate of 1 r.p.m. After the 10 minute period, the luminaire is switched off and allowed to cool naturally; whilst the water spray is continued for a further 10 minutes.
Splash-proof luminaires (IPX4) are tested using the same equipment and method as used for the IPX3 test. The only difference is that the tube oscillates through an angle of almost 360° (180° on either side). Allowing the time for one complete oscillation (2 x 360°) being about 12 s.
After completion of the IPX3 or IPX4 test, the luminaire is inspected. Ensuring that there is no trace of water on the electrical connections, current carrying parts or on insulation; where it could become a hazard for the user or surroundings.
Immediately following the water and dust tests, the luminaire shall withstand the electric strength test specified in Section 10 of BS EN 60598-1.
IPX5 And IPX6 – Water Jet-Proof Test
Jet-proof luminaires (IPX5) are heated to normal operating temperature. Then switched off and immediately subjected to a water jet for 15 minutes from all directions by means of a hose. The nozzle of the hose is held 3 metres away from the sample. The water pressure is automatically adjusted to achieve a water flow rate of 12.5 l/min +/-5% (approximately 30kN/m²). After 15 minutes we open the luminaire to inspect if there is water inside.
Powerful water jet-proof luminaires (IPX6) are heated to normal operating temperature. Then switched off and immediately subjected to a water jet. The water jet is on for 3 minutes from all directions by means of a hose. The water pressure at the nozzle of the hose is automatically adjusted, this is to achieve a water flow rate of 100 l/min +/- 5% (approximately 100kN/ m²). After 3 minutes we open the luminaire to inspect if there is water inside.
Compliance with the standard BS EN 60598-1, this is met there is no water is found within the luminaire.
Product testing is vital to ensure our luminaires remain up to our standard. To find out on other ways in which we test our luminaires, in our lab click below: