IP Ingress Protection Testing Services

Protect your products from dust, water, and harsh environments with Element’s IP Ingress Protection testing. Whether you’re in aerospace, defense, automotive, or electronics, we help you navigate complex regulations, optimize durability, and prevent costly failures. With precision-calibrated equipment and expert guidance, we deliver fast, reliable testing - so you can bring robust, compliant products to market with confidence.

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What is IP Ingress Protection testing at Element?

IP Ingress Protection testing evaluates a product's resistance to solid particle infiltration and liquid penetration. At Element, we provide detailed testing across aviation, military, automotive, and industrial applications, delivering standardized IP ratings that measure against required industry standards. Our testing validates protection against everything from sand and dust particles to high-pressure water jets.

Element testing specialist standing among environmental test chambers in product testing lab

What Can Element Offer You For Ingress Protection Testing?

Key tests offered

Element provides comprehensive ingress protection evaluation through standardized testing protocols. Our services range from basic IP testing to advanced IPx9K assessments, ensuring your products meet global standards. We offer testing for solid particle resistance, water ingress protection, and specialized high-pressure steam cleaning evaluations. Each test is customized to your specific industry requirements and compliance needs which includes:

IP Testing (IEC 60529) for electrical equipment enclosures
Electrical Enclosure Rating Testing (NEMA 250 & UL 50E)
High-Pressure Steam Jet Cleaning (DIN 40050-9)
Water Resistance Testing (ASTM D951)
IPx9K Testing for maximum water ingress protection

Methods and solutions offered

Element’s approach to IP Ingress Protection testing combines technical expertise with practical solutions to meet your testing requirements. We start with understanding your specific needs, then develop a customized testing plan that aligns with your development timeline and budget. Our engineers provide ongoing consultation throughout the process, offering real-time feedback and recommendations for design optimization. This collaborative approach ensures efficient testing and successful outcomes.

Cutting-edge equipment we use

Element's laboratories feature state-of-the-art testing equipment calibrated to the highest industry standards. Our experts employ precision-calibrated IP testing equipment such as immersion tanks, specialized nozzles, and dust apparatus tailored to the required IP rating. We can test even large components and enclosures with purpose-built walk-in test chambers. We can guide and advise on custom testing methods, ensuring your specific requirements are met with precision and expertise.

Which labs offer this service

Our environmental testing hubs operate globally, providing worldwide access to our expert capabilities. We maintain the UK's widest range of climatic testing facilities, equipped to meet various specifications including RTCA-DO-160 (avionics), MIL-STD's (military), IEC 60259, and automotive standards.

Specialised IPx9K testing

Element’s experts specialize in providing the IPx9K evaluation process for water ingress protection, helping you achieve the highest rating. Initially developed for automotive products, it is widely utilized in electronics, military, and consumer industries. We offer comprehensive IPx9K testing methods, including those from DIN 40 050 and SAE J1455, providing flexibility with testing options at levels 1 through 4 tailored to meet your project requirements.

Standards we meet and the materials we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

Amd 1
BS EN 60529:1991 (2000)
BS EN 60598-1:2008 Clause 9.2
DIN 40 050-9
DIN 40050-9
EN 60529
GMW 3431
GR-3120-CORE (with optical measurements)
GR-3123-CORE (with optical measurements)
GR-3125-CORE
GR-3178-CORE
GR-326-CORE (with optical measurements)
GR-487-CORE
GR-771-CORE (with optical measurements)
GR-937-CORE
GR-950-CORE
GR-950-CORE (with optical measurements)
IEC 20653 IPX9K
IEC 60068-2-68
IEC 60529
IEC 60529:1989
IEC 60529:1989/A2:2013
IEC 60529:2001
IP X6
IP44
IP5X – Sections 13.4 and 13.5
IP6X – Sections 13.4 and 13.6
IPX 9k – Section 14.2.3
IPX3
IPX3 – Section 14.2.3
IPX4 - Section 14.2.3
IPX5 - Section 14.2.5
IPX6
IPX6 - Section 14.2.6
IPX7 – Section 14.2.7
IPX8 – Section 14.2.8
ISO 20653
JIS D 0207
Lloyds Register Specification No 1:1996:Enclosure test
MIL-STD 810G (Method 510.5)
MIL-STD-202 – Method 110
MIL-STD-810 – Method 510
MIL-STD-810 – Method 512 (Immersion)
NEMA 250
NEMA 250 (2014)
RCTA DO 160G:2010 (Section 12.4)
RCTA/DO-160 – Section 10
RCTA/DO-160 – Section 12
TR 2130C:2002
UL 50 (2007)
UL 50E (2007)

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Meeting Global Compliance Requirements

Navigate multiple international standards with our comprehensive testing capabilities and expert guidance on market-specific requirements. We ensure your products meet regional certifications efficiently.

Identifying And Resolving Issues Quickly

Optimize your product design through collaborative testing and rapid feedback. Our experts work within your development timeline to identify and resolve protection issues early.

Resource Limitations

Access state-of-the-art testing facilities and specialized equipment without capital investment. Our purpose-built chambers and precision equipment handle all your testing needs.

Managing Budget Pressures

Reduce lifecycle costs through thorough testing that prevents failures and extends product life. Our efficient processes help you meet budgets while ensuring comprehensive protection validation.

Why Choose Element

Global Testing Leadership

Worldwide laboratory network, including the widest range of climatic testing facilities in the UK.

Comprehensive Protection Testing

Full range of IP testing capabilities up to IPx9K with specialized equipment for all scenarios.

Customer-Focused Approach

Quick turnaround times and collaborative testing process with direct engineer support.

Industry-Leading Expertise

Our experts ensure you meet IP ingress protection standards and comply seamlessly with international market requirements.

But don't just take our word for it

See what others want to say about ...

Quick to provide turnaround on quotes and provide feedback on how testing would be performed [...] saves us a lot of time and headache compared to other test labs we have worked with and generally work with our engineers to ensure that tests go smoothly.
Steven Peets,
PKC Group North America

Frequently asked questions

What is IPx9K testing and why might I need it?

IPx9K is the highest rating for water ingress protection, initially developed for automotive but now used across electronics, military, and consumer industries. It tests protection against high-pressure steam cleaning and pressure washing.

How does IP testing contribute to sustainability goals?

IP testing extends product lifespan and reduces environmental impact by preventing premature failures and replacements. This results in fewer discarded materials and promotes sustainable product lifecycles.

Can IP testing be combined with other environmental tests?

Yes, water resistance testing can be paired with drop, impact, vibration, or compression tests for comprehensive environmental validation of your products.

How does NEMA 250 testing differ from standard IP testing?

NEMA 250 testing, specific to North America, goes beyond basic ingress protection to evaluate additional features including construction requirements, hazardous area protection, and resistance to environmental hazards like dust, oil, and corrosive atmospheres.

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