Austest performs accredited Ingress & Enclosure Protection Testing
Enclosure Protection testing involves assessing ability of the product or its enclosure to provide protection against:
- ingress of water (drip, spray, jet, immersion)
- ingress of dust
- solid foreign objects
- access to hazardous parts
- mechanical impact
Levels of protection against water, dust, solid foreign objects and access to hazardous parts are defined by IEC 60529 and its derivatives such as AS 60529. This standard is commonly referred to as “IP Code” and is referenced by many commercial, industrial and consumer product standards.
Protection against impact is standardised in similar manner by IEC62262 (also known as “IK code”) and IEC60068-2-75 specifications.
Accredited IP and Impact Testing for Defence, Aerospace and Automotive Sectors
Protection against impact is standardised in similar manner by IEC62262 (also known as “IK code”) and IEC60068-2-75 specifications.
Additionally, defence equipment is usually tested to relevant sections of MIL-STD-810 or DEF STAN 00-35 standards, while RTCA DO-160 is prevalent for aerospace applications.
Austest Laboratories operates enclosure protection testing facilities at its featuring:
- Ingress protection testing up to IP69K IP68 rating
- Large dust chamber, approx. 10 m3
- Immersion testing up to 6000 m depth
- Testing to defence, aerospace and automotive specifications:
- MIL-STD-810G
- DEF STAN 00-35
- RTCA DO-160G
- Spring, Pendulum and Drop hammer impact testing, up to IK10 rating
Here are the various numerals explained in basic terms covering Ingress Protection (please refer to the standard AS/NZS 60529 for specifics).
What Is Ingress Protection Testing?
Ingress Protection Testing refers to a standardised process used to determine the effectiveness of a product’s enclosure in protecting against external elements. This includes dust, water and physical intrusion.
The outcome of testing is typically given as an ingress protection rating such as IP65, which defines the product’s level of protection against solids and liquids.
All testing is conducted in controlled conditions and follows strict protocols set by standards such as IEC 60529 and plays a pivotal role in industries like automotive, defence, telecommunications, lighting and consumer electronics, where products must meet critical reliability and safety standards.
Our Testing Capabilities
Our facilities are equipped to perform a wide range of IP testing services.
This includes standard and specialist tests for certifications, including:
- IPX4 test - Resistance to splashing water from any direction
- IP65 testing - Dust tight and resistant to low-pressure water jets
- IP test Leak Evaluations - Checks for potential ingress failure in seals or enclosures under stress
- Ingress protection test services across full IP code ranges
We are also accredited for impact tests to determine the ingress protection rating using the IK code system. Our tests simulate real-world mechanical abuse and vandalism to confirm suitability for public or industrial use.
The Testing Process and Results
Our ingress protection testing process is structured and traceable to ensure repeatable and verifiable outcomes:
Enquiry and Scope
We work with you to understand your product’s intended use and required IP certification.
Test Setup
Samples are set up in one of our certified chambers for dust, water or impact simulation.
Exposure Phase
Products undergo the specified ingress protection test for the required duration and test level.
Evaluation
Following testing, our technicians evaluate the enclosure for any ingress, mechanical failures or compromise to the insulation.
Certification and Reporting
A full report is prepared and issued. This includes results, high-resolution images and clear evidence of compliance for IP certifications.
IP First Numeral – Protection from solid objects/dust, IP
| IP0X | No protection |
| IP1X | Protection against solid objects > 50 mm |
| IP2X | Protection against solid objects > 12 mm |
| IP3X | Protection against solid objects > 2.5 mm |
| IP4X | Protection against solid objects > 1 mm |
| IP5X | Protection against dust (limited ingress allowed, no harmful deposit). |
| IP6X | Fully protected from dust (dust tight). |
IP Second numeral – Protection from moisture/liquids
| IPX0 | No protection. |
| IPX1 | Protection from vertically dripping water |
| IPX2 | Protection from sprays/dripping of water up to 15ofrom vertical. |
| IPX3 | Protection from spraying water up to 60o from vertical. |
| IPX4 | Protection from spraying water (all directions) – limited ingress OK provided no hazard. |
| IPX5 | Protection from low pressure jets of water (all directions) – limited ingress OK provided no hazard. |
| IPX6 | Protection against powerful jets of water, limited ingress OK provided no hazard |
| IPX7 | Protection from temporary immersion |
| IPX8 | Protection from continuous immersion |
IK Code – Impact Protection
Austest is accredited for testing to the impact standard for IK ratings, IEC 62262. The IK ratings vary depending on intended use. Street lights have a minimum IK04, moderate resistance IK06, high – IK08 according to AS 1158.6 (Resistance to vandalism).
| IK code | IK00 | IK01 | IK02 | IK03 | IK04 | IK05 | IK06 | IK07 | IK08 | IK09 | IK010 | |
| Impact energy, J | . | 0,14 | 0,2 | 0,35 | 0,5 | 0,7 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 20 | |
| *Not protected according to the standard | ||||||||||||
| NOTE 1 | When higher impact energy is required, the value of 50J is recommended. | |||||||||||
| NOTE 2 | A characteristic group numeral of two figures has been chosen to avoid confusion with some national standards which used a single numeral for a specific impact energy. | |||||||||||
Why Choose Austest for Ingress Protection Testing?
We have decades of experience delivering accredited ingress protection testing for clients across defence, aerospace, telecommunications, lighting, automotive and consumer electronics.
Our service includes:
- Full IP certification services up to IP68
- Fast turnaround and tailored guidance from expert technicians
- Accredited to perform IP testing for major industries including military and transport
- Experience with bespoke and high-risk applications where compliance is critical
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ingress protection mean?
Ingress protection refers to the level of protection an enclosure offers against external elements. This includes dust and water. The ingress protection rating is a two-digit code such as IP65. The first digit indicates solid object protection, and the second digit relates to moisture ingress.
What is ingress protection IP65?
IP65 means the product is completely dust-tight (rating 6) and protected against low-pressure water jets (rating 5) from any direction.
This is a common requirement for outdoor enclosures and electrical products.
What is the cost of ingress protection testing?
The cost of ingress protection testing varies based on the IP rating required, the number of samples and complexity of the test.
We recommend contacting our team with product details for a tailored quote.