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What Is IPX4 Waterproof Test?

Jan 23 2026
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    Introduction — Why IPX3 & IPX4 Waterproof Testing Matters

    In real-world applications, water exposure rarely occurs as full immersion. Instead, products are far more likely to experience angled rain, splashing water, and irregular spray during daily use.

    This is why IPX3 and IPX4 waterproof tests are frequently specified together in international standards, customer requirements, and certification documents.
    IPX3 evaluates resistance to directional water spray, while IPX4 extends protection to splashing from all directions, forming a complete and realistic splash-level waterproof assessment.

    As a professional environmental test equipment manufacturer, LIB industry provides reliable, standard-compliant IPX3/IPX4 rain test chambers, supporting manufacturers from R&D validation to mass production quality control.


    What Is IPX4 Waterproof Test?

    The IPX4 waterproof test, defined under IEC 60529, evaluates whether a product can withstand water splashing from any direction without harmful effects.

    IPX4 Test Requirements:

    • Water splashed from all directions

    • Uniform and continuous exposure

    • No harmful water ingress permitted

    • Test duration and water flow strictly defined by the standard

    IPX4 is widely considered the baseline waterproof level for everyday environments, covering kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor installations, and industrial workplaces.

    How IPX3 Fits into IPX4 Splash Testing

    Before reaching the all-direction splash requirement of IPX4, many products are evaluated under IPX3 conditions.

    The IPX3 waterproof test simulates water spray at angles up to 60° from the vertical, representing wind-driven rain or slanted spray exposure.

    IPX3 Test Focus:

    • Directional spray from defined angles

    • Controlled flow rate and spray pattern

    • No harmful water ingress

    In practical testing scenarios, IPX3 and IPX4 are almost always required together, as they complement each other and reduce certification risks.


    LIB Industry IPX3 / IPX4 Rain Test Chamber — Product Overview

    The IPX3 / IPX4 rain test chamber by LIB industry is specifically designed to perform splash and spray waterproof testing in full compliance with IEC 60529.

    It accurately simulates:

    • Angled water spray (IPX3)

    • Multi-directional water splashing (IPX4)

    This system is widely used in product development, type testing, third-party certification, and production inspection, offering both high accuracy and long-term stability.

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    Test Principle & System Design

    LIB industry IPX3/IPX4 rain test chambers adopt a precision oscillating tube system, combined with a closed-loop water circulation unit.

    • During IPX3 testing, water is sprayed at controlled angles up to 60° from the vertical

    • During IPX4 testing, the oscillating tube provides uniform splash coverage from all directions

    All key parameters — oscillation speed, spray density, water flow rate, and test duration — are programmable and monitored via the control system, ensuring repeatable and auditable results.

    Oscillating Tube Specification:

    • Type: Oscillating tube (IPX3 / IPX4)

    • Radius: 400 mm (standard configuration)

    • Material: Stainless steel, corrosion-resistant

    • Spray holes: Precisely machined for uniform distribution

    Key Components of the IPX3 / IPX4 Rain Test Chamber

    Test Chamber Structure

    • Industrial-grade SUS304 stainless steel construction

    • Long-term resistance to corrosion and moisture

    • Available in with-housing and no-housing designs

    Turntable System

    • Motor-driven turntable ensures 360° exposure of the DUT

    • Adjustable rotation speed

    • Customizable turntable diameter for large or irregular products

    • Optional waterproof power supply for energized testing

    Water Circulation & Filtration System

    • Integrated closed-loop water circulation system

    • Stable water pressure and flow during extended tests

    • Built-in 1.5 mm filtration system removes debris

    • Reduces water consumption and maintenance frequency

    Control & Operation Interface

    • Touchscreen human-machine interface

    • Programmable IPX3 / IPX4 test cycles

    • Real-time monitoring of test parameters

    • Simple mode switching and user-friendly operation


    Flexible Configurations & Full IPX1–IPX9K Waterproof Testing Solutions

    To accommodate different product sizes, testing environments, and protection level requirements, LIB industry offers highly flexible IPX waterproof testing solutions, covering both IPX3/IPX4 rain test chambers and the complete IPX1–IPX9K test range.

    For IPX3/IPX4 splash and spray testing, LIB industry provides multiple configuration options, including:

    • Standard upright rain test chambers for laboratory and routine testing

    • No-housing rain test systems for large, open, or irregular products

    • Large walk-in rain test rooms for fully assembled equipment

    • Enlarged oscillating tube radii to ensure full spray coverage

    • Non-standard chamber dimensions tailored to specific DUT sizes

    • Customized turntables, with adjustable load capacity and diameter

    Beyond IPX3 and IPX4, LIB industry delivers a complete line of waterproof test equipment covering IPX1 to IPX9K, enabling customers to build a unified and expandable testing system:

    • IPX1 / IPX2: Vertical and inclined dripping test chambers

    • IPX3 / IPX4: Splash and spray rain test chambers

    • IPX5 / IPX6: High-pressure water jet test chambers

    • IPX7 / IPX8: Immersion test tanks

    • IPX9K: High-temperature, high-pressure water jet systems

    From compact enclosed chambers to large walk-in rain test rooms, LIB industry enables manufacturers to standardize all IPX waterproof testing with one reliable supplier, reducing certification complexity while ensuring consistent, repeatable test results.


    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — IPX3 / IPX4 Rain Test Chamber

    Q1: Can the turntable of the rain test chamber be made larger?
    Yes. The turntable size can be customized according to DUT dimensions and overall equipment structure. LIB industry fully supports non-standard customization while ensuring safety and compliance.

    Q2: What is the standard size of the water tank?
    According to IEC 60529, the reference size for no-housing IPX1–IPX6 testing is 800 × 1500 × 1000 mm. Actual tank size varies depending on equipment configuration and test requirements.

    Q3: How long can one full water tank support testing (IPX1–IPX9K)?
    LIB industry rain test chambers use a water circulation system, allowing long-duration continuous testing without frequent refilling, while maintaining stable water pressure and flow.

    Q4: What is the material of the nozzles used in IPX3/IPX4 testing?
    The nozzles are made of stainless steel. IPX3/IPX4 systems use 400 mm oscillating tubes to ensure uniform spray coverage and standard-compliant simulation.

    Q5: After one test cycle, does the water go through a filtration system again?
    Yes. During return flow, water passes through a 1.5 mm filtration system, removing debris and maintaining water cleanliness.

    Q6: Will the oscillating tubes loosen after long-term use?
    The oscillating tubes feature a detachable structure secured by screws. Loosening is rare, and retightening restores stability if needed.

    Q7: For no-housing IPX3/IPX4 systems, how are oscillating tube positions defined?
    Oscillating tubes with a radius greater than 800 mm are installed in the upper position, while tubes ≤ 800 mm are installed in the lower position, ensuring compliant spray coverage.


    Make IPX3 & IPX4 Testing a Competitive Advantage

    IPX4 waterproof testing — supported by IPX3 validation — proves that products can withstand real-world splash and spray exposure.

    By choosing LIB industry IPX3 / IPX4 rain test chambers, manufacturers gain:

    • Faster certification preparation

    • Reduced test failure risk

    • Stronger and more credible waterproof claims

    Contact LIB industry today to configure your IPX1–IPX9K waterproof testing solution — from standard upright rain test chambers to custom walk-in systems — and turn waterproof performance into measurable market confidence.

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    No.6 Zhangba First Street, High-Tech Area, Xi'an City, Shanxi Province, P.R. China 710065
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