Importance of High Ingress Protection: IP65, IP66, IP67, IP68, IP69K

Ingress protection, also known as IP, is a rating system used to classify the level of protection against dust and water intrusion. The ratings are determined by tests conducted under specific conditions assigned by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The IEC is a global organization that develops international standards for electrical, electronic, and related technologies.

Standardised IP rating systems are important because they help industries to choose the right electronic equipment for their needs. Rugged computing and displays with a higher IP rating will typically be more expensive, but it will also be better protected against damage from dust, water, and other corrosive materials.

Industrial computers and displays are assigned IP ratings determined by tests conducted under specific conditions, in result two numbers classify the level of protection against solids and liquids. The first number rates the level of protection against solid objects, such as dust. The second number rates the level of protection against liquids, such as water. The industrial computer industry uses the IP rating system to classify the level of protection against dust and water intrusion for computer equipment because the electrical components onboard can be easily damaged by dust and water present in many industrial applications.

The necessary IP rating for a computer is entirely contingent on the industry and usage it is intended for. The type of environment the waterproof computer or waterproof display will be deployed in will typically define the level of ingress protection required to guarantee that it will operate reliably 24/7, even in harsh conditions. Things Embedded provide an extensive selection of industrial computing, display, and communication equipment for IIoT, all of which are prepared to operate dependably in various harsh conditions where water resistant or full waterproof protection is a must. We can assist in evaluating your industry conditions and determining how much protection is required ensure the chosen hardware will have a long operating life.

Food and Beverage Processing

As the food and beverage industry relies more heavily on computer-based control systems, they must also meet increasingly strict regulations for safety. Operations require heavy wash downs or high temperature water treatment with strong disinfectants when cleaning all equipment within the facility. To ensure all control systems are protected at all times, food and beverage operations need to install industrial hardware with a minimum IP65 rating for exposure to light spraying. Whereby heavy washdowns are considered to remove stubborn debris IP69K is a must have.

Marine, Military, and Outdoors

Rugged operation is a complete necessity when placing computers in harsh environments like on ships, outside or military vehicles. The computer will be exposed to water and dirt but also requires protection from corrosion from saline environments which can cause expensive damage over time if not dealt with properly. For outdoor applications exposed to rain then IP65 or IP66 protection will be suffice. Whereby there is risk of submersion or flooding, such as within the Maritime industry, IP67 is a must have.

Digital Signage

Digital signage applications requiring water ingress protection are commonly found in outdoor environments exposed to rain, humidity, or splashes. With a robust IP65 or higher rating, these digital displays ensure uninterrupted operation even in wet conditions. From outdoor advertising displays in bustling city centers to interactive information kiosks at water parks, these protected digital signs offer vital information, advertisements, or entertainment while safeguarding against water damage. Whether enhancing customer experiences or disseminating crucial information, water-resistant digital signage remains a reliable choice for effective communication in various outdoor settings.

Heavy Manufacturing and Industrial Settings

Front IP65 HMIs are commonly used in warehouses and factories to control processes as well as communicate with machinery. These rugged interfaces, designed with a robust IP65 rating, shield sensitive electronics from the ingress of dust, dirt, and potential splashes. Whether on factory floors, manufacturing lines, or processing plants, these HMIs provide workers with reliable and intuitive control while enduring the harsh conditions of heavy industry.

Pharmaceutical

In pharmaceutical applications, the need for ingress protection is paramount to maintain product integrity and regulatory compliance. With stringent hygiene standards, controlled environments, and potential exposure to dust and moisture, pharmaceutical equipment and enclosures often require high IP-rated protection. Devices like cleanroom PCs must adhere to completely dust tight standards to prevent contamination and ensure efficient operation in sanitized conditions. Equipment used in this field is very advanced, so it’s necessary you have clean rooms with limited air pollution and no foreign objects, making a fanless solution a must have.

As per the IP rating system, IP69K computers and screens provide the utmost level of safeguarding for industrial equipment requiring high-pressure and high-temperature cleaning at the conclusion of a work shift. The IP69K test standard is extensively utilized in industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and medicine. IP69K means the waterproof computer or waterproof display can endure intense sanitary cleanings without being damaged.

Benefits of IP69K

Uphold High Standards of Hygiene: IP69K HMIs are perfect for facilities that need to maintain their utmost cleanliness and require upholding high standards of hygiene. These industrial devices can withstand water and chemical exposure without compromising performance or reliability, thus upholding strict cleaning procedures.

Minimize Downtime: Industrial environments are often harsh and unpredictable, often causing system failures and downtime. A major benefit of the IP69K rated products is that they can withstand these conditions, which would prove fatal for electronic devices or instrumentation in most cases if not protected high levels of ingress protection.

Guaranteed Long-life Solutions: The IP69K rated enclosures can withstand high pressure jets and high temperatures which can often cause openings and ingress. Most IP69K solutions are made from aluminium or stainless steel allowing it to handle caustic solutions, meaning that the product will retain its reliability and guarantee a long-life. With this high degree of protection, costly repairs on industrial devices is prevented.

What Is The Difference Between IP69 and IP69K?

The German standard, DIN 40050-9, includes the letter K, expanding the IEC 60529 system with an IP69K rating for applications involving high-pressure, high-temperature wash downs. Enclosures with this rating are required to be not just dust-proof (IP6x), but also capable of enduring high pressure jets and steam cleaning. IP69K was designed for heavy-duty vehicles that require regular cleaning, such as concrete mixers, but it was adopted in various other sectors that demand superior hygiene and cleanliness, such as food processing.

Is IP69K Submersible?

While the IP69K rating indicates a high level of protection against water jets, it doesn’t necessarily imply that a device is submersible. The IP69K rating is specifically designed to test a device’s resistance to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets from various angles. Submersion protection is indicated by an IP67 or IP68 ingress protection, where the second digit (the “7” or “8”) indicates varying levels of water resistance, including the ability to be submerged to a certain depth for a specified period.

Stringent IP69K Test Specification

Products with an IP69K rating are subjected to rigorous testing to confirm their resistance to high pressure, high temperature water, and dust. Here are the following testing procedures carried out on our IP69K computers and IP69K displays:

• The system is positioned on a rotating platform that completes a full rotation every 12 seconds (5 rpm).
• The water pressure ranges from 1160 to 1450 psi.
• The nozzle is positioned 4-6 inches away from the device under test at 0, 30, 60, and 90-degree angles, each for a duration of 30 seconds.
• The system is sprayed with 80C (176F) water at a high flow rate of 15 litres (4 gallons) per minute.