Insight into our testing centerIt’s getting wet! IP protec­tion class water test bay

In the testing center in Hollen­bach, fans are pushed to their limits and beyond with real-life envi­ron­mental influ­ences. New prod­ucts, sizes or compo­nents pass through the test stations in a total of six test fields over an area of approx­i­mately 2,500 square meters. In this series, we take a closer look at each of these test bays. The fourth focuses on humidity and mois­ture.

In the IP protec­tion class test bay, water tests are carried out according to the IP degrees of protec­tion, i.e. stan­dard­ized tests. The IP degree of protec­tion describes to what degree devices are protected against the ingress of humidity and mois­ture, for example. In Hollen­bach, the employees in the testing center carry out five stan­dard tests: IP X3 to IP X6 and IP X9K.

To do this, the test spec­i­mens are mounted on a rotating table in a splash water chamber. Depending on the IP degree of protec­tion, water – with a spec­i­fied quan­tity, pres­sure and at certain angles – is directed at the test spec­imen using spray arches with nozzles or a water jet nozzle. In real life scenarios, fans expe­ri­ence these condi­tions when there is rain, for example, if they are installed on a roof and exposed to the weather, or by using them in a washing system. This range of different mois­ture expo­sures is what is found in the IP protec­tion class water test bay.

IP degree of protec­tion tests in the testing center

IP protec­tion class water

Protec­tion class IP X3:

Sprayed water

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IP protec­tion class water

Protec­tion class IP X3

The spray arch floats around the test spec­imen at a +/- 60 degrees angle for 10 minutes, with 0.07 l/min water per nozzle.

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IP protec­tion class water

Protec­tion class IP X4:

Splash water

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IP protec­tion class water

Protec­tion class IP X4

The spray arch floats around the test spec­imen at a +/- 180 degrees angle for 10 minutes, with 0.07 l/min water per nozzle.

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IP protec­tion class water

Protec­tion class IP X5:

Water jet

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IP protec­tion class water

Protec­tion class IP X5

The water jet sprays the test spec­imen with 12.5 l/min, for at least 3 minutes.

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IP protec­tion class water

Protec­tion class IP X6:

Pres­sur­ized water jet

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IP protec­tion class water

Protec­tion class IP X6

The water jet sprays the test spec­imen with 100 l/min of water, for at least 3 minutes.

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IP protec­tion class water

Protec­tion class IP X9K:

Flat jet nozzle

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IP protec­tion class water

Protec­tion class IP X9K

This test simu­lates cleaning with a steam jet nozzle: The test spec­imen rotates on the rotating table, a flat jet nozzle sprays 14-16 l/min water, 30 seconds per posi­tion onto the product. The water temper­a­ture is also increased to up to 80 degrees.

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After each indi­vidual protec­tion class test, high voltage and func­tion tests are performed on the fan. If no harmful water has pene­trated, the test has been passed.

Exclu­sive insights into all test fields

Learn more about how ebm-papst puts fans to the test in the indi­vidual test fields. A new article with insights, videos and pictures comes every week!