10-7-11

Differences between IEC 60529 (Enclosures) & IEC 60598-1 (Luminaires)

IEC 60529 (Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)) applies to the classification of
degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment with a rated voltage not exceeding
72.5kV. The objective of the standard is to provide the framework for IP code and their definitions and
requirements. Test methods can be found within IEC 60529; however the standard notes that the
“relevant product standard” shall be followed if an IP test method is provided. Further details on the can
be found on the White Paper located on the CertifiGroup IP Code Testing website.
http://www.certifigroup.com/Relevant%20Product%20Standard.pdf

IEC 60598-1 (Luminaires – Part 1: General requirements and tests) applies to luminaires which contain
electrical light sources up to supply voltages of 1000V. The classification, marking, mechanical and
electrical construction tests are covered within this standard. The classification of degrees of protection is
derived from IEC 60529. However the test methods for verifying compliance to IP is located section 9 of
IEC 60598-1.

Luminaires generate high heat levels which may alter the ingress protection properties of the enclosure.
IEC 60529 does not require the EUT (Equipment Under Test) to be energized, In IEC 60598-1, testing
does not commence until the EUT reaches a stable operating temperature. As the luminaire is heated, all
gaskets, tape, adhesive, etc… will “relax” and may compromise the integrity of the seal. Also as the heat
level raises so does the internal pressure, which may cause the enclosure or diffuser to expand. Then
once the EUT is subjected to the water from IP testing, the EUT will rapidly cool down and decompress
which simulates an affect similar to a vacuum.

One of the biggest differences between the two standards can be found in the acceptance criteria for
protection against ingress of water. IEC 60529 does allow the entrance of water, as long as it does not
deposit on any live parts, insulation, or quantity which may affect the operation of the equipment. IEC
60598-1 states that all luminaires that are not provided with drain holes may not have any presence of
water. Luminaires which are provided with drain holes shall effectively drain all water and shall not have
any water deposits on any live parts or in any quantity which may affect spacing distances or operation.
For IPX7 & IPX8 rated luminaires, water deposits are not allowed.

By testing your luminaire only to IEC 60529, your IP code designation may or may not be correct. All
luminaires shall be tested in accordance to IEC 60598-1, to simulate conditions which your luminaire will
actually experience in the real world. It is important to note that it is the manufacturer’s responsibly to
ensure that their product is tested correctly as intended by the IP code standards.

For a quick overview of some of the differences between IEC 60529 & IEC 60598-1, please refer to the
table 1 & table 2 on the following pages. A comparison of the test conditions, test duration, and
acceptance conditions are provided for each IP code. Not all test conditions could be listed on the charts
below, for more details please refer to the applicable standard.

CertifiGroup has the capabilities to perform all IP testing for enclosures, luminaires, motors, and more.
For any details or assistance with Ingress Protection Testing please feel free to contact us at our website.
www.certifigroup.com
 10-7-11

IP First Characteristic Numeral

Protection against Ingress of Solid Foreign Objects

IEC 60529 (Enclosures) IEC 60598-1 (Luminaires)

IP Description of Test Test Acceptance Description Test Test Acceptance
Code Test Force Duration Condition of Test Force Duration Condition
1X Sphere (Ø 50mm) 50N - Shall not Enter n/a - -
Sphere (Ø Test Finger (Ø No contact to
2X 30N - No entry 30N -
12.5mm) 12mm) live parts
Rod (Ø
3X Rod (Ø 2.5mm) 3N - No entry 3N - No entry
2.5mm)
Rod (Ø
4X Rod (Ø 1.0mm) 1N - No entry 1N - No entry
1.0mm)
No deposit of No deposit of
Dust Chamber 3 hours
Dust Chamber with 2 or 8 dust on critical dust on critical
5X - without - and 1
or without vacuum hours parts or harmful parts or harmful
vacuum minute
quantity quantity
Dust Chamber 3 hours
Dust Chamber with 2 or 8
6X - No dust entry without - and 1 No dust entry
vacuum hours
vacuum minute
NOTE: NOTE:
For IP5X, if the EUT is deemed a category 1 enclosure, the EUT is For IP5X & 6X, the luminaire set to normal operating
subjected to a vacuum source. Category 2 enclosures are tested temperature and then placed in chamber and kept
without vacuum source for a period of 8 hours. energized while dust circulation begins. After 1 minute
For IP6X, all EUTs are subjected to a vacuum source regardless of the luminaire is switched off and kept in chamber for the
Category type remaining 3 hours.
For IP5X & 6X, all EUTs are tested de-energized.
Table 1
 10-7-11

IP Second Characteristic Numeral

Protection against Ingress of Water

IEC 60529 (Enclosures) IEC 60598-1 (Luminaires)

IP Description of Flow Test Acceptance Description Flow Test Acceptance
Code Test Rate Duration Condition of Test Rate Duration Condition
1 Vertically 3 -No trace of
Vertically falling
X1 mm/ 10 min falling water mm/ 10 min water on current
water drops
min drops min carrying parts or
Vertically falling SELV parts or on
3mm/ 2.5 min
X2 water drops when
min per tilt
- - - insulation where
EUT tilted 15º it could become
Shall not:
0.07l/ hazard
min -be sufficient to Spraying 0.07l/
Spraying water at 10 min or -luminaires
per water at 60º min
X3 60º on either side 1 min/m2 interfere with 20 min without drain
hole correct operation on either side per
of vertical (5 min) holes shall have
or 10 of equipment or of vertical hole
l/min no water entry.
impair safety
0.07l/
min Spraying 0.07l/ -luminaires with
Spraying water 10 min or -deposit on
per water from all min drain holes, shall
X4 from all directions 1 min/m2 insulation parts 20 min
hole directions per effectively drain
(5 min) water and not
or 10 -reach live parts hole
l/min reduce creepage
or windings not
12.5 12.5 and clearance
X5 Jetting water 3 min designed to Jetting water 15 min
l/min l/min distances.
operate wet
100 100
X6 Jetting water 3 min Jetting water 3 min -no water entry
l/min -accumulate l/min
for IPX7 and
Temporary near cable end Temporary
IPX8
X7 Immersion - 30 min or enter the Immersion - 30 min
(0.15-1.0m) cable (0.15-1.0m)
-no damage,
Continuous such that ingress
Continuous Immersion protection
agreeme
X8 Immersion - (1.3x rated - 30 min properties are
nt
(>1m) immersion impaired.
depth)
Note: NOTE:
-All EUT are testing de-energized unless requested by customer. -For all testing with water, the luminaire is brought up to
-EUT without drain holes can allow water entry inside as long as it a stable operating temperature by energizing the
does not violate any of the acceptance conditions. luminaire. Once the luminaire has reached a stabilized
-Dielectric Strength Testing is performed if deemed necessary by temperature testing is performed
CertifiGroup to assist with inspection. -IPX5-X8 testing are all performed with the sample de-
energized just before testing.
-Dielectric Strength Testing is performed on luminaire
before and after testing for verification of hazards due to
water ingress.
Table 2