Waterproof and dustproof measures

This page introduces dustproof and waterproof measures for AC adapters and switching power supplies. We classify dust and waterproof performance according to the electrical equipment and provide custom and modified AC/DC Power Adapter in compliance with the International Protection Rating certification IEC60529. Regarding safety and reliability certifications, the necessary various tests are conducted at our factory or by third-party certification organizations.

About Waterproof and Dustproof Support

AC/DC Power Adapter Waterproof and Dustproof Support

What is IP?

IP stands for Ingress Protection and is an internationally recognized certification regarding water resistance and dust protection.

The Ingress Protection rating (or IP rating) refers to the International Protection Marking (IEC 60529) established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which classifies electrical equipment according to its dustproof and water resistance performance. The International Protection Marking (IEC 60529) is commonly referred to as the IP rating and is often indicated as IPxx. This standard corresponds to the EU standard EN60529.

Explanation diagram of IP (Ingress Protection rating)

The two digits following IP indicate the following:

First digit: "Dust protection" rating, indicating the level of protection against solid objects (including tools, fingers, etc., preventing contact with internal electrical components to avoid electric shock).
Second digit: "Water protection" rating, indicating the level of protection against liquids (refers to the enclosure’s protection against moisture and water ingress).

The higher these two numbers, the higher the degree of protection.

Regarding applications for and acquisition of safety certifications in each country of shipment according to customer requests, we will proceed in accordance with the steps below for your reference.

IP Waterproof and Dustproof Ratings and Structure

Protection Rating Table

Protection Against Contact and Solid Objects

0	No protection
1	Protection against contact by hands
2	Protection against contact by fingers
3	Protection against access by tools
4	Protection against wires
5	Protection against dust
6	Completely dust-tight structure

Protection Against Water Ingress

0	No protection
1	Protected against vertically falling water drops without harmful effects
2	Protected against water drops falling at up to 15° from vertical without harmful effects
3	Protected against water drops falling at up to 60° from vertical without harmful effects
4	Protected against splashing water from any direction without harmful effects
5	Protected against direct water jets from any direction without harmful effects
6	Protected against strong direct water jets from any direction without harmful effects
7	No water ingress when immersed in water under specified pressure and time conditions
8	Suitable for continuous immersion under water

* Example: IP65 indicates a completely dust-tight structure (6) and protection against direct water jets from any direction without harmful effects (5)

Diagram of the procedure for applying for and obtaining safety certifications for each shipping country

Dust Protection Rating and Test Standards

0	No test
1	Prevents solid objects 50 mm or larger in diameter from entering
2	Prevents solid objects 12.5 mm or larger in diameter from entering
3	Prevents solid objects 2.5 mm or larger in diameter from entering
4	Prevents solid objects 1 mm or larger in diameter from entering
5	Limits dust ingress and prevents dust accumulation
6	Completely prevents dust ingress

Water Protection Rating and Test Standards

0	No test
1	Protected against vertically falling water drops for 10 minutes
2	Protected against dripping water at a 15° tilt for 10 minutes
3	Protected against spraying water for 5 minutes
4	Protected against water splashes from all directions for 5 minutes
5	Protected against low-pressure water jets for at least 3 minutes
6	Protected against powerful water jets for at least 3 minutes
7	Immersion at 1 m depth for 30 minutes
8	Suitable for immersion deeper than 1 m
*9K	Uses high-temperature, high-pressure water jets sprayed at close range (In IEC 60529, all tests marked IPx9K are defined in ISO 20653) *Optional, not mandatory

Many electrical and electronic Products are designed with safety and reliability in mind as follows:

Preventing access to hazardous parts inside the enclosure by the back of the hand, fingers, metal rods, wires, etc. (access to hazardous parts)
Protecting internal equipment from solid objects or foreign matter such as metal rods, wires, and dust (solid objects)
Protecting internal equipment from spilled tea, moisture, rain, and splashing water (ingress of water)

Improper design or use may cause performance degradation or failure of the Products itself and may affect user safety (electric shock, fire, etc.). Therefore, Products exposed to outdoor or high-humidity environments must be designed and evaluated in consideration of the IP code.

UNIFIVE can provide customized solutions to prevent damage to equipment caused by solid foreign objects and liquid ingress.

Semi-Custom and Full-Custom Support for Waterproof and Dustproof Solutions

UNIFIVE's AC/DC Power Adapter and switching power supplies can be customized according to customer needs and the required dustproof and waterproof protection ratings for each Products type.

Semi-custom: Based on existing Products from UNIFIVE.
The closer the required specifications are to our existing Products standards, the shorter the development time and the lower the development cost.
Full custom: Even if there is no readily available Products specification for an AC adapter, full customization is available according to customer requirements.
We develop customized Products, including detailed specifications, design information, and safety regulations.

If you are considering waterproof and dustproof measures for your AC/DC Power Adapter, please feel free to contact our sales department.