In-depth Analysis Spray Nozzle for IPX3 and IPX4 Tests

1. Overview of IPX3 and IPX4 test standards

IPX3 and IPX4 are waterproof grade developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), to measure the ability of products to resist different forms of water ingress. IPX3 mainly simulates water spray at an angle of 60° to the vertical direction, while IPX4 targets splashing water from all directions. These two levels are essential to ensure the normal operation of various products in rainy environments, which are widely used in industries such as electronics, automobiles, and outdoor equipment.

2. The key role of the hand-held device in IPX3/4 testing and its features

Handle-held device for IPX3 and IPX4 tests mainly consists of spray nozzle, moving shield, counterweight, pressure gauge and hose. Amount them, spray nozzle is the core components, its design and performance will directly affect the accuracy of test result. The spray nozzle must be able to precisely control spray angle and coverage to simulate real water spraying and splashing scenes. For example, in the IPX3 test, the spray nozzle must ensure that water is sprayed onto the product at a specific angle and flow rate; while in the IPX4 test, the nozzle needs to splash water from all practicable directions at the same time to fully test the product's waterproof performance.

● Material: The spray nozzle made by Pego is made of brass, which has good performance to resist corrosion. Brass can adapt to long-term water contact and different water quality conditions, ensuring the stable operation of the nozzle during the test and extending its service life.

● Nozzle design: There are totally 121 holes distribute on the surface of spray nozzle, 1 hole at the center, 2 inner circles of 12 holes at 30° pitch, and 4 outer circles of 24 holes at 15° pitch, the hole has a diameter of 0.5mm. This design helps to evenly disperse the water flow, forming a stable and standard spray or splash pattern. The layout and number of spray holes are carefully calculated to achieve a specific spray angle and coverage.

● Delivery rate the pressure control: The IPX3/4 hand-held device made by Pego configure with pressure gauge and valve, the water pressure is adjusted to give the specified delivery rate, the pressure to achieve this delivery rate will be in the range of 50Kpa to 150Pa. User can control the water pressure by valve, and monitor the water pressure by pressure gauge.

● Moving shield: The IPX3/4 hand-held device configure with an aluminum moving shield. When performing IPX3 test, the shield should put in place to adjust the water spray angle, so that the water can spray at 600 from vertical. When performing IPX4 test, remove the shield can realize all practicable directions splashing.

3. Comparison between oscillating tube and spray nozzle

Both the oscillating tube and spray nozzle are standard recommended tools for IPX3 and IPX4 testing. However, their structures and applications are different. Users can choose the appropriate equipment according to their own situation.

3.1 Comparison of Functional Features

● Oscillating Tube: It mainly achieves water spraying at different angles through its own oscillation. It can comprehensively simulate the water spraying at an angle of 60° from the vertical in IPX3, and the water splashing from all directions in IPX4. Its advantage lies in the ability to continuously and dynamically change the water - spraying direction, making the test environment closer to the actual complex water - splashing scenarios.

● Spray Nozzle: It focuses on achieving precise water spraying and splashing through the design of the spray holes and the control of water flow pressure. As mentioned before, it can evenly disperse the water flow through a specific layout and number of spray holes, forming a stable water - spraying or splashing pattern that meets the standard requirements.

3.2 Differences in Structural Design

● Oscillating Tube: The structure is relatively complex. It usually includes a driving device to achieve the oscillating action and a pipeline structure connected to the water supply system. The oscillating tube testing equipment made by Pego is driven by servo motor.

● Spray Nozzle: The structure is relatively simple, mainly composed of the nozzle body and spray holes. The spray nozzle is hand-held device with small volume, it is more flexible to operation.

3.3 Focus on Applicable Scenarios

For certain types of apparatus, the oscillating tube cannot possible to wet all parts of the enclosure under test, the hand-hand spray nozzle should be used prior in such cases. The test duration is 1min/m2 of the calculated surface area of the enclosure, with a minimum duration of 5min. Users can use multiple spray nozzle at the same time by fixing them with the bracket.

4. Available Model

Considering the different needs of different users, Pego has IPX3/4 spray nozzle and IPX3/4 spray nozzle testing equipment on sale. User can buy the IPX/34 spray nozzle to assembly their own test system, or select the IPX3/4 spray nozzle testing equipment to conduct precise testing. The spray nozzle testing equipment consists of spray nozzle and control box, the control box is integrated with water tank, control buttons and flowmeter.