ISO 20653:2023

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 20653
Third edition
2023-08
Road vehicles — Degrees of protection
(IP code) — Protection of electrical
equipment against foreign objects,
water and access
Véhicules routiers — Degrés de protection (codes IP) — Protection
des équipements électriques contre les corps étrangers, l'eau et les
contacts
Reference number
ISO 20653:2023(E)
© ISO 2023

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ISO 20653:2023(E)
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© ISO 2023
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
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Published in Switzerland
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ISO 20653:2023(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Structure and meaning of the IP code . 2
4.1 Structure of the IP code . 2
4.2 Meaning of IP code . 2
4.3 Examples for the use of letters in the IP code . 3
5 Degrees of protection against foreign objects and against access . 4
6 Degrees of protection against water . 5
7 Designation examples . 6
7.1 General . 6
7.2 Example IP34K . 6
7.3 Example IP16KB . 6
7.4 Example IP2X/IP5KX . 6
8 Requirements and testing .7
8.1 Atmospheric conditions. 7
8.2 Device under test (DUT) . 7
8.3 Requirements and tests for degrees of protection against foreign objects and
access . 7
8.3.1 Test set-up . 7
8.3.2 Requirements for tests using probes . 9
8.3.3 Requirements for testing with dust .12
8.4 Requirements and test for degrees of protection against water .13
8.4.1 Test set-up . 13
8.4.2 Execution of the tests for protection against ingress of water .13
8.4.3 Requirements .13
9 Notes on the assignment of degrees of protection .22
9.1 Assignment of degrees of protection against foreign objects and access .22
9.2 Assignment of degrees of protection against water . 22
Bibliography .24
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ISO 20653:2023(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use
of (a) patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed
patent rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received
notice of (a) patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are
cautioned that this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent
database available at www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all
such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 22, Road vehicles, Subcommittee SC 32,
Electrical and electronic components and general system aspects.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 20653:2013), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— test conditions for IPX9K test were extended, the method for measuring of the impact forced was
described and tolerances were added, the visualization method for impact force with foam was
added;
— details to test setup for degrees of protection against water 3, 4 and 4K were added.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
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ISO 20653:2023(E)
Introduction
The IP codes used in this document are in accordance with IEC 60529, except in the case of codes “K”,
which describe special requirements for road vehicles that are not covered by IEC 60529.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 20653:2023(E)
Road vehicles — Degrees of protection (IP code) —
Protection of electrical equipment against foreign objects,
water and access
1 Scope
This document applies to degrees of protection (IP code) provided by enclosures of the electrical
equipment of road vehicles. It specifies the following:
a) designations and definitions of types and degrees of protection provided by enclosures of electrical
equipment (IP codes) for the:
— protection of electrical equipment within the enclosure against ingress of foreign objects,
including dust (protection against foreign objects);
— protection of persons against access to hazardous parts inside the enclosure (protection against
access);
— protection of electrical equipment inside the enclosure against effects due to ingress of water
(protection against water);
b) requirements for each degree of protection;
c) tests carried out in order to confirm that the enclosure complies with requirements of the relevant
degree of protection.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 12103-1, Road vehicles — Test contaminants for filter evaluation — Part 1: Arizona test dust
IEC 60068-2-68, Environmental testing — Part 2: Tests — Test L: Dust and sand
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
enclosure
part providing protection of equipment against certain external influences and in any direction against
access
3.2
degree of protection
protection provided by an enclosure (3.1) against access, foreign objects and/or water and verified by
standardized test methods
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ISO 20653:2023(E)
3.3
IP code
international protection code
coding system used to indicate the degree of protection (3.2) provided by an enclosure (3.1) against
access, foreign objects and/or water and to give additional information in connection with such parts
3.4
hazardous part
part that is hazardous to approach or touch
3.5
opening
gap or aperture in an enclosure (3.1) which exists or may be formed by the application of a test probe at
the specified force
4 Structure and meaning of the IP code
4.1 Structure of the IP code
The structure of the IP code is as follows.
Where no code element is given, the letter “X” shall be substituted (or “XX”, if none of the two code
elements have been indicated).
Additional and/or supplementary letters may be omitted without substitute.
Additional letters following each other directly shall be in alphabetical order.
Wherever the degree of protection of a part of the enclosure or the electrical equipment deviates from
the degree of protection of the remaining part, both degrees of protection shall be indicated.
4.2 Meaning of IP code
Table 1 contains an overview of the IP code elements.
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ISO 20653:2023(E)
Table 1 — Overview of all IP code elements and meaning
Meaning for the protection of Meaning for the protection
Element IP
electrical equipment of persons
First code element Against foreign objects (including dust): Against access:
0 —  not protected —  not protected
1 —  with diameter ≥ 50 mm —  with back of hand
2 —  with diameter ≥ 12,5 mm —  with finger
3 —  with diameter ≥ 2,5 mm —  with tool
4 —  with diameter ≥ 1,0 mm —  with wire
5K —  dust-protected —  with wire
6K —  dust-tight —  with wire
Second code  Against water: Not applicable
element
0 —  not protected
1 —  vertical water drips
2 —  water drips (15° inclination)
3 —  water spray
4 —  splash water
4K —  splash water with increased pressure
5 —  high-velocity water
6 —  strong high-velocity water
6K —  strong high-velocity water with increased
pressure
7 —  temporary immersion
8 —  continuous submersion
9K —  high-pressure/steam-jet cleaning
Additional letter Not applicable Against access (unless de-
(optional) scribed by first letter)
A —  with back of hand
B —  with finger
C —  with tool
D —  with wire
Supplementary M Movement of moveable parts during water test Not applicable
letter (optional)
S Standstill of moveable parts during water test
4.3 Examples for the use of letters in the IP code
The following examples explain the use and arrangements of letters in the IP code. For more
comprehensive examples, see Clause 7.
IP44 no letters, no options;
IPX5 omitting first code element;
IP2X omitting second code element;
IP20C using additional letter;
IPXXC omitting both code elements, using additional letter;
IPX1C omitting first code element, using additional letter;
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ISO 20653:2023(E)
IP3XD omitting second code element, using additional letter;
IP23S using supplementary letter;
IP21CM using additional letter and supplementary letter;
IPX5/IPX7 giving two different degrees of protection by an enclosure against both water jets
and temporary immersion for “versatile” application.
5 Degrees of protection against foreign objects and against access
Tables 2 and 3 contain short descriptions of the degrees of protection with the relevant requirements.
If the same degree of protection (identical code element) for protection against foreign objects and
access is required, then both requirements are indicated by the first code element.
If different degrees of protection for both protection types are required, then an additional letter shall
be used. In this case the first code element only defines the protection against foreign objects and the
additional letter indicates the protection against access.
Additional letters may only be used if:
— the degree of protection against access is higher than indicated by the first code element, or
— only the degree of protection against access is to be indicated (first code element substituted by X).
The indication of a degree of protection against access and foreign objects always includes the preceding
degrees of protection.
Table 2 — Degrees of protection against foreign objects
Degree of protection
First code
element
Brief description Requirements
0 Not protected None
Test probe with a diameter of 50 mm shall
1 Foreign objects diameter ≥ 50 mm
a
not penetrate completely .
Test probe with a diameter of 12,5 mm shall
2 Foreign objects diameter ≥ 12,5 mm
a
not penetrate completely .
Test probe with a diameter of 2,5 mm shall
3 Foreign objects diameter ≥ 2,5 mm
a
not penetrate completely .
Test probe with a diameter of 1,0 mm shall
4 Foreign objects diameter ≥ 1,0 mm
a
not penetrate completely .
Dust shall only penetrate in quantities which
5K Dust
do not impair performance and safety.
6K Dust Dust shall not penetrate.
a
“Shall not penetrate completely” indicates that the full diameter shall not pass through an opening of the enclosure.
Table 3 — Degrees of protection against access
Degree of protection
First code Additional
element letter
Brief description Requirements
0 – Not protected None
Back of hand Test probe with a diameter of 50 mm shall not penetrate
a
1 A (no protection against completely and maintain sufficient distance from haz-
intentional contact) ardous parts.
a
“Shall not penetrate completely” indicates that the full diameter shall not pass through an opening of the enclosure.
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ISO 20653:2023(E)
TTabablele 3 3 ((ccoonnttiinnueuedd))
Degree of protection
First code Additional
element letter
Brief description Requirements
Jointed test finger with a diameter of 12 mm may pene-
2 B Finger trate completely, but shall maintain a sufficient distance
from hazardous parts.
Test probe with a diameter of 2,5 mm, 100 mm long, may
3 C Tool (e.g. screwdriver) penetrate completely, but shall maintain a sufficient dis-
tance from hazardous parts.
4 D Wire Test probe with a diameter of 1,0 mm, 100 mm long, may
penetrate completely, but shall maintain a sufficient dis-
5K D Wire
tance from hazardous parts.
6K D Wire
a
“Shall not penetrate completely” indicates that the full diameter shall not pass through an opening of the enclosure.
6 Degrees of protection against water
Table 4 contains short descriptions of the degrees of protection with the relevant requirements.
Up to and including degree of protection 6K for the protection against water, the designation implies
compliance also with the requirements for all lower degrees of protection.
For degrees of protection against water 7, 8 and 9K, lower degrees of protection up to and including 6K
are not covered by the designation. In such cases where a lower degree of protection up to and including
6K is required in addition to protection against water 7, 8 or 9K, it shall be indicated separately, e.g.
IPX4K/IPX7, IPX5/IPX7, IPX6K/IPX8, IPX6K/IPX9K and IPX8/IPX9K.
Table 4 — Degrees of protection against water
Second Degree of protection
code
Brief description Requirements
element
0 Not protected None
Vertical drips shall not have any harmful effects or impair perfor-
1 Water drips vertically
mance.
Vertical drips shall not have any harmful effects or impair perfor-
Water drips with enclosure
2 mance when the enclosure is tilted at any angle up to 15° on either
inclined by 15°
side of the vertical.
Water spray at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall
3 Water spray
have no harmful effects or impair performance.
Water which splashes against the enclosure from any direction
4 Splash water
shall not have any harmful effects or impair performance.
Water which splashes against the enclosure from any direction
Splash water with increased
4K with increased pressure shall not have any harmful effects or
pressure
impair performance.
Water which is directed against the enclosure from any direction
5 High-velocity water
as a jet shall not have any harmful effects or impair performance.
Water which is directed against the enclosure from any direction
6 Strong high-velocity water as a strong jet shall not have any harmful effects or impair perfor-
mance.
Water which is directed against the enclosure from any direction
Strong high-velocity water
6K as a strong jet with increased pressure shall not have any harmful
with increased pressure
effects or impair performance.
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ISO 20653:2023(E)
TTabablele 4 4 ((ccoonnttiinnueuedd))
Second Degree of protection
code
Brief description Requirements
element
Water shall not penetrate in a quantity causing harmful effects or
Temporary immersion in
7 impairing performance if the enclosure is immersed in water tem-
water
porarily under specified pressure and time conditions.
Water shall not penetrate in a quantity causing harmful effects if
Continuous immersion in the enclosure is continuously immersed in water under conditions
8
water which shall be agreed between supplier and car manufacturer, but
which are more severe than code 7.
Water during high-pressure/ Water which is directed against the enclosure from any direction
9K
steam-jet cleaning shall not have any harmful effects or impair performance.
7 Designation examples
7.1 General
The degree of protection shall be indicated using the IP code.
7.2 Example IP34K
The marking of an enclosure with the IP code IP34K means:
(3) protection of the electrical equipment access to the enclosure against foreign objects with a
diameter of ≥ 2,5 mm (protection against foreign objects), and
protection of persons handling rods of 2,5 mm diameter or more against access within the
enclosure (protection against access);
(4K) protection of electrical equipment within the enclosure against harmful effects resulting
from water splashing against the enclosure with increased pressure from any direction (pro-
tection against water).
7.3 Example IP16KB
The marking of an enclosure with the IP code IP16KB means:
(1) protection of the electrical equipment within the enclosure against foreign objects with a
diameter of ≥ 50 mm (protection against foreign objects);
(6K) protection of electrical equipment within the enclosure against harmful effects resulting
from water directed against the enclosure from any direction as a strong jet with increased
pressure (protection against water);
(B) protection of persons against finger contact with hazardous parts within the enclosure (pro-
tection against access).
7.4 Example IP2X/IP5KX
The designation
— IP2X for the complete enclosure, and
— IP5KX for the cover of a part inside the complete enclosure
mean:
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ISO 20653:2023(E)
(2) protection of the electrical equipment within the complete enclosure against foreign objects
with a diameter of ≥ 12,5 mm (protection against foreign objects), and
protection of persons against finger contact with hazardous parts within the complete enclo-
sure (protection against access);
(X) no statement on the degree of protection against water for the complete enclosure, and addi-
tionally
(5K) protection of the part against harmful effects resulting from ingress of dust (protection
against foreign objects), and
protection of persons handling wires of 1 mm diameter or more against contact with hazard-
ous parts within the cover of this part (protection against access);
(X) no statement on the degree of protection against ingress of water for the cover of this part.
NOTE 1 If all other parts are also not harmed by the penetrated dust, apart from protection against foreign
objects degree 2, insensitivity to dust within the complete enclosure is also achieved.
NOTE 2 This higher degree of protection of the cover of the part located within the complete enclosure does
not influence the complete enclosure surrounding it, whose lower degree of protection 2 applies.
8 Requirements and testing
8.1 Atmospheric conditions
Unless otherwise specified, tests shall be carried out under the following ambient atmospheric
conditions:
— temperature range: (23 ± 5) °C;
— relative humidity: 25 % to 75 %;
— atmospheric pressure: 86 kPa to 106 kPa (860 mbar to 1 060 mbar).
8.2 Device under test (DUT)
Unless otherwise agreed, the DUT shall be unused and clean. Further specifications regarding DUT may
be made.
NOTE If field loads have an impact on fulfilment of IPX requirements, pre-aging/preconditioning can be
added. This can be decided on the specific design and the usage of the component.
8.3 Requirements and tests for degrees of protection against foreign objects and access
8.3.1 Test set-up
Probes for determining the degrees of protection against access and foreign objects are shown in
Table 5. If the guard and handle impede practical testing, the test shall be carried out with the rigid test
sphere only.
A principle test set-up for determining degrees of protection against foreign objects 5K and 6K (dust-
protected or dust-tight) with vertical flow of the air–dust mixture is depicted in Figure 1. Alternatively,
a principle dust chamber with horizontal dust flow (see Figure 2) can be agreed upon, based on
IEC 60068-2-68.
Unless otherwise agreed, test dust A2 (Arizona dust) according to ISO 12103-1 shall be used. Where
3
a dust chamber in accordance with Figure 1 is used, approximately 2 kg of test dust per m chamber
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ISO 20653:2023(E)
volume shall be filled in and kept in suspension during the test. If another dust is used, the volume
should be similar to the A2 dust according to ISO 12103-1. And the particle size distributions shall be
the same as A2.
Where dust chambers according to Figure 2 are used, the density of the air–dust mixture shall be
3
(5 ± 2) g/m and the flow rate shall be maintained in accordance with IEC 60068-2-68 (unless otherwise
agreed).
Key
1 DUT
2 glass window
3 dust
4 vibrator
5 protective grating
6 circulating pump or other equipment for suspending the dust
Figure 1 — Principle test set-up for determining the protection against dust in vertical
orientation; degree of protection against foreign objects 5K and 6K
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ISO 20653:2023(E)
Key
1 pre-chamber
2 dust density controller (control unit)
3 test chamber
4 probe
5 DUT
6 laminar air flow
7 air baffles
8 test bench
9 protective grating
10 dust circulating pump (radial fan)
11 reservoir for test dust
12 solenoid valve (proportioning valve)
13 heating
14 collecting tank for test dust
15 air duct
Figure 2 — Principle test set-up for determining the degree of protection against dust in
horizontal orientation; protection against foreign objects 5K and 6K
8.3.2 Requirements for tests using probes
The requirements for tests using the probes according to Table 5 are specified in Table 6.
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ISO 20653:2023(E)
Table 5 — Probes for the testing of degrees of protection against foreign objects and access
Degree of protection
against access
of foreign objects
Test probe designation and dimension
First code Additional
element letter
1 A Sphere diameter 50 mm
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 handle (insulating material)
2 guard (insulating material)
3 rigid test sphere (metal)
– B Jointed test finger diameter 12 mm; length 80 mm
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 stop face (insulating material)
2 jointed test finger (metal)
NOTE For structural details of the finger, refer to Figure 2, test probe B in
IEC 61032.
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ISO 20653:2023(E)
TTabablele 5 5 ((ccoonnttiinnueuedd))
Degree of protection
against access
of foreign objects
Test probe designation and dimension
First code Additional
element letter
2 – Sphere diameter 12,5 mm
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 handle (insulating material)
2 guard (insulating material)
3 rigid test sphere (metal)
3 C Test rod diameter 2,5 mm; length 100 mm
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 handle (insulating material)
2 stop face (insulating material)
3 rigid test rod (metal) (edges free from burrs)
4/5K/6K D Test rod diameter 1,0 mm; length 100 mm
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 handle (insulating material)
2 stop face (insulating material)
3 rigid test wire (metal) (edges free from burrs)
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ISO 20653:2023(E)
Table 6 — Test conditions and requirements for testing degrees of protection against foreign
objects and access using probes
Degree of protec-
Degree of protec-
tion against foreign
tion against access
objects
Test force
First code element
Requirements
First cod
...