Technology
IPX waterproof ratings explained
IPX is the water-protection code in IEC 60529: the higher the number, the stronger the protection. Zipper specifications most often quote IPX6, IPX7 and IPX8. This page sets out the published test conditions behind each rating, which series carry them, and the limits of using IPX alone to specify a sealed zipper.
Rating chart
What each rating actually tests
Test conditions below are the published conditions from the IPX guide. The final column lists the YILON series whose product data publishes that rating.
| Rating | Test conditions | Protection | Typical uses | YILON series |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPX4 | Splashing water | Everyday splashes | Light outdoor, everyday items | No YILON series is published at this rating |
| IPX5 | Water jets (low pressure) | General jets | Outdoor sports gear | No YILON series is published at this rating |
| IPX6 | Powerful jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 L/min, 3 m, ≥3 min) | Storm-level jets | Rainwear, dry bags, fast-dry wear | |
| IPX7 | Immersion 1 m for 30 min | Temporary immersion | Wading, snorkelling, water sports | |
| IPX8 | Continuous immersion >1 m (depth & duration per agreement) | Continuous immersion | Drysuits, military, medical pressure-sealed equipment |
IPX4 and IPX5 conditions are published for reference. No YILON series publishes an IPX4 or IPX5 rating.
Which series, which rating
Mapping the range to the rating it publishes
Waterproof rating is one value in the published parameter table of each product. These are the three levels the range currently covers.
IPX8
Continuous immersion
Defined by agreement rather than by a fixed depth, so the test depth and duration have to be stated for the project. This is the level the resin, self-healing, circular and drysuit builds are published at.
IPX7
Temporary immersion (1 m, 30 min)
Suited to gear that is submerged briefly and then drained, rather than equipment that has to hold pressure.
1 published series
IPX6
Powerful water jets
Suited to gear exposed to driven rain, spray and wash-down rather than immersion. This is the level the nylon woven range is published at.
2 published series
Published without a waterproof rating
High-Speed Roller Door Zipper — the manufacturer publishes no waterproof or airtight rating for this product. It is specified for cycling durability inside a door curtain rather than for immersion, so an IPX figure would be misleading.
Limits of the rating
What an IPX number does not tell you
IPX covers water ingress only
An IPX rating does not equal airtightness or pressure retention. An airtight assembly needs a sealing-pressure test as well — the published reference across the range is 60 kPa.
IPX8 is defined by agreement
The standard does not fix a depth or duration for IPX8. "IPX8" on its own is incomplete: the depth, duration and mounting method must be stated and agreed before the test means anything.
One product can hold several ratings
A single zipper can pass more than one rating, and the rating achieved depends on the assembly it is fitted into. Rely on the test report for the configuration you are buying.
Ask for the report, not the logo
Ask suppliers for third-party or factory test reports for the specific rating you need, at the depth and duration your product will see.
Define these before you test
An IPX rating only means something once the test configuration is fixed. When selecting, agree these points with the supplier:
- Test depth and pressure
- Duration of the test
- Mounting method — the zipper tested loose is not the zipper installed
- End structure and how the opening is finished
- Whether the zipper must be opened and closed repeatedly
YILON testing
IPX6–IPX8 full-rating testing is published across the range. Airtight zippers additionally carry a 60 kPa sealing-pressure test, with factory reports included. Certification documents are available on request.
Tell us the depth, duration and mounting method
With those three confirmed we can recommend the series and the sealing-pressure test to agree against your project.