ISO 20653 is an international standard that defines the protection levels for electrical and electronic components in vehicles against dust, water, and contact. This standard is particularly important in the automotive industry to ensure that systems operate reliably under various conditions. ISO 20653 also includes the IP classification (Ingress Protection), which determines the level of protection against dust and water, such as IP6K9K, indicating water resistance at high pressure.
The standard defines various levels of protection, including IP codes (Ingress Protection), which indicate how well a component is protected against these influences. ISO 20653 goes beyond standard IP classifications by considering the unique conditions in which vehicles operate, such as heavy rainfall, mud, and high-pressure cleaning.
The standard specifies the degree of protection that enclosures of electrical equipment provide against:
- The ingress of solid objects, such as dust.
- The ingress of water.
- Unintended contact with internal, hazardous parts.
The standard is specifically developed for road vehicles such as trucks, buses, and cars, providing more refined protection compared to other standards like IEC 60529, which covers a broader range of industrial equipment. ISO 20653 takes into account the specific environmental factors that vehicles encounter, such as exposure to heavy rain, mud, and high-pressure cleaning.
ISO 20653 is the standard for the protection of electronic components in vehicles, ensuring that they are resistant to the most severe environmental conditions.
For whom is the standard important?
For B2B manufacturers in the automotive sector, including suppliers of vehicle lighting, ISO 20653 is crucial as the standard guarantees reliable operation of electrical components under severe conditions. By complying with this standard, manufacturers can enhance the durability, safety, and reliability of their products, which in turn reduces maintenance and replacement costs for end users.
Applications of ISO 20653 in the vehicle industry:
- Voertuigverlichting (LED- en halogeenlampen).
- Sensors and electronic control systems.
- Enclosures of electronic components in harsh conditions.
Differences between ISO 20653 and IEC 60529
While both standards define IP protection ratings, there is a clear difference in their application. IEC 60529 is a general standard for defining IP codes for various electrical devices, while ISO 20653 specifically targets the protection of electrical equipment in vehicles. Additionally, ISO 20653 introduces the 'K' codes, such as IP69K, which stand for protection against high-pressure cleaning, an important factor in the automotive sector.
| Standard | Application | Important feature |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 20653 | Electrical equipment in vehicles | Specifically focused on protection against harsh conditions |
| IEC 60529 | Electrical equipment in various sectors | General IP codes, without vehicle-specific tests such as high-pressure cleaning |
How does the IP code work in ISO 20653?
The IP code consists of two digits:
- The first digit indicates the protection against solid objects such as dust (e.g., IP6K means completely dust-tight).
- The second digit indicates the protection against water (e.g., IP9K means protection against high-pressure and steam cleaning).
An example is the IP6K9K code. This means that an enclosure is completely dust-tight and protected against powerful high-pressure and steam cleaning, which is crucial for vehicle lighting and electronic components that are exposed to such forces during vehicle cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does ISO 20653 specifically test?
It tests the resistance of enclosures against the ingress of solid objects such as dust and liquids such as water. The tests include protection against high-pressure cleaning, which is important for vehicles.
Why should my company follow this standard?
Voor bedrijven in de voertuigindustrie biedt het volgen van ISO 20653 een concurrentievoordeel. Het garandeert dat uw producten beter bestand zijn tegen de zware omstandigheden waarin voertuigen opereren, wat resulteert in een langere levensduur en meer klanttevredenheid.
Would you like to purchase the documentation of the standard? You can do so on the ISO website.
What IP codes are important for vehicle lighting?
For vehicle lighting, IP69K and IP68 are crucial, as these codes represent complete protection against dust and water, including high-pressure cleaning and submersion in water.
Adjustments to the latest edition 2023
In 2023, the ISO 20653 standard was updated to its third edition, which includes several important technical improvements. The changes are primarily focused on clarifying testing methods and adding specific requirements for high-pressure cleaning (IPX9K). Additional details have been added to the test conditions for water protection, such as the impact of high pressure on components. For manufacturers of vehicle lighting and other vehicle components, this update means even more thorough protection and more accurate test results, enhancing product reliability further. It is important for companies to have their products tested according to this latest standard to meet current industry requirements.