What is ISO 20653?

The standard defines various levels of protection, including IP (Ingress Protection) codes, which indicate how well a component is protected against these influences. ISO 20653 goes beyond standard IP classifications by taking into account the unique conditions in which vehicles operate, such as heavy rainfall, mud and high-pressure washing.

The standard specifies the degree of protection that housings of electrical equipment provide against:

• Ingress of solid objects, such as dust.
• Water ingress.
• Unintentional contact with internal, hazardous parts.

Developed specifically for road vehicles such as truck, buses and passenger cars, the standard offers more sophisticated protection compared to other standards such as IEC 60529, which covers a wider range of industrial equipment. ISO 20653 takes into account the specific environmental factors faced by vehicles, such as exposure to heavy rain, mud and high-pressure cleaning.

For whom is the standard important?

For B2B manufacturers in the automotive sector, including vehicle lighting suppliers, ISO 20653 is crucial because the standard guarantees reliable operation of electrical components under harsh conditions. By complying with this standard, manufacturers can improve 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:

• Vehicle lighting (LED and halogen lamps).
• Sensors and electronic control systems.
• Housings of electronic components in harsh conditions.

Difference between ISO 20653 and IEC 60529

Although both standards define IP protection degrees, there is a clear difference in their application. IEC 60529 is a general standard for defining IP codes for all kinds of electrical devices. While ISO 20653 specifically focuses on the protection of electrical equipment in vehicles. In addition, ISO 20653 introduces "K" codes, such as IP69K, which stand for protection against high-pressure cleaning, which is important in the automotive sector.

How does the IP code in ISO 20653 work?

The IP code consists of two digits:

• The first digit indicates protection against solid objects such as dust (e.g. IP6K means completely dust-tight).
• The second digit indicates protection against water (e.g. IP9K means protection against high-pressure and steam cleaning).

One example is the IP6K9K code. This means that a housing is completely dust-tight and protected against powerful high-pressure and steam cleaning, which is crucial for vehicle lighting and electronic components exposed to such forces during vehicle cleaning.

Frequently asked questions:

What exactly does ISO 20653 truck?
It tests the resistance of housings to the ingress of solid objects such as dust and liquids such as water. Tests include protection against high-pressure cleaning, which is important for vehicles.

Why should my company follow this standard?
For companies in the vehicle industry, following ISO 20653 offers a competitive advantage. It ensures that your products can better withstand the harsh conditions in which vehicles operate, resulting in a longer service life and increased customer satisfaction.

Which IP ratings are important for vehicle lighting?
For vehicle lighting, IP69K and IP68 are of great importance, as these ratings indicate complete protection against dust and water, including high-pressure washing and submersion in water.

Adjustments to latest edition 2023

In 2023, the ISO 20653 standard has been updated to its third edition, which includes some important technical improvements. The changes mainly focus on clarifying truck methods and adding specific requirements for high-pressure cleaning (IPX9K). Additional details have been added to the truck 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 truck results, further improving product reliability. It is important that companies have their products tested to this latest standard to meet current industry requirements.