Performing an IPX7 water resistance test for consumer products.

Performing a water resistance test for consumer products.
IP67 is a common a common rating for consumer product devices. The IP stands for Ingress Protection and the first number refers to particle while the second number refers to moisture. Specific to water resistance the particle is often skipped and the rating is referred to as IPX7. In this case, seven means, “one meter underwater for 30 minutes of time.” Compared to some of the lower standards that are built around rainwater and directional splashing, this one focuses on submersion. The product must survive functionally and, as a general standard, not have any water get inside of the device.
Watch this simple guide to performing the test.
Steps in the IPX7 Water Column test
1. Take a one-meter column and fill with water.
2. Sink the device being tested to the bottom of the column.
3. Leave it there for half an hour.
4. Take it out and inspect to see if it's still functional.
5. Examine to see if it has any water inside.
In this case, I found indications that water got in, but that doesn't necessarily fail this product. They may have designed it so that this battery compartment can get wet, and that the main electronics cannot. This is a decision to be made by the developer. This battery portion of the device was not developed to be waterproof, as there is no sealing mechanism that would stop water from pushing through.
One of the big differences between the lower IPs rain or splash resistance verses submersion is pressure. When you have a raindrop or spray, there's not a lot of pressure on the seals, but as soon as you get immersion, the seal point has a lot of pressure on it.