SAE J575 is a recommended practice that outlines test methods for vehicle lighting devices and components with a total width of less than 2032 mm. It includes laboratory procedures to evaluate performance under environmental stress, such as water spray, water submersion, and dust exposure, helping manufacturers verify the durability and sealing performance of their lighting products.
Water Spray Tests: Type A and Type B
SAE J575 specifies two types of water spray tests to evaluate resistance to water ingress: Type A for long-duration low-pressure spraying and Type B for short-duration high-flow-rate spraying.
Type A – Long-Duration Spray Test
Equipment Requirements:
A test chamber equipped with a nozzle that generates a solid cone water spray covering the entire sample.
The nozzle axis must be inclined downward at 45° ± 5° to the vertical axis of the rotating test platform.
The rotating platform must be at least 140 mm in diameter and rotate around a vertical axis.
Precipitation rate should be 2.5 mm/min (+1.6 mm, -0 mm), measured using a vertical cylindrical collector (100 mm height, at least 140 mm inner diameter).
Test Procedure:
The device under test should have all drain holes and other openings unobstructed.
Sections of the device that are normally protected during vehicle operation (e.g., located in the trunk) should be covered.
The platform rotates at 4.0 ± 0.5 rpm.
The water spray continues for 12 hours.
Afterward, the system stops spraying and rotating, allowing 1 hour for drainage with the chamber door closed.
Any internal water accumulation should be evaluated (e.g., by tilting or tapping the unit). Accumulation should not exceed 2 mL, or must be within a specified volume ratio.
Type B – High-Flow Spray Test
Equipment Requirements:
A cabinet fitted with a nozzle that produces a solid cone spray, as shown in the SAE diagram.
The test platform must either rotate around the vertical axis or allow the nozzle to move around the sample.
Spray rate: at least 100 L/min, and the nozzle must be placed within 3 meters of the lighting device.
Test Procedure:
Pre-test: Operate the lighting device at normal working voltage for 30 minutes.
Immediately after power-off, initiate spraying.
Drain holes must remain open, and sealed-off portions must be protected during the test.
The sample rotates at 4.0 ± 0.5 rpm or is sprayed from all realistic angles.
Spraying duration: 3 minutes.
Allow 10 minutes of drainage, then inspect for internal water.
Water Submersion Test
For completely sealed lighting devices (i.e., with no open vents or drain holes), a submersion test is applied:
Submerge the device in water at 23°C ± 2°C, with 150–175 mm of water covering its top.
Duration: 1 minute.
Watch for air bubbles escaping from sealing surfaces.
Immediately after removal, inspect for water ingress or pooled water inside the device.
Dust Exposure Test (Using IEC 60529 Equipment)
SAE J575 also requires dust exposure testing, commonly conducted using chambers compliant with IEC 60529 (IP5X/IP6X).
Equipment Requirements:
Test chambers sized between 0.9 and 1.5 m³ with internal air circulation.
3–5 kg of test dust (fine cement or ISO 12103-1 A3 test dust).
Dust must be continuously suspended and agitated for a 5-hour test period, simulating real-world dust exposure.
LIB's Equipment for SAE J575 Compliance Testing
LIB Environmental Simulation Chambers offers a range of test equipment that aligns with SAE J575 testing protocols and can be customized to meet specific test setups.
Water Spray Test Chambers
LIB's Water Spray Chambersfeature precision nozzles, programmable controllers, and rotating sample platforms. These systems are ideal for:
SAE J575 Type A and B water spray tests
IEC 60529 IPX1~IPX6 waterproof testing
LIB can customize spray rates (up to 100 L/min), angles, and sample rotation to simulate real vehicle water exposure scenarios.
Dust Chambers (IP5X/IP6X)
The Dust Test Chambersare designed for IP-level testing and simulate heavy dust exposure environments. They meet:
SAE J575 dust test chamber specifications
IEC 60529 requirements for solid ingress protection
Custom sizes, dust loading systems, and control interfaces are available to match SAE specifications.
Water Submersion and Combined Chambers
For sealed lighting assemblies, LIB offers submersion test solutions and hybrid chambers that integrate spray + submersion functionality. These can be adapted for accelerated ingress testing under SAE and ISO/IEC standards.
Conclusion
SAE J575 provides comprehensive guidelines to evaluate the environmental resistance of automotive lighting devices, especially under water spray, immersion, and dust exposure conditions. For manufacturers and testing labs, selecting the right testing equipment is crucial for compliance.
LIB Test Chambers provides flexible and standards-compliant testing equipment that supports SAE J575, IEC 60529, and other environmental validation protocols. With proven customization capability and global service support, LIB is a trusted partner for automotive environmental testing.
