SUPPLEMENT ENCLOSURE & SAFETY SOLUTIONS


Are you specifying the correct IP rating for your enclosure?


alarm systems, IoT networking devices or even large-scale road side junction enclosures. However, a box needing to


withstand more aggressive downpour with less protection: such as a lamppost monitor situated on top of the light; or a sensor setup to monitor crops in a field. These will most certainly benefit from the intensive IP66 test with powerful jets. IPX7 marks the beginning


of the box being able to be submerged underwater. Again, the pronounced second digit now denotes the depth and time that box has been tested too. This can mean the box will accept longer but only


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ommonly known as ingress protection, the IP rating of an enclosure is its effectiveness at


protecting the internal electrical components against solid objects and water. Defined by the standard EN 60529, enclosure manufacturers are required to test and grade their enclosures, allowing designers and engineers to effectively select a product that best suits their requirements. This rating appears in a straight forward format, written with IP (Ingress protection) followed by two numbers – IP XX. The first digit is in reference to the protection


of solid objects such as dust, tools or fingers; whilst the second digit refers to the level of protection offered against water.


SPECIFYING THE RIGHT IP RATING But how do you know when to specify the correct IP rating? Over specifying can lead to increased costs or restrictions on design. So, getting this right at the design will open up options but also ensure future peace of mind that the product will operate as intended. As IP rating is all about protection, knowing


where the enclosure will operate will identify the appropriate level. Let’s look at enclosures situated outdoors. In


this instance, the second digit refers to the level of protection against water ingress. Whilst IP65, IP66 and IP67 all offer total dust protection, each has very different levels of water protection. In this example, IP65 provides protection


against water jets, IP66 against powerful jets and IP67 temporary immersion in water; so, three very different levels. Therefore, if an enclosure is to be mounted to


an external wall which will succumb to rain but has the added protection of the wall and roof overhang. IP65 will likely be suitable. Types of products that fall into this category could be


26 JUNE 2021 | DESIGN SOLUTIONS: SUPPLEMENT / DESIGNSOLUTIONS


merits the test it has passed. So, does a higher number mean its better? Not


necessarily, just because a box can be submerged, does not immediately equal it passing heavy jets. The reason for this is water pressure. As the box is submerged. The gasket can be


compressed creating a better seal. This is not the case for a box sat on a wall being hit with heavy rain. Often manufacturers will denote both ratings for this reason and showcase a product being IP66/67.


ENCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS Once IP rating is specified, it is worth looking at what is expected from the enclosure and the weather conditions it will face. Strong UV will affect some material more than others, High temperatures will warp low temp rated boxes. Finally, if the box is required to maintain a strong IP rating over a long period of years. It may be worth considering IP rated air valves to allow the box to climatise more easily and not expand and shrink in changing temperatures which can affect its seal but also act as a vacuum pulling moisture into the box. With that being said, enclosures with a


higher-level waterproof rating are not restricted to outdoor use. Many environments such as in kitchens and bathrooms require enclosures to have some form of water protection. This could be as low as IP54, protecting the electronics from splashing water. So, if water is not a concern and the


enclosure will be used inside, what factors can be used to determine the right level of solid object protecting? With products now offering more features


in smaller sized boxes. Heat transmitted from the product can become an issue and therefore venting can become required. Again, consideration with IP ratings needs to be considered. The right airflow with large enough vents to cool the product but without breaking potentially required IP ratings for where the product will be situated. For example, mains and high voltage may be


used in the applications and it is therefore vital that fingers or metal objects do not come into contact with the live circuit. An IP3X or IP4X denotes the sizes of any vents to stop most objects from entering the enclosure, whilst providing an outlet for heat to escape. IP ratings have also been designed into


enclosures to support industry. Take an IP20 rating, commonly found on DIN rail mounting enclosures. This entry point will allow maintenance engineers to insert small diagnostic equipment into designated positions. This allows testing to be carried out, whilst simultaneously reducing risk of accidental electrical shock from high voltage mains. CamdenBoss has been manufacturing


enclosures for over 50 years and have a full in-house technical team here to support you in finding the perfect enclosure. With a vast array of off the shelf boxes to


suit most applications and our bespoke plastic fabrication process, we can help in specifying the right box for you.


CamdenBoss www.camdenboss.com T: 01638 716101


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