Tag Archives: knowledge enhancement

IP rating on electrical products briefly explained

Posted on by
Reply

Now when buying electrical products from time to time you would note that in the information it would say IP xx rates. Example for outdoor suitable devices the common rating claimed would be IP 66 which is state to have certain criteria suitable for outdoor use.

To quote a description from one website (credits listed as a link)

“IP (or “Ingress Protection”) ratings are defined in international standard EN 60529 (British BS EN 60529:1992, European IEC 60509:1989). They are used to define levels of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from foreign bodies (tools, dirt etc) and moisture.” – www.enclosurecompany.com/ip-ratings-explained.php

To quote another description from another website (credits listed as a link)

”

The IP (International Protection) Rating of a product is represented by two numbers. The first digit is the protection rating against solid foreign objects (i.e. dust) and the second digit represents the protection against the ingress of water. The ratings available and descriptions are as follows:

First #
Solid Foreign Object

Second #
Water Ingress Protection

0
no protection

0
no protection

1
protected against solid objects up to 50mm

1
protected against vertically falling drops of water

2
protected against solid objects up to 12mm

2
protected against direct sprays of water up to 15º from the vertical

3
protected against solid objects over 2.5mm

3
protected against sprays of water up to 60º from the vertical

4
protected against solid objects over 1mm

4
protected against water splashed from all directions

5
protected against dust

5
protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions

6
totally protected against dust

6
protected against strong jets of water

7
protected against immersion

8
protected against complete continuous submersion in water

” – http://www.codecorp.com/iprating.php

To get the most current explanation the best place of course would be to get it from the standards body itself that has ratified (created/agree/provided) these standards.

But what you need to know and be aware is that there are some standards and regulation that provide you some minimum and in most cases best protection for your purpose.

So the next time you have a product that you require for use in possibly challenging conditions do look for the one with the features most relevant to your need.

Price isn’t always a factor of quality or suitability. Read the specifications and standards adhered to.

Tuning

Posted on by
Reply

Tuning Rev 1

Isnt tuning the same as configuration? Well it can at times be taken for granted as the same as you may adjust the same settings or function controls. But what essentially tuning is the fine adjustment of placement and settings of your device within your environment or use. This is can be for optimal value or use (sometimes this could be refered to as optimisation) or just the best value for your taste. It may not make much difference to the function in general in most cases where it is done towards the taste of a user or group of users.

But it can make a world of difference when its is conducted for performance. Much like you would adjust and tweak your car or sound system or even make up and art.

What ever the purpose that you run through this activity. Its good to keep in mind that the skill sets may be different and the activity is definately different.

So when securing your service solution do check on what it really includes. It sometimes may be that it is more value that you realise.