The BS EN 60529:1992+A2:2013 is a technical standard that defines the degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against the ingress of foreign objects, such as dust and water. It specifies various tests and requirements that these enclosures must meet to ensure their effectiveness in protecting the equipment.
of the Standard
The BS EN 60529:1992+A2:2013 standard consists of several levels, known as IP codes, which indicate the level of protection offered by the enclosure. The first digit represents the degree of protection against solid objects, while the second digit represents the degree of protection against liquids.
For example, an IP65-rated enclosure would provide complete protection against dust particles and strong jets of water, making it suitable for outdoor use. On the other hand, an IP20-rated enclosure provides limited protection against solid objects and no protection against liquids, making it suitable for indoor use only.
Testing Procedures
To verify a product's compliance with the BS EN 60529:1992+A2:2013 standard, it must undergo various tests. These tests include the measurement of the size of solid objects that the enclosure can prevent from entering, as well as conducting tests involving water to determine the level of protection.
The solid object test involves using a series of probes to determine the enclosure's ability to prevent solid objects of different sizes from entering. The water test, on the other hand, involves spraying and immersing the enclosure in water to simulate different environmental conditions.
Benefits and Applications
The BS EN 60529:1992+A2:2013 standard has numerous benefits and applications. By specifying the protection levels of enclosures, it helps ensure the safe and reliable operation of electrical equipment in various environments.
It is particularly important for equipment used in industries such as construction, automotive, and telecommunications, where exposure to dust, water, and other foreign objects is common. Compliance with this standard also helps manufacturers meet legal requirements and can provide a competitive advantage by demonstrating the quality and reliability of their products.