Hello John,
IEC 60529 is not just about access to hazardous parts. It provides a designation regarding how well the equipment inside the enclosure will be protected from the environment. Section 2 of the standard clearly indicates that the IP rating can be used to help determine how well the electronics are protected from impact, corrosion, fungus, icing, moisture and similar items. If the exposed parts are subject to damage from the environment such that the product could be impaired in its function, you shouldn’t call it IP68. If low voltage parts are completely accessible, you have an IP0x product. At a minimum, you risk upsetting your customers if they are expecting an environmentally sealed product and you are not providing one. Let me add another note. IEC 60529 defines a hazardous part as a part that is hazardous to approach or touch. This could be a physical hazard such as a sharp edge or point, a thermal hazard or even a radiation hazard. The standard has a separate definition for a hazardous live part specific to shock hazards. The first digit of the IP rating covers access to any hazard, not just shock hazards. Ted Eckert Compliance Engineer Microsoft Corporation [email protected] The opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer. From: John Allen [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, September 03, 2009 7:07 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: IP Rating on Class 2 Powered LED Fixture Even if it’s Class 2? The requirements are regarding “hazardous” parts. For the submersion, again, Class 2 and submersing the device will not result in a hazardous situation. John Allen Product Safety Consulting, Inc. 605 Country Club Dr. | Stes. I & J | Bensenville, IL 60106 630-238-0188 | 800-233-7738 | 630-238-0269 (f) [email protected] www.productsafetyinc.com <http://www.productsafetyinc.com> Although PSC maintains the highest level of virus protection, this e-mail and any attachments should be scanned by your virus protection software. It is the responsibility of the recipient to check that it is virus free. PSC does not accept any responsibility for data loss or systems damage arising in any way from its use. This message is confidential and intended only for the individual to whom or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or addressee, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the addressee, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying, in whole or part, of this message is strictly prohibited. If you believe that you have been sent this message in error, please do not read it. Please immediately reply to sender that you have received this message in error. Then permanently delete all copies of the message. Thank you. From: John J Radomski [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, September 03, 2009 8:57 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [PSES] IP Rating on Class 2 Powered LED Fixture IP 68 rating provides protection against touching with tools > 1mm and against submertion, so I do not believe that a fixture with user accessible aparts can be IP68 rated.. Best Regards, John "John Allen" <[email protected]> Sent by: [email protected] 09/03/2009 09:43 AM To <[email protected]> cc Subject IP Rating on Class 2 Powered LED Fixture Hi all, If we have a potted LED fixture that is supplied by a Class 2 power supply, can it be rated IP68 based on design vs testing? Even if it is not potted such that low voltage parts are accessible, can it be rated IP68? The version of IEC60529 we have does not have a lower voltage limit. The scope indicates for devices with a rated voltage not exceeding 72.5kV. Any input would be greatly appreciated. John Allen Product Safety Consulting, Inc. 605 Country Club Dr. | Stes. I & J | Bensenville, IL 60106 630-238-0188 | 800-233-7738 | 630-238-0269 (f) [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> www.productsafetyinc.com <http://www.productsafetyinc.com/> - This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to <[email protected]> All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc Graphics (in well-used formats), large files, etc. can be posted to that URL. 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Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ Instructions: http://listserv.ieee.org/request/user-guide.html List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Scott Douglas <[email protected]> Mike Cantwell <[email protected]> For policy questions, send mail to: Jim Bacher <[email protected]> David Heald <[email protected]> - This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to <[email protected]> All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc Graphics (in well-used formats), large files, etc. can be posted to that URL. Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ Instructions: http://listserv.ieee.org/request/user-guide.html List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Scott Douglas <[email protected]> Mike Cantwell <[email protected]> For policy questions, send mail to: Jim Bacher <[email protected]> David Heald <[email protected]> - This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to <[email protected]> All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc Graphics (in well-used formats), large files, etc. can be posted to that URL. Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ Instructions: http://listserv.ieee.org/request/user-guide.html List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Scott Douglas <[email protected]> Mike Cantwell <[email protected]> For policy questions, send mail to: Jim Bacher <[email protected]> David Heald <[email protected]>
