enclosure_protection_water_resistance [InventorsGarage]

I’m slowly adding more material to the wiki every week. Today, I finished off a section on enclosures and protection from hazards, solids, and liquids. Its been a while since I used to run NEMA 4 tests, but holding a fire hose pumping out 65gpm directed at your product does make for a rather spectacular time. Even more so, when you find out your product didn’t leak.

What always amazes me are these cell phone cases that say water proof, yet have a one time use gasket, which probably isn’t even such a good one to start with. Otoh, marketing wise, all one really needs to prove is that the case protects it from vertical rain…. a far cry from a fire hose, or 15 meter immersion in a fast moving stream.

Its also interesting to note watch specifications…. a 30 meter rating refers to static water pressure, not what one might encounter taking a shower, or even swimming at the surface. In those cases, the watch will most likely leak! I am glad we have tougher standards in industry. One really doesn’t need to find out the 208V under water light fixture leaks when it gets rained on.

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