SKG-IKOB Laboratory expands with facilities for IP testing (dust and water)
Anyone who thinks testing and certification is dusty is right when it comes to (electromechanical) locks. Because dust is a threat to the functionality and durability of such locks and can cause the lock to no longer open or close. In addition, it is common knowledge that water and electricity do not mix well.
Products such as electromechanical locks and lighting contain electronic components and are regularly exposed to humid conditions and rainwater in our climate. Since the dysfunction of these products can directly affect (burglary) security, it is important to know whether these products can also withstand a moisture load. The need from the market to test products such as electromechanical locks and lighting for resistance to dust and water is therefore growing.
SKG-IKOB therefore decided to invest in equipment for testing for dust and water resistance. The testing is carried out according to the international standard NEN-EN-IEC 60529:2013 and leads to an IP rating for the product.
Fabric
Products are tested for dust resistance for an IP5X rating. This means that the ingress of dust does not have to be completely prevented, but dust must not penetrate in an amount that interferes with the proper operation of the product or affects the protection provided by the product.
To achieve the IP5X rating, the products are placed in the dust cabinet and exposed to a constant circulation of dust for 8 hours. After the dust exposure, the product is evaluated for function. This means that the lock must be able to open and close even after the dust exposure.
By the way, a test for dust resistance is not only important for electromechanical locks, but has long been part of the ART and SCM certification scheme for two-wheel and vehicle security products for which the SKG-IKOB laboratory conducts the tests.
Water
SKG-IKOB's equipment is also suitable for determining water resistance up to a classification of IPX4. This class is also expressed with the term "splash-proof" and means that there is no damage to the product after prolonged exposure to water that is also sprayed on the product from all sides. This is comparable to a downpour, thus suitable for outdoor application.
Through this expansion of testing facilities and through continuous development, SKG-IKOB manages to remain at the top of inspection institutes and testing laboratories. SKG-IKOB has more than 50 years of experience as an inspection institute and test laboratory for building and safety products. Established by the industry itself to ensure the performance and safety of products and services for the construction and real estate sector in a sustainable, independent and impartial manner.
Learn more
For more information about conducting these tests, contact Charles Wallert, tel 088-2440100 or
