Enclosures

Enclosures

Enclosure tests are a valuable tool to ensure the safety and performance of mechanical objects. Testing is done to determine if an enclosure is able to protect components and assemblies from physical harm, personnel, external objects, and the environment. It also establishes if ventilation and cooling tools, as well as sealing methods, are functioning correctly.

Different levels of protection are outlined in MIL-STD-108, such as Dripproof and Airtight, Dustproof, Spraytight, Watertight, and Explosion-Resistant. Tests such as water, immersion, and seal tests are performed to evaluate the enclosures and the effectiveness of water removal systems, physical degradation of the material, and protection from packaging. These tests are conducted to ensure that the enclosures are able to perform as expected and prevent any harmful contaminants from entering. 

In addition to MIL-STD-108, other standards such as UL-427, UL-471, UL-606, UL-50, TA-NWT-000487, GR-487-CORE, NEMA 250-1991, NEMA 250-1997, MIL-STD-202, MIL-STD-750, MIL-I-983, MIL-E-5272, MIL-F-7872, MIL-C-8811, MIL-G-10228, MIL-R-11050, MIL-PRF-27, MIL-T-27, MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-3885, MIL-S-3928, MIL-T-7928, MIL-M-10399, MIL-C-11015, MIL-R-11050, and DOD-F-16232 are also used to determine the effectiveness of the enclosure. By conducting these tests, businesses can guarantee the safety and performance of their products.

Video 01: Enclosure Integrity testing