OEM cameras are often exposed to challenging environments, including dust, water, and extreme weather conditions. These cameras must be specially designed to withstand such conditions, often using water-resistant coatings and protective enclosures. Enclosures with an IP66 rating are commonly used for OEM cameras, indicating that they are dust-tight and waterproof.
While some electrical equipment may spend its entire life in a controlled environment, OEM cameras are designed to perform reliably in harsh conditions. Understanding the significance of IP66 ratings for OEM cameras is crucial for ensuring their durability and performance in challenging environments.
What is the IP66 Rating?
An IP Rating (Ingress Protection Rating) is used to categorize the various levels of encasing effectivity that an electrical enclosure provides against foreign materials including objects, water, dirt, etc. The “IP” prefix is followed by two numbers to indicate the degree of protection. The first digit denotes that the enclosure completely protects against coming into contact with any life or moving parts inside of it as well as against dust entry. The second digit indicates that no harmful amounts of seawater or water projected from jets are allowed to enter the machine, which protects against complete immersion.
IP66-rated enclosures provide protection against high-pressure water jets up to 12.5 mm. It takes at least three minutes to pour 100 liters of water per minute onto the enclosure at a pressure of 100 kPa from a distance of three meters. This test demonstrates the enclosure’s resistance to water ingress, ensuring that all internal components are safe from any external water contact. In addition, they are suitable for external applications, offering a high level of protection from dust and water ingress.
The IP66 certifications offer the highest standard of waterproof protection. The next level up is an IP67 rating, which is necessary if you need the product to withstand complete submersion in water.
For example, our AR1335 Color 4K Autofocus USB 3.0 Camera is designed with advanced enclosures that meet rigorous IP66 standards, ensuring reliable performance in harsh environments.
What does the IP66 Rating Imply?
The ingress protection rating 66 refers to totally dust-tight electrical enclosures. This means that nothing substantial, such as objects, dust, or airborne particles, may enter the enclosure. Furthermore, its IP66 classification offers enough protection from splashes, falls, spills, and dripping water. Additionally, the certification ensures that your enclosure will be safe from high-pressure water hose-directed water originating from any direction with a nozzle of 12.5mm or less.
An IP66 rating offers a high level of water protection for your electrical enclosure with an IP rating. Only enclosures designed to withstand complete submersion are better than this.
What standards of performance need an IP66 enclosure to meet? You may depend on an IP66 to provide the following:
The particular level of dust protection in IP66 provides the highest level of dust-tight security and allows for zero dust entry. This level of dust-tight protection is extremely important for many industries, including electronics and pharmaceuticals.
The specific level of water protection in IP66 offers the third-highest level of water protection by not allowing ingress from precipitation or hose-directed washdowns.
It’s crucial to understand that an IP66 enclosure is not meant to be submerged in water while being waterproof against hose-directed water and falling rain or snowdrops. You must upgrade to an IP67 (temporary) or IP68 (protracted) enclosure if you want an enclosure that can withstand the damaging effects of temporary or prolonged submersion.
Applications of IP66 Rating
A container that has received the IP66 rating is hard and approved for prolonged outdoor use. Such a container is protected from powerful jets of water, making it waterproof and dustproof. A device with an IP66 rating performs admirably in a wide range of situations, such as:
Units of outside security surveillance systems, outdoor machinery, electronics in hazardous environments, and other such equipment need to remain functioning despite harsh external conditions.
Equipment controls for farming and building. Moreover, IP66-rated containers provide reliable protection for devices and equipment operating in potentially harsh environments.
Scientific equipment used outdoors.
Electrical equipment like junction boxes.
Circuit breakers and other electrical equipment.
Outdoor-compatible audiovisual equipment.
Useful in situations such as:
extreme weather conditions such as snow, ice, and heavy rain.
exposure to sand and dust.
corrosive atmospheres such as salt fog or spray.
extreme temperatures ranging from -30 °C to +60 °C.
exposure to vibration.
Which is Superior Between IP65 and IP66 for OEM Cameras?
Both the IP65 and IP66 classifications offer defense against dust, debris, and other solid entry. Their level of protection against liquid penetration is the primary distinction between the IP65 and IP66 classifications. Compared to an IP65-rated enclosure, an IP66-rated enclosure can withstand more pressurized water spray.
Therefore, depending on whether the equipment will be exposed to pressurized water, you must pick between IP65 and IP66 when considering your requirements. If so, an IP66 enclosure would be the best option. If your gadget won’t likely be exposed to pressurized water, an IP65-rated enclosure will do.
How to Choose Between IP66 and IP67 Based on the Circumstances for OEM Cameras
Engineers must be cautious to take into account possible ingress among less obvious sources of moisture, including fog, steam, and accumulated dust in harder-to-reach locations when deciding whether to specify IP66 or IP67. Failure to consider such sources may necessitate the repair of electrical components, reduced performance, and a shorter product lifespan. To ensure the effective functioning of an enclosure, designers must also be aware that IP66 and IP67 are limited to a certain size of the object. Even though IP66 and IP67 ratings are intended to protect against certain levels of ingress, they don’t necessarily guarantee protection in all circumstances.
Both the IP66 and IP67 rating classes provide significant protection from water damage and immersion. Due to its ability to withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, IP67 should be chosen because it provides superior protection in the given situation. Although IP66 offers excellent protection against water and dust damage, it shouldn’t be considered in circumstances where there is a chance of complete submersion.
Wrapping Up
When designing equipment that needs to be protected against liquid exposure or dust infiltration, engineers will be better equipped to make informed judgments if they are aware of what an IP classification is. An item with an IP66 rating is particularly significant since it provides stronger protection against both solids and liquids at once. Consider designing a high-quality product with an acceptable grade if you intend to deliver a product that is used outside or in demanding circumstances because of its dependability and durability. You may also unwind knowing that your products won’t deteriorate too quickly from use and abuse over time.
We (Vadzo) have provided industrial design services to design, develop, and manufacture enclosures that fit the camera as well as your product requirements. We have developed several products which are IP65/IP66/IP67/IP69K rated.
Hope this article has given you a detailed understanding of IP66, if you are still confused or searching for the need of IP66 Rated product, feel free to Contact Us.
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