In the past, we've discussed how important IEC 60601 certification is for medical-grade computers and tablets. But did you know there's an equally important IEC certification for industrial electronic devices as well?
IEC 60068 provides guidelines and testing procedures for electronic devices in a variety of harsh environments. Today, we'll explore some of those guidelines and procedures and how they help make industrial electronics more reliable.
What is IEC 60068?
IEC 60068 is the internationally recognized standard implemented by the International Electrotechnical Commission, an international organization that ensures electronic devices around the world are manufactured and tested to similar standards. Similar to how IEC 60601 provides standards for parameters like power surge protection and electromagnetic interference, IEC 60068 provides standards for electronic devices operating in harsh environmental conditions.
IEC 60068 is broken up into three primary sections:
- IEC 60068-1: Covers general terminology and guidance for testing, including what must be tested, how they must be tested, and the objective for testing devices in these conditions.
- IEC 60068-2: Covers the individual tests and the degrees of severity they come in.
- IEC 60068-3: Supporting documentation and background information on test families.
What does IEC 60068 Test For?
IEC 60068 is extremely comprehensive and covers every possible environmental hazard an industrial panel PC or tablet might face, including:
- Extreme temperatures: IEC 60068-2-1, 60068-2-2, 60068-2-30, and others cover a wide range of temperature extremes, including cold, dry, and damp heat, as well as sudden changes between those extremes.
- Shock and vibration: IEC 60068-2-7, 60068-2-31, and 60068-2-80 cover physical stresses from sudden impacts or falls, as well as constant vibration and shaking. These tests ensure that the device won't break apart from a single drop or while in the back of a bouncing truck.
- Salt exposure: Continual exposure to high-saline environments can wreak havoc on electronics. IEC 60068-2-11, 60068-2-52, and other related tests ensure that the device in question can withstand short-term, long-term, and intermittent exposure.
- And many more&hellop;
How are IEC 60068 Tests Performed?
Testing for IEC 60068 obviously depends on which parameter is being tested for, and different methods exist for each.
For extreme temperatures, the electronic device in question is sealed inside an atmospheric chamber that can replicate the conditions of the test, such as extreme heat and cold.
For shock and vibration, the device is rigged to a machine that shakes and rattles the device to the specifications of the IEC 60068 test. Testers can adjust the strength and duration of the vibrations to meet different severities.
For testing salt mist and salt spray exposure, specialized salt fog chambers are used to simulate the conditions found in marine environments.
In addition to the type of test, every IEC 60068-2 test has different degrees of testing. For example, IEC 60068-2-52 (Salt mist, cyclic) testing comes in eight degrees of severity. In an IEC 60068-2-52 Test Method 1 test, a device must go through four periods of saltwater spray, each lasting for two hours and followed by a humidity storage period of seven days, for a total of 28 days of testing.
On the other hand, Test Method 7 involves eight-hour cycles of salt spray followed by wet and dry conditions that can last as long as one day (3 cycles) to as much as 60 days (180 cycles). Test Method 8 is the same as seven but with an acidified salt solution instead!
Closing Thoughts
Before any electronic device can be considered ready for the market, it must undergo a series of tests to ensure its reliability, even under harsh conditions. Those tests must be especially rigorous for rugged industrial tablets and computers so that end-users know they can count on their tools no matter how bad things get.
If you're looking for industrial computers and tablets that have been tested to IEC 60068 standards, contact the team at Cybernet Manufacturing. We extensively test and certify our products, giving you peace of mind where you need it most.
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