Certification mark for aluminium transport boxes

The IP protection class system rates the degree of protection offered by an enclosure for electrical equipment against solids (e.g. dust) and liquids. The characteristic numeral 6 stands for “dust tight”, meaning that there will be no ingress of dust.The characteristic numeral 5 stands for “water jets”, i.e. a powerful water jet directed against the enclosure from any direction must not have any harmful effects.

Users can use the tested transport boxes to store operating equipment. The boxes simultaneously provide protection against ingress of dust to the boxes. To ensure this protection, the box is subjected to an IP classification test in a dust chamber according to Figure 2 of the EN 60529 (degrees of protection provided by enclosures).

In this test the boxes (depending on their volumes) are stored for a maximum of eight hours in the chamber with a negative pressure of 20 millibar (mbar) inside the enclosure. After the test the boxes are examined for dust Ingress.

Users can apply the tested transport boxes to store operating equipment. The boxes simultaneously provide protection against the ingress of water into the boxes. To ensure said protection, protection class testing is carried out using a jet nozzle. In testing, a water jet is sprayed against the surface of the boxes from all directions at a distance between 2.5 and 3 m. The volume flow is 12.5 l/min. The test duration per square metre of box surface is 1 min. with a minimum test duration of 3 minutes. After testing, the boxes are examined for water ingress.

Periodic surveillance and/or monitoring of the manufacture of a product constitutes the basic premise for certification that includes the award of a certification mark. Certification always requires product testing and regular factory inspections.

As a third-party expert organisation, TÜV SÜD Product Service verifies that the manufacturer is able to maintain consistent quality in line with the requirements throughout high-volume production and has established the necessary quality system, including incoming goods inspections, lists of materials and final product testing.

In addition, calibration of the necessary measuring and monitoring equipment must be ensured. Surveillance and/or monitoring covers the testing of safety-critical components and other materials used. If unauthorised changes are made to the product, the certificate will become invalid and the TÜV SÜD certification mark may no longer be used.

The voluntary certification mark with the statement “Safety tested” is issued for products, indicating that the product was tested and certified by the independent third-party organisation of TÜV SÜD Product Service for conformity with the essential technical safety requirements.