Electrical slip rings require ingress protection (IP) based on the personal protection requirements, environmental conditions, and mounting position.
What is an IP rating?
IP ratings are based on international standard EN 60529 (British BS EN 60529:1992, European IEC 60509:1989). These standards define the levels of sealing for electrical enclosures from a variety of foreign bodies and moisture.
IP ratings typically consist of 2 numbers, such as IP65. The first number represents protection from a solid foreign object, and the second number represents protection from water.
1st Numeral- Protection from Solid Foreign Objects
- 0- No protection
- 1- Protected against a solid foreign object 50 mm or larger, such as a hand
- 2- Protected against a solid foreign object 12.5 mm or larger, such as a finger
- 3- Protected against a solid foreign object 2.5 mm or larger, such as a small tool
- 4- Protected against a solid foreign object 1.0 mm or larger, such as a wire
- 5- Dust-protected
- 6- Dust-tight
2nd Numeral- Protection from Water
- 0- No protection
- 1- Protected against vertically falling water droplets
- 2- Protected against vertically falling water drops even when the enclosure is tilted up to 15°
- 3- Protected against sprayed water
- 4- Protected against splashing water
- 5- Protected against water jets
- 6- Protected against powerful water jets
- 7- Protected against the effects of temporary immersion in water
- 8- Protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water
- 9- Protected against high pressure and temperature water jets
Source: IP Ratings from International Electrotechnical Commission
United Equipment Accessories (UEA) can provide units with no ingress protection to units with IP68 ingress protection. UEA offers core and brush separates and open slip ring designs that do not protect people or tools from contacting the electrical parts of the slip ring. These open designs also are not closed to dust and moisture and are commonly installed into other machinery that acts as the slip ring enclosure.
UEA can also provide a variety of enclosure styles that can be selected based on your application. Each enclosure style presents benefits and challenges with seal requirements. UEA offers a range of slip ring enclosures with sealing up to IP69.
The mounting position is vital when considering the required IP rating for water. If the slip ring is mounted inverted, special seals are required for the slip ring shaft. An inverted slip ring requires water protection for the core wiring, and a cable gland or potting may be necessary for the inside of the mounting tube.
Considering the mounting position, environmental conditions, and personal protection requirements will help you select your enclosure style. Contact us today to design a slip ring to meet your IP rating requirements.