Condensation problem in IP boxes: causes and effects.

La condensation in an electrical box is a common problem in many electronic devices. Even when protected by a IP waterproof electrical box, equipment may suffer damage due to humidity.

To limit these risks, it is often necessary to use a anti-condensation product capable of regulating the humidity present in the volume of the case.

But before identifying effective solutions, it is necessary to understand why humidity appears in this equipment, which is designed to be waterproof.

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What is an IP box?

Les IP boxes are classified according to the international IP standard (Index of Protection).

This standard guarantees protection against:

• The intrusion of dusts,
• The entrance ofliquid water.
  
  

For example, we find IP waterproof boxes in numerous electronic equipment intended to operate outdoors or in industrial environments.

However, this standard does not guarantee a total airtightness.

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Where do we find these electrical boxes?

The problems ofhumidity in electronic equipment concern numerous devices.

Electrical installations can suffer damage due to humidity, especially when certain components are placed outside, such as:

• Les junction boxes,
• Les electrical panels,
• Les waterproof junction boxes.
  
  

Humidity also represents a significant risk for sensors and electronic systems exposed to variable climatic conditions.

Today, our everyday objects contain more and more sensors:

• Sensors of temperature,
• Detectors ofwetness,
• Sensors of pressure,
• Sensors of movement,
• Sensors of ph,
• Sensors of rain.
  
  

Recent years have seen an explosion in the number of connected objects, both in daily life and in professional sectors: agriculture, biotechnology, museums, automotive or even medical.

Among the equipment most exposed to climatic conditions, we can mention:

• Les rain sensors,
• Les outdoor surveillance cameras,
• Les pool pH sensors,
• Les humidity sensors,
• Les outdoor light fixtures,
  
  
• Les drones.
  
  

Despite the presence of waterproof electrical boxes, these devices regularly encounter condensation problems.

To understand why, it is necessary to analyze:

• The limits of IP boxes,
• The mechanisms ofHumidity in the air,
• The phenomenon of Dew temperature,
• And the solutions of humidity control.
  
  

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The limits of IP boxes

Les IP boxes do not guarantee airtightness.

In practice, the air and the water vapor can flow slowly through:

• Les gaskets,
• Les cable transits,
• Les assembly defects,
• THE mechanical wear.
  
  

Even one outdoor waterproof electrical box can therefore gradually let in moisture.

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Why does the tightness of enclosures deteriorate

The joints of a waterproof electrical connection box may deteriorate over time.

Several factors explain this deterioration:

• Les temperature variations, which cause variations in internal pressure,
• Les mechanical stresses,
• The contact with certain chemical products,
• Les frequent openings for maintenance.
  
  

Plus one electrical box is handled, the more the risk of humid air entering increases.

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Humidity in the air enters the enclosures

When the equipment is installed in a wetland, the ambient humidity eventually penetrates into the volume of the case.

Example

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This sensor has one probe placed inside the housing and another one on the outside. It is therefore possible to directly compare internal humidity and external humidity. Over the long term, we observe that the internal relative humidity follows the same trends as outdoor humidity.

The case is therefore not completely airtight. On the other hand, exchanges remain Very slow.

Our laboratory tests show that:

• Internal humidity follows the variations of the environment,
• Air exchanges are slow but continuous,
• None IP box is not completely airtight.
  
  

The concentration of water vapor in the air therefore increases progressively within the confined volume.

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Condensation: the real danger

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Once humid air is present in the housing, all it takes is one Temperature drop To cause a Humidity by condensation.

That's what we call the Cold spot effect.

When liquid water forms inside the case, it becomes very difficult to get rid of it.

As the temperature increases, water can evaporate. But water vapor can then condense again when it comes into contact with a colder wall.

This cycle can be repeated numerous times, which favors the gradual onset of degradation.

To summarize:

• The IP standard does not guarantee airtightness,
• Joints may deteriorate over time,
• Humidity from the air can enter waterproof electrical boxes.
  
  

Consequences of humidity in an electronic device

Humidity and condensation can cause several types of damage.

Direct effects

• Corrosion electronic circuits,
• Short circuits,
• Component failure.
  
  

Indirect effects

• Fog on screens or cameras,
• Loss of optical performance,
• Degradation of solar panels,
• Malfunction of electronic sensors.
  
  

A bad humidity control significantly reduces the life of equipment.

That is why the use of a anti-condensation product suitable for electrical boxes is often essential to permanently protect electronic devices exposed to humid environments.

However, there are solutions to overcome these problems. Discover them in our article “Solutions against humidity in an electronic device”

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