IEC EN 60068-2-68 Environmental Test - Test L - Dust and Sand Test

EUROLAB, with its state-of-the-art accredited laboratories and expert team, provides precise and fast testing services within the scope of IEC EN 60068-2-68 test. This standard specifies test methods for determining the effects of airborne dust and sand on electrical products.

The test methods of this standard are not designed for testing air filters. Only the Lc100 method is suitable for simulating the erosion effects of high velocity (more than 2 m/s) particles.

Dust and sand testing is structured into three groups:

• La: Non-abrasive fine powder. A test primarily aimed at examining the seals of the test sample. The test sample is exposed to a very fine powder in the form of talc or equivalent. The effects of the temperature cycle, which causes a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the sample, can be reproduced.
• Lb: Free-settling dust. A test to investigate effects while simulating conditions in sheltered places. The test sample is exposed to a low density dust atmosphere created by the intermittent injection of a small amount of powder that is allowed to fall on the sample by gravity.
• Lc: Blown dust and sand. A test to investigate the effect of seals and erosion while simulating outdoor and vehicle conditions. The test specimen is exposed to a turbulent or laminar flow of air to which some dust, sand or a dust/sand mixture is added.

The relevant specification may require measurement during or at the end of conditioning while the sample is still in the test chamber. If such measurements are required, the relevant specification states the measurements and the period or periods after which they will be made.

Tests performed according to the La test are performed primarily to verify the dustproofness of the sample and secondarily to verify the harmful effects of any dust entering the sample. In addition, the safety and hazard effects of dust entering the sample can be verified with this dust test method.

Dust generated around electrotechnical products is produced by several sources. It can be powdered quartz, charcoal, de-icing salts, for example fertilizers penetrating into products through vents or leaky enclosures. Dust can also be small fibers of cotton or wool, real or artificial, produced from fabrics or carpets with normal use in living rooms and offices.

EUROLAB assists manufacturers with IEC EN 60068-2-68 test compliance. Our test experts, with their professional working mission and principles, provide you, our manufacturers and suppliers, the best service and controlled testing process in our laboratories. Thanks to these services, businesses receive more effective, high-performance and quality testing services and provide safe, fast and uninterrupted service to their customers.