Understanding IP Ratings:
Walkie-talkies and two-way radios serve critical roles in various environments. These environments can range from benign office settings to rugged outdoor landscapes and hazardous industrial zones. In such diverse settings, it’s imperative to have confidence in the durability and reliability of your equipment. To ensure that your communication devices can endure the rigours of your environment, understanding the Ingress Protection (IP) rating becomes paramount.
The Ingress Protection (IP) rating serves as a standardised measure of a device’s resistance to external elements, including solid objects and water ingress. It consists of two digits: the first digit indicates the level of protection against solid objects, such as dust, dirt, and debris, while the second digit denotes the device’s resistance to water penetration. The higher the numbers in the IP rating, the greater the level of protection offered by the device.
In hazardous environments where dust, moisture, or other contaminants pose potential risks to equipment integrity, selecting a radio with an appropriate IP rating is essential. For instance, in industrial settings where dust and debris are prevalent, a higher first digit in the IP rating ensures that the device remains operational despite exposure to particulate matter.
When assessing which radio will best withstand your specific environment, it’s crucial to consult the IP rating provided in the product specifications. Whether browsing product pages online or perusing product brochures, the IP rating offers valuable insight into the device’s resilience against external elements. By understanding and prioritising the IP rating during your selection process, you can make informed decisions to ensure that your communication equipment meets the demands of your environment, enhancing efficiency, safety, and peace of mind.
Intrinsically Safe Radio Systems
All electrical devices run the risk of sparking or heating up and catching aflame. However, an intrinsically safe device is built to prevent this risk. Using intrinsically safe devices becomes increasingly important when exposed to hazardous substances such as ignitable fibres, flammable gases, vapours, or liquids, where an exposed flame from your device won’t only be bad for the device itself, but to you and your entire team.
Intrinsically safe radio systems work by reducing the risk of sparking by fully encapsulating the radio’s battery circuitry, using anti-static material for battery casings, providing stored energy limitation within the radio circuit preventing internal sparking or overheating, and using component and conductor spacing to prevent short-circuiting by dust or water.
Intrinsically safe radio models are capable of providing all features and performance response of non-intrinsically safe models.
MIL-STD 810 Ratings
MIL-STD 810 is a US military grade rating for technology durability. Authorised by the US Department of Defense, this Test Method Standard focuses on ensuring products are ready to withstand military applications.
Equipment tested to MIL-STD 810G or MIL-STD 810H standards are considered field or combat durable. These tests cover a wide range of operative conditions, including for:
- Low pressure
- High temperature
- Low temperature
- Temperature shock
- Fluid contamination
- Solar radiation
- Rain
- Humidity
- Fungus
- Salt fog
- Sand and dust
- Explosive atmosphere
- Immersion
- Acceleration
- Vibration
- Acoustic noise
- Shock
- Pyroshock
- Acidic atmosphere
- Gunfire shock
- Temperature, humidity, vibration, and altitude
- Icing/freezing rain
- Ballistic shock
- Vibro-acoustic/temperature
- Freeze/thaw
- Time waveform replication
- Rail impact
- Multi-exciter
- Mechanical vibrations of shipboard equipment
National Wireless can offer:
- Expert advice from our sales team – every industry, every step of the way.
- No-obligation free-trial of our radios.
- Exceptional service and repairs from our team of qualified technicians.
- Free radio coverage tests and site visits to ensure reliable communication.
- After-sales support and assistance – we’re with you for the long haul.