BS EN 60068-2-17:1995 Environmental testing. Part 2. Test - Test Q. Sealing
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BS EN 60068-2-17 is a standard that covers sealing test methods, ensuring safety, sealing strength, and leakproof operations in industrial applications.
In BS EN 60068-2-17, Test Q: Sealing, includes several tests that use different conditioning procedures appropriate for different applications.
Test Q in BS EN 60068-2-17 may be subdivided into the following two sub-groups, distinguished by their detection methods, viz:
Internal detection, which measures changes in electrical characteristics produced by the test medium (liquid or gas) introduced into the specimens through the leak
External detection, whereby the escape of the test medium through the leak is observed
In BS EN 60068-2-17, Qk and Qm are used to determine leaks in containers (metallic cases, housings, etc.); Test Qc is a bubble test again including three methods with different sensitivities [leaks not less than 1 Pa·cm3/s (10–5 bar·cm3/s)]
This survey indicates the interrelation between the various tests for sealing in Test Q of IEC 68. Other tests of this category are rain and water tests which are to be included as tests R. At the same time the opportunity has been taken to make reference to similar tests in IEC 529.
Tests in IEC 68‑2‑17
Test Q: Sealing, includes a number of tests which use different conditioning procedures appropriate for different applications.
The family tree of all sealing tests is shown in Figure 1.
Test Q may be subdivided in the following two sub-groups, distinguished by their detection methods, viz:
— internal detection, which measures changes of electrical characteristics produced by the test medium (liquid or gas) introduced into the specimens through the leak;
— external detection, whereby the escape of the test medium through the leak is observed.
The two tests for internal detection Qf and Ql are very similar. They are very effective for certain components, for example plastic foil capacitors; they are not recommended, however, for components in which electrical changes become effective only after a long time (for instance, after the test is terminated).
The tests for external detection are further subdivided according to their application. Test Qa is a bubble test which is used to determine the air tightness of bushes, spindles and gaskets. The other tests, Qc, Qd, Qk and Qm are used to determine leaks in containers (metallic cases, housings, etc.); Test Qc is a bubble test again including three methods with different sensitivities [leaks not less than1 Pa·cm3/s (10–5 bar·cm3/s)].
Test Qk and Qm are the most sensitive of this series. Their sensitivity ranges from1 Pa.cm3/s (10–5 bar·cm3/s) to about 10–6 Pa·cm3/s (10–11 bar·cm3/s). Test Qd is a liquid seepage test which may be applied to specimens filled during manufacture with a liquid or a product becoming liquid at the test temperature.
Tests in IEC 529
In IEC 529, degrees of protection are established by tests and identified by numerals as follows:
Figure 1
Table 1 — Degrees of protection indicated by the first characteristic numeral
First characteristic numeral
Degree of protection
Short description
Definition
0 Non-protected No special protection 1 Protected against solid objects greater than 50 mm A large surface of the body, such as a hand (but no protection against deliberate access). Solid objects exceeding 50 mm in diameter 2 Protected against solid objects greater than 12 mm
Fingers or similar objects not exceeding 80 mm in length. Solid objects exceeding 12 mm in diameter
3 Protected against solid greater than 2,5 mm Tools, wires, etc., of diameter or thickness greater than 2,5 mm. Solid objects exceeding 2,5 mm in diameter 4 Protected against solid objects greater than 1,0 mm
Wires or strips of thickness greater than 1,0 mm. Solid objects exceeding 1,0 mm in diameter
5 Dust-protected Ingress of dust is not totally prevented but dust does not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with satisfactory operation of the equipment 6 Dust-tight No ingress of dust
Table 2 — Degrees of protection indicated by the second characteristic numeral
Second characteristic numeral
Degree of protection
Short description
Definition
0 Non-protected No special protection 1 Protected against dripping water Dripping water (vertically falling drops) shall have no harmful effect 2 Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15° Vertically dripping water shall have no harmful effect when the enclosure is tilted at any angle up to 15° from its normal position 3 Protected against spraying water Water falling as a spray at an angle up to 60° from the vertical shall have no harmful effect 4 Protected against splashing water Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect 5 Protected against water jets Water projected by a nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect 6 Protected against heavy seas Water from heavy seas or water projected in powerful jets shall not enter the enclosure in harmful quantities 7 Protected against the effects of immersion Ingress of water in a harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time 8 Protected against submersion
The equipment is suitable for continuous submersion in water under conditions which shall be specified by the manufacturer
NOTE Normally, this will mean that the equipment is hermetically sealed. However with certain types of equipment it can mean that water can enter but only in such a manner that it produces no harmful effects
In BS EN 60068-2-17, test method 1 is primarily applicable to specimens of small volume whose surfaces are not likely to impair the results by too high retention of adsorbed helium (such as braids, joints, organic materials, paint, etc.) unless they have been suitably neutralized before the detection phase.
In BS EN 60068-2-17, test method 2 is intended for specimens that have been filled, during manufacture or for the requirements of this test, with a mixture containing a large proportion of helium.
In BS EN 60068-2-17, test Method 3 (jet and pocket methods) is intended for specimens to be mounted on bulkheads or panels.
Note 1: BS EN 60068-2-17 method should be used judiciously, because it is possible to release into the room sufficient helium to swamp the spectrometer, resulting in the suspension of the test until the room has been ventilated.
Note 2: BS EN 60068-2-17 method should not be used where a numerical acceptance limit for leak rate is specified.
Who is BS EN 60068-2-17 - Sealing test methods for?
BS EN 60068-2-17 on sealing test methods applies to:
Environmental testing agencies
Simulation testing services
Testing personnel and inspectors
Quality assurance services
Why should you use BS EN 60068-2-17 - Sealing test methods?
Environmental testing is the process of determining product performance in specific environments. Sealing tests apply to various specimens and applications such as airtightness of bushes, container sealing gross leaks, container sealing fine leaks, and more.
BS EN 60068-2-17 provides users guidance on sealing tests for internal detection and external detection, enabling users to choose the appropriate method as per their use case.
BS EN 60068-2-17 provides users guidance on Test Qa: Sealing of bushes, spindles and gaskets, Test Qc: Container sealing, gas leakage, Test Qd: Container sealing, seepage of filling liquid, Test Qf: Immersion, Test Qk: Sealing tracer gas method with mass spectrometer and more.
BS EN 60068-2-17 also provides users with a step-by-step procedure for the test methods, enabling users to do the method correctly for acquiring accurate results.
With obedience and compliance to BS EN 60068-2-17, users can assess and implement different sealing test methods to ensure the prevention of leaks, sealing strength and prevention of hazards in industrial applications.
