Environmental simulations + protection rating tests at the VDE Institute

The environmental simulation includes many different test methods for analyzing the interaction between a product and its environment. Generally speaking, environmental simulation tests are performed as part of the product safety inspection on components, devices and machines. The appropriate standards decide the characteristics that the product must have. The tests can also be conducted along with development. Special tests for determining certain product characteristics are also possible.

When determining the protection rating and IK and IP protection classes, it is mainly about determining the place of use. Depending on the product type and purpose, a certain protection rating (IP and/or IK) must be met, primarily for electrical equipment and systems used in industry. In our test laboratory, we can perform any tests that are required to obtain the IP or IK protection class. Water exposure can range from a light rain shower to complete submersion. In a pressure chamber at the VDE Institute, a submersion depth of up to 50 meters can be simulated with the resulting increased pressure of up to 5 bar. Dust ingress is tested in a special dust chamber. Naturally, touch protection is also part of the test suite. Using test probes and an internationally standardized test finger, VDE experts test if live or insufficiently insulated parts can be touched. The risk of electric shock must be eliminated. Furthermore, we test the housing’s level of protection against hazardous mechanical stress. It is afterwards confirmed in the IK classification.
If, for instance, the device is fully protected from the ingress of water, dust or foreign substances, it receives the highest protection class and is suitable for the outdoors.

The VDE Institute assists manufacturers and distributors in determining the protection rating and with labelling of the same that is clearly visible for shoppers. This is because not everybody immediately understands the information on the label. With our VDE special mark for protection ratings, consumers can immediately tell which protection rating the selected equipment has. This special mark is ideally suited for supporting marketing activities, e.g. in brochures or online shops. This certificate gives shoppers the peace of mind that the manufacturer’s information on the equipment’s protection rating has been tested and verified by a neutral body. Furthermore, the identification number can be used in our online register to quickly determine the presence of an authentic and independent certificate that consumers can trust.

An essential requirement for the special certificate is compliance with all safety-related requirements that are mandatory as per the applicable EU directives and standards. For instance, these requirements must be present, e.g. in the form of VDE test results. The test results of accredited test laboratories are also recognized.  

Products for industrial technology in particular are often exposed to extreme conditions such as heat, dirt, moisture or mechanical impacts such as vibrations. The VDE Institute tests the shock resistance, the effect of very high and very low temperatures, moisture, high air humidity along with solar radiation and vibration. Our electrodynamic shaker allows us to conduct vibration tests that can be combined with climatic exposure.

Apart from these and many other environmental simulation tests, the VDE Institute naturally offers all product safety tests required by common standards along with tests for functional safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and quality tests.

Safety-related tests comprise the complete product range for industrial technology. Cables and lines are tested for resilience. We test transformers and switching devices in our in-house, high-voltage laboratory. There are also tests performed on electric motors, industrial connectors and power supplies.

The UV-C ultraviolet rays are found in the range of 100 and 280 nanometers. Radiation in this range can kill germs. Its special property allows the reproduction of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa to be prevented, and also kills such organisms.

Due to their energy-rich properties, UV-C rays have an impact on most modern materials/products, as they are capable of changing their mechanical and electrical properties. This physical aging leads to cracks or fractures in the component, which in turn compromises safety.

The VDE Institute offers standards-based tests for the testing of materials for their UV-C resistance. International standards already require testing of the UV-C resistance of non-metallic materials. Precursor here is the IEC 60335-1:2010/AMD2:2016 “Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety”. In view of the increasing frequency of UV-C radiation sources in electrical equipment, we have addressed testing methods and their feasibility ahead of time. Thus the UV-C resistance test can already be carried out at our lab, today. The irradiation chamber used offers space for sample sizes up to 29 cm with a base area of 46 cm x 32 cm. The sample temperature is kept at the required temperature by additional IR irradiation.

Manufacturers have access to expert VDE employees with years of experience and a comprehensively equipped test laboratory for environmental simulation and protection ratings. On the one hand, the testing of electrical devices, components and systems is based on VDE, DIN, EN, IEC and MIL standards; on the other hand, they are also based on manufacturer-specific standards. With the certification that environmental effects do not have any impact on the devices and the determination of IK and IP protection classes, manufacturers not only receive a certification of safety and quality. Based on the VDE mark, product purchasers can rest assured that the product meets the current state of the art and that flawless indoor and outdoor functionality is guaranteed. Consumers are paying attention to independent test marks like the VDE mark on an increasing number of products.

• VDE mark, VDE-GS mark
• VDE test report for information
• CB certificate

Here you can find relevant information on the VDE test marks and certificates.