IEC 61010 Fluids and Solid Foreign Objects

IEC 61010 testing evaluates the protection against hazards such as fluids and solid foreign objects pertaining to electrical and electronic equipment. As a certified product safety compliance lab, we realize the importance of IEC regulatory compliance testing. Meeting the IEC 61010-1 requirements can be difficult. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process.

Keystone Compliance provides the peace of mind that all of your needs will be met. We take a consultative approach throughout the entire test program. When products do not meet the requirements, we assist with finding solutions. Keystone’s proven process helps avoid product launch delays.

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Summary of IEC 61010 Protection Against Fluids and Solid Objects

Generally, equipment is designed to give operators protection against hazards from fluids and solid foreign objects found in normal use. Fluids likely to be encountered fall into three categories:

• Those having continuous contact. Ex: in vessels intended to contain them;
• Those having occasional contact. Ex: cleaning fluids;
• Those having accidental contact. The manufacturer cannot safeguard against such cases.

Equipment is inspected for ingress of foreign objects. In particular, the equipment can not deposit on insulation parts where it could lead to a hazard. Additionally, the equipment can not create accumulations that can potentially cause the spread of fire.

Scope of IEC 61010 Fluid and Solid Object Protection

Compliance is checked by the treatment and type of testing below.

          Cleaning – Cleaning processes are specified by manufacturers. This is to avoid causing a direct hazard, or electrical hazard. Nor will it cause a hazard resulting from corrosion or other weakening of structural parts relying on safety. Compliance is checked by cleaning the equipment three times in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

          Spillage – If a liquid is spilled into equipment during normal use, the equipment is designed to avoid any hazard that occurs, For example, as a result of the wetting insulation, or of internal uninsulated parts.

Potentially aggressive substances being spilled in equipment is not uncommon. Examples of aggressive substances include corrosive, toxic, or flammable liquids. If liquids are spilled in the equipment, the wetted material should be analyzed to determine compatibility with the aggressive substance.

          Overflow – Liquid overflowing from any container in the equipment is tested to avoid causing any hazard. An example includes a result of the wetting of insulation or of internal uninsulated parts that are hazardous live.

Equipment likely to be moved while a container is full of liquid is protected against liquid surging out of the container. IEC product safety compliance is checked in accordance with treatments and tests. If the equipment is potentially going to be moved, it is tilted 15 degrees from the position of normal use.

          Battery electrolyte – Batteries are mounted safely so that they cannot be impaired by leakage of their electrolyte. Applicable requirements for battery testing include the equipment being clean and in new condition. If it is impracticable to test the complete unit, representative parts, or smaller equipment is tested.

Fluid Pressure and Leakage Conditions

For equipment to be tested and certified, the maximum pressure to which the equipment is subjected can not exceed the rated maximum working pressure for the part. The maximum pressure is considered to be the highest of the following:

• The rated maximum supply pressure specified for an external source.
• The pressure setting of an overpressure safety device provided as part of the assembly.
• The maximum pressure can be developed by a pressure generating device unless the pressure is limited by an overpressure safety device.

Fluid-containing parts have both of the following characteristics. Thus, the IEC standard prohibits the cause of a hazard through rupture leakage.

• A product of pressure and volume greater than 200 kPa
• A pressure greater than 50 kPa

Expert Electrical Equipment Product Safety Standard Testing

Our team strives to give our customers more time and energy on product development instead of testing. Keystone has a full lab of test equipment which permits us to provide short lead times on scheduling. In addition to product safety requirements and conformance testing, Keystone has a full scope of expertise including wireless, EMCI/EMI, and NEMA enclosure testing.

Have a question about the product safety testing of IEC test method 61010? Contact us or call (919) 296-0098 and we will determine the best course of action. If you are ready to start your consumer product safety testing, please request a quote. 

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