Key Considerations for Outdoor Products in US/CAN Markets

In our last newsletter, we summarised the requirements for outdoor products according to
IEC 62368-1. Since many manufacturers also target the US and Canadian markets, this article focuses on the specific requirements for outdoor products in these regions.

The US/CAN standards include extensive national differences to Annex Y of IEC 62368-1:2018, with the primary distinction being their reliance on the separate standard UL 50E/CSA C22.2 No. 94.2 for Enclosures for Electrical Equipment, Environmental Considerations.

Highlights of UL 50E:

The UL 50E standard emphasises the construction of enclosures, covering aspects such as:

• Polymeric material requirements
• Corrosion protection
• Openings and ventilation
• Conduit connections
• Gaskets and sealing compounds

It categorizes enclosures into two types:

1. Enclosures for indoor locations: Types 1, 2, 5, 12, 12K, and 13.
2. Enclosures for indoor or outdoor locations: Types 3 (raintight), 3X, 3R (rainproof), 3RX, 3S, 3SX, 4, 4X, 6, and 6P.

Rainproof vs. Raintight Enclosures:

As mentioned in the previous newsletter, rainproof and raintight enclosures are two common classifications. But what sets them apart?

Both types undergo the following tests:

• External icing (8.5)
• Outdoor corrosion protection (8.8)
• Gaskets (8.13)
• Misalignment (8.15)

The differences arise in additional testing requirements:

• Type 3 (raintight): Tested for outdoor dust (8.4.1)
• Type 3R (rainproof): Requires an additional Rain Test (8.3)

Key Advice for Manufacturers:

Some tests overlap between IEC 62368-1 and UL 50E/CSA C22.2 No. 94.2, while others differ. To ensure a seamless approval process, we strongly recommend paying close attention to these variations during product development.

More information:

Rok Agnič

E-mail: rok.agnic@siq.si  

Tel.: +386 1 4778 011