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Waterproof
We are often asked if a radio is "Waterproof " ..
Just to add confusion the terms Weatherproof, Splashproof,
Weather resistant and Showerproof are all terms often used
by manufacturers.
They are all relatively meaningless because put anything
in water for long enough and at high enough pressure and water
will get in. Even if a radio is not submerged in water it
can be damaged by water ingress from condensation which will
find its way into electrical equipment that is fairly well
sealed.
UK Rain
All the radios we sell at the very will least be usable in
light rain typical of the UK weather without additional protection.
Mountain Rain
In heavy and windy rain of the type found in the UK mountains
something to shed water is advisable or carry the radio under
your clothing. It should be bought into a dry environment
after use.
High Humidity and Marine Use
In continually humid environments found in equatorial regions
or in manufacturing or marine environments the radio is best
protected with a watertight cover such as an Aquapac. The
Aquapac will
effectively make the radio waterproof for most purposes.
Condensation
In high condensation situations (Warm humid air condensing
onto cold surfaces) such as might be found after returning
indoors or in-car after a days winter sports. The dry radio
should be sealed in a dry plastic bag while cold and allowed
to reach room temperature before removal from the bag, or
it should be kept in the cold environment overnight. An Aquapac
is also ideal for these applications.
The Standard IP protection rating
There are several international standards for the resistance
of equipment to water but most of the nonprofessional radios
are not tested.
The IP system is the easiest to understand and further detail
can be found here:
http://www.protectingpeople.co.uk/fire_tech/ip_explained.htm
IPx5 involves subjecting a transceiver to a shower of rain
for three minutes from all directions.
The water is delivered through holes of 6.3mm diameter at
a rate of 12.5 l/minute and from a distance of 2.5m. This
equates to water hitting the transceiver at a speed of 24km/hour
- sufficient for it to be pushed away were it not anchored.
Water damage
Electronic circuitry is fatally corroded even when slightly
damp, particularly while powered. Should the worst happen and
the radio does get wet, remove the battery at once. Keep the
radio in a warm and airy place for a couple of days before putting
the battery back. If salt water gets on or into the radio nothing
will save it. Radios taken onto boats should always be protected
by a totally waterproof and floating package. |
Waterproof
or Weatherproof ?
