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Two phase and tri phase equipment used in rain
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Posted By Starbuck
Hi all,
Got a new query, I don't pretend to know anything about electricty or two/tri phase equipment. But I thought it was a huge no no to use it outside in all weather. The mains point is protected and under cover, the female and male connector cables that lead from this to the equipment is all water tight, they have those seals and screw covers.
Is this acceptable? Is there a reason why this is still a huge risk (other than through damage to the seals)? Is there a law or standard out there condemining this?
I would appreciate any guidance you can throw my way. Many thanks.
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Posted By Paul Oliver
can you explain a little further as to the task that is being carried out?
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Posted By Starbuck
Use of a powerful heater is one piece of kit we use in all weathers. Just spoken to my boss about it and he advises ensuring RCD is fitted. We can also do very frequent inspections to check connections are in good order etc. I'm thinking this could be suitable and sufficient steps. I believe the reason this equipment isn't all single phase is because of the power it requires to operate effectively.
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Posted By John Webster
It makes no difference whether the equipment is single or three phase. The important bit is the Ingress Protection (IP) rating of the equipment and any cable connectors. This takes the form IP99 where the second digit gives the degree of protection against water ingress, ie
IP*4 = safe from water spray from any direction
IP*5 = safe from low pressure water jets from any direction
IP*6 = safe from heavy seas
IP*7 = safe from limited immersion
Cable connectors often trail on the ground and end up in puddles, so they may need to have a higher IP rating than the equipment itself
Hope this helps
John
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Posted By Starbuck
John that's a fantastic help. So this heater should come with an IP number somewhere - either on the unit itself or in manufacturers guidance? Can the same be said for drills for example or welders equipment? What about the male and female connections, they're plastic, will they have an IP number marked on them, if they haven't where could I find their rating?
Looking forward to your response, many thanks!
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Posted By Paul Leadbetter
If the connectors are IP rated, the rating will be moulded into them.
Paul
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Posted By Robert.
If the cables to the free pug and socket go through a membrane, and the twwo connectors have hinged lids then it is likely that they are a normal IP44 (splash proof limited ingress).
If rubber gasketed screw lids and compressionnjoints for the cables they are most likely to be IP67.(partially submersible)
Your complete heater, including chassis should be minimum IP44
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Two phase and tri phase equipment used in rain
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