What is EN 50168?

EN50168 is a professional technical standard that is widely recognized and used in various industries. It provides guidelines and specifications for the design, development, and implementation of electronic equipment used in harsh environments. This article aims to explain the key aspects of EN50168 and its significance in ensuring the reliability and safety of electronic systems in extreme conditions.

Why is EN50168 Important?

In harsh environments such as underground mines, oil rigs, and chemical plants, electronic equipment faces numerous challenges including temperature extremes, high humidity, vibration, electromagnetic interference, and exposure to chemicals. EN50168 plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges by providing clear requirements and test methods for manufacturers to develop rugged and reliable products.

Complying with EN50168 standards allows businesses to operate more safely, reduce the risk of equipment failure, enhance productivity, and minimize costly downtime. By adhering to these standards, companies can ensure that their electronic systems can withstand the harshest conditions without compromising performance or endangering personnel.

Main Aspects of EN50168

The main aspects of EN50168 revolve around defining environmental conditions, specifying mechanical and electrical requirements, and conducting thorough testing to verify compliance. The standard covers a wide range of factors that impact electronic equipment's performance in harsh environments:

Temperature and Humidity: EN50168 outlines temperature ranges, humidity levels, and testing methods to determine the equipment's ability to function in extreme heat or cold and resist moisture.

Mechanical Protection: It defines protection levels against mechanical stress, including shock resistance, vibration resistance, and impact resistance.

Chemical Resistance: The standard provides guidelines for assessing the equipment's resistance to chemicals such as gases, oils, and corrosive substances that may be present in challenging environments.

Electromagnetic Compatibility: EN50168 addresses the impact of electromagnetic interference (EMI), ensuring that electronic systems are designed to withstand and not interfere with other devices.

Conclusion

EN50168 is a vital technical standard that ensures the reliability, safety, and performance of electronic equipment in harsh environmental conditions. By following the guidelines set by EN50168, manufacturers can produce robust products that withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, mechanical stress, chemicals, and electromagnetic interference. Companies that adopt EN50168 standards can benefit from reduced equipment failures, improved productivity, enhanced workplace safety, and overall cost savings in the long run.