Environmental Specifications and Ratings

Rugged Device Specifications

Ingress Protection Rating (IP): This rating classifies the degree of protection against the intrusion of solid objects, dust and water in mechanical casings. An IP rating usually consists of 2 digits. The first digit indicates the level of protection that the casing provides against solid particles. This is rated on a scale of 0-6, with 6 being a dust tight casing. The second digit indicates the level of protection that the casing provides against liquid. This is rated on a scale of 0-8, with a rating of 8 being immersible beyond 1m. If either of the numbers is replaced with an X, there is no rating in regard to that criteria.
TrackAbout Device Spec Recommendation: Minimum rating of IP54, rating of IP64 is better

MIL-STD 810: This rating addresses a broad range of environmental conditions including: Exposure to high and low temperatures, including temperature shock; rain; humidity; fungus; sand and dust exposure; vibration; and shock. Devices are rated to meet or exceed the requirements in this standard.
TrackAbout Device Spec Recommendation: Meets or exceeds MIL-STD 810G.

Drop Spec: This specification measures how far a device can be dropped and still function. This standard also includes the medium that the device is dropped on and how many times it can be dropped. The medium is usually plywood or concrete.
TrackAbout Device Spec Recommendation: MIL-STD 810G- 26 drops from 4ft onto plywood.

Intrinsically Safe Ratings

Intrinsic safety ratings apply to devices that are being operated in areas with flammable gases or fuels, combustible dust or ignitable fibers. It means that the devices are incapable of igniting those gases, dust, or fibers. The ratings are divided into classes, divisions and groups:

Classes

Class l - Areas in which flammable gases or vapors may be present in sufficient quantities to be explosive or ignitable.
Class ll - Areas made hazardous by the presence of combustible dust.
Class lll - Areas in which there are easily ignitable fibers or flyings present, due to the type of material being handled, stored or processed --but in which such fibers or flyings are not likely to be in suspension in the air in quantities sufficient to produce ignitable mixtures.

Divisions

Division 1 - Normal Situation: A hazard is present in the everyday normal production operation or during frequent repair and/or maintenance activity.
Division 2 - Abnormal Situation: Potentially hazardous material is expected to be safely confined within closed containers or closed systems, and will be present in the atmosphere only through accidental rupture, breakage, or abnormal operation.

Groups

Group A, B, C & D - Gases and vapors in Class l locations are classified into four groups, by the code A, B, C, and D. These materials are grouped according to the ignition temperature of the substance, its explosion pressure and other flammability characteristics.
Groups E, F & G - Combustible dust in Class ll locations are classified according to ignition temperature and the conductivity of the hazardous substance.