A Look at Top Computer Risks and Hazards
At Daisy Data Displays(Daisy), we often hear customers ask what rugged computers can withstand and what makes a computer truly rugged. Instead of making a lot of claims, Daisy uses top industry specifications and certifications to demonstrate that our rugged computers can withstand temperatures of more than -30°C, falls from significant heights onto concrete, resistance to corrosive elements and even protections against combustible dusts.
Here are just a few of the specifications that we use to make sure computers are rugged and can thrive in rugged computer applications.
Drop Specifications
Drop specifications are among the most important element of what rugged computers can withstand. The typical rugged mobile computer can withstand a four-foot drop on concrete. Each unit will have its own specific drop rating and some can take larger drops because they’re built to withstand more rugged computer applications.
Handheld units will experience drop testing on all sides, as well as problem areas such as the display to ensure that they are properly rated for the field. Concrete is the industry standard and we use it for all ratings, so there is no confusion with hard surfaces that same ratings use.
IP Ratings
Ingress protection (IP) ratings are used for enclosures covering both solids and liquids penetrating the computer’s enclosure. The IEC-set standards use two numerals to indicate protection against solids and protection against liquids, respectively.
IP ratings should typically be 65 or above for any computer in an industrial setting or other rugged computer applications. Daisy uses proper IP certification to determine our ratings and are able to verify these across all of the rugged computers we provide.
MIL-STD/MIL-SPEC
The U.S. Department of Defense uses the MIL-STD and -SPEC specifications to provide guidelines for how each rugged computer and equipment should be created for its applications. The MIL-STD compliance is also used by many state governments when they look to buy equipment for emergency response services.
The MIL-STD 810(x) specification denotes vibration and shock protections, so it should be combined with IP ratings to determine protections against corrosive elements, temperatures, humidity and even more extreme settings such as salt fog.
NEMA
National Electrical Manufacturer Association (NEMA) ratings are standards that govern the environments in which electrical enclosures can be used. NEMA specifications are usually used for installed units, not mobile devices.
- NEMA 1
The NEMA Type 1 rating is designed for indoor enclosures that provide protection to personnel against access to hazardous parts. It also protects the equipment inside against falling dirt and other incidents of ingress of solid foreign objects.
- NEMA 4X
Operating in both indoor and outdoor situations, those with the NEMA 4X enclosure offer a more advanced protection against foreign objects, such as falling and windblown dust. It also protects the equipment against the ingress of water, including rain, sleet, snow, hose-directed water and splashing water. There is significant protection against corrosion, as well as shielding against the formatting of ice on the enclosure itself.
Learn a little more with these product ratings or contact us today to figure out what you need for your application.