Testing the NH609N Cabinet
Introduction
All National Highways Cabinets are subject to rigorous product testing before they are approved for use on England’s Strategic Road Network, which includes the country’s motorways and major A roads.
The latest addition to the Ritherdon National Highways Range, the Type 609N Cabinet is no different. The National Highways 609N Cabinet had to undergo various tests to ensure its durability and reliability in different environmental conditions.
These tests include transportation (bump test), vibration, dust, and water ingress tests.
See our short video below to see the testing for the NH609N cabinet.
Bump Test/Vibration Test:
To simulate the shocks experienced during road transport, a bump test was performed on two Type 609N Cabinets (including PDUs) while they are packaged for shipping. This test, based on the National Highways environmental testing document TR2130, aims to replicate the vibrations and impacts the Cabinet and its equipment may encounter during transportation.
In addition to the transport test, an operational random vibration test was performed on one type 609N Cabinet (including PDU) mounted on its corresponding pedestal or base.
This test simulates the roadside vibrations that the Cabinet and its equipment may experience over their lifetime of operation. By conducting this test, we can ensure that the Cabinet is designed to withstand vibrations and maintain its functionality under normal operating conditions.
Dust IP Test:
To verify the dust protection capabilities of the Type 609N Cabinet, it was subjected to a dust chamber test under applied vacuum. This test, based on the National Highways environmental testing document TR2130 and BS EN 60529, will confirm that the Cabinet provides IP5X dust protection.
This means that the enclosures and other electronic equipment inside the Cabinet do not need to have a high IP rating, as the Cabinet itself offers sufficient dust protection.
Water IP Test:
Furthermore, the National Highways 609 Cabinet was subjected to a water jet test to assess the Type 609N Cabinet’s ability to protect the equipment housed inside against powerful water jets.
This test, based on the National Highways environmental testing document TR2130 and BS EN 60529, ensures that the Cabinet can withstand water ingress and prevent damage to the sensitive equipment. The Cabinet achieved a water ingress protection of IPX6.
The combined IP rating or ingress protection for the NH 609N Cabinet comes to IP56, meaning the Cabinet is protected against dust ingress and powerful water jets according to BS EN 60529:1992 + A2:2013.
Summary:
By subjecting the NH 609N Cabinet to these rigorous tests, we can ensure that it meets the necessary standards and requirements for its intended use.
These tests not only validate the Cabinet’s durability and protection capabilities but also provide peace of mind to our customers and end-users, assuring them of the reliability and performance of our product in various environmental conditions.
