The superior corrosion resistance of our stainless steel products is well established. Stainless steel is also mechanically more durable than the other materials commonly used for making feeder pillars such as galvanised mild steel, aluminium, etc.Â
These two advantages mean that we can fabricate our service pillars out of thinner metal, saving on cost and making them lighter to handle.
We have been asked whether 2mm stainless steel really is tough enough for the job. So we tried parking a 40 tonne lorry on top of one of our feeder pillars to find out.
Read further on the Properties of Stainless Steel.Â
The photographs speak for themselves. Apart from the dusty tyre mark, there was very little evidence of what the feeder pillar had just been through, with the door still opening and closing as if it were new.
At Ritherdon we are constantly innovating and investing in product development therefore we regularly conduct in-house testing. Since this last test in 2008, there has been a lot more product development and of course, even more testing!
On the question of the strength of thing gauge stainless steel feeder pillars, we have tested the Ritherdon Range of R and RH Pillars for impact testing according to IK Testing.Â
IK testing, also known as IK impact testing, is a standardised method used to evaluate the mechanical impact resistance of electrical enclosures, including low voltage enclosures. This test is crucial for determining how well an enclosure can protect its internal components from external mechanical forces, such as accidental impacts or vandalism.
IK testing is defined by the IEC 62262 standard (also known as EN 62262) and assigns an IK rating to enclosures based on their impact resistance.
The IK code ranges from IK00 (no protection) to IK10 (protection against 20 joules of impact energy).
The results of impact testing Ritherdon feeder pillars is the maximum level of protection afforded by the IK Rating which is IK 10 or protection against 20 joules of impact.Â
Importance of Impact Testing or IK Testing:
Safety: Ensures that enclosures can withstand impacts without posing risks to personnel.
Protection: Verifies that delicate electrical components inside the enclosure are safeguarded against physical impacts.
Durability: Demonstrates the enclosure’s ability to withstand mechanical stresses over time, ensuring long-term reliability.
For more information on our service pillars, or any other Ritherdon products, please call us on 01254 819100 or email us at info@ritherdon.co.uk
This blog has originally published: November 17, 2008. It has since been updated: February 5, 2025.Â
