BS EN 60068-2-18:2017

What is BS EN 60068-2-18- R water test guidance about? 

EN 60068 is a European standard that covers various environmental testing guidelines. 

BS EN 60068-2-18 provides methods of test applicable to products which, during transportation, storage, or in service, can be subjected to falling water drops, impacting water, immersion, or high-pressure water impact. The primary purpose of water tests is to verify the ability of enclosures, covers, and seals to maintain components and equipment in good working order after and, when necessary, under a standardized drop field or immersion in water. 

Established water tests in other standards are not intended to simulate natural rainfall and their quoted intensities are too high to be adopted for that purpose. Therefore, in addition to the high-intensity severities, test R includes an artificial rain test based upon natural conditions but not taking into account high wind speeds generally associated with natural rain. 

These tests are not corrosion tests and cannot be considered and used as such. Guidance is given on the applicability of the tests and the severities to be selected. 

Who is BS EN 60068-2-18 for- R water test guidance for? 

BS EN 60068-2-18 on environmental testing is useful for: 

• Environmental testing agencies 
• Transportation industry 
• Storage or in the service industry 
• Enclosures, covers and seals manufacturers in water-related applications 
• Environmental testing authorities  
• Environmental research scientists  
• Environmental test laboratories 

Why should you use BS EN 60068-2-18- R water test guidance? 

If various portions of equipment, such as enclosures, covers, and seals, come into contact with water as a result of environmental influences, severe consequences of corrosion, erosion, etc might occur. 

Adopting test methods in BS EN 60068-2-18 you help determine the effects of rainfall water on various types of equipment and their component. This test is applicable to products which, during transportation, storage or in service may be exposed to vertical falling drops, the origin of these being, for example, natural rain, seepage or condensation. With the results of these tests, you can determine the reliability and durability of the products.  

Best industry guidance provided by BS EN 60068-2-18 can assist you in minimizing the negative effects of water contact on various components and equipment, thus prolonging their service-life and enhancing functionality of the products. BS EN 60068-2-18 can also be beneficial for your product development initiatives.  

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN 60068-2-18:2017 supersedes BS EN 60068-2-18:2001, which is withdrawn. BS EN 60068-2-18:2017 includes the following technical change with respect to BS EN 60068-2-18:2001: 

• Addition of the new test method Rb 3