For large outdoor enclosures with a volume over 200 l, the PolyVent XL screw-in protective vent is said to improve the enclosure's integrity, reliability, and safety in such applications as solar power, telecommunications, and exterior lighting. The vent meets the IP69K and UL 746C requirements, passes the IEC 62108 hail-impact test, performs over a −40° to 125°C range, and requires no maintenance for the life of the electronics and the housing.
Changes in environmental temperatures cause air inside large-volume housings to expand — resulting in pressures that sometimes exceed 200 mbar (3 psi) — which can lead to failure of the housing seals and compromised internal electronics. The vent can equalizes internal pressure by allowing air to flow into and out of the housing at a rate of 16 l/m at 12 mbar. At the same time, the vent prevents liquid ingress at a pressure of 0.3 bar for 60 s (equivalent to water immersion to a 3-m depth). This capability lets manufacturers simplify enclosure design and protect electronics without adding stronger seals or extra bolts, which can results in substantial savings.
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