Proper protection of electrical installations against moisture is the basis for their long-term, reliable, efficient and safe operation. Flooding of electrical installations can lead to irreversible damage to electrical devices and pose a serious threat to the health and life of building users. In this article, you will learn why protecting wires against moisture is so important, how to correctly select electrical wires based on IP marking and how to additionally protect cables and wires against flooding.
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Why is protecting cables from moisture important?
The places where wires and connectors meet are areas particularly exposed to moisture – especially in rooms such as bathrooms or kitchens. Electrical installations running outside buildings also require special protection of wires. Properly installed and insulated cables are crucial for electrical safety. They help maintain the electrical installation in proper technical condition for many years, prevent damage to electrical equipment and dangerous accidents involving people.
Selection of appropriate cables with IP markings
The IP (Ingress Protection) rating is a standard that specifies the level of protection of an electrical device's housing against solid objects, water and moisture. The IP rating consists of two digits and (optionally) a letter. The first digit indicates the level of protection against solid objects, such as insects and dust, on a scale of 0 to 6. The second digit indicates the level of protection against water on a scale of 0 to 9. The higher the value of both digits, the more effective the protection.
When a letter appears after the second digit, it communicates specific features of the device's housing, such as impact resistance. For example, IPX4 electrical installations are protected against water ingress from any direction, and IPX7 can operate in conditions of immersion for up to 30 minutes at a depth of up to 0.15 m above the top of the housing or 1 m above the bottom for housings lower than 0.85 m. Absolute water resistance is required, among others, in zone 0 in bathrooms, i.e. in the area of shower cabins and bathtubs.
The cables should be adapted in terms of dust and water resistance to the risk of flooding at the installation site. Potential threats will vary depending on the purpose and specifics of the room. In houses and apartments, the most exposed to moisture are the electrical installation elements located in bathrooms and kitchens near water sources.
What is the best way to additionally protect cables against moisture?
First of all, it is necessary to ensure a safe distance of the electrical switchboard and cables from water sources or to use a hermetic switchboard. Electrical equipment and installation cables in a hermetic switchboard are effectively protected against moisture, water and dust, because it provides perfectly tight conditions.
Hermetic switchboards often protect external installations and are located in technical rooms. If possible, cables should be installed in places not exposed to moisture and water, preferably as close to the ceiling as possible. Of course, the cabling must meet the requirements for a minimum IP protection class. The use of lower voltages also helps to minimize the risks associated with moisture. In addition, the following are important:
- compliance with the deadlines for inspections of electrical installations,
- entrusting electrical work to experienced specialists,
- use of high-quality, certified electrical devices and accessories,
- exercise extreme caution when using electrical equipment in sensitive areas, especially in the event of flooding.
We encourage electricians, owners of electrical shops and other professionals to familiarize themselves with the offer of our wholesaler. In the category " electrical engineering " there are tens of thousands of products such as: switchboards and enclosures, cable routes, mountings, disconnectors, fuse inserts and bases and many others. Onninen technical and sales advisors provide telephone and e-mail support, as well as in person at branches throughout Poland.