How to... apply labels in IP65 production areas

IP65 is usually a pre-requisite for labelling in food or beverage production areas and is also required anywhere else that dust or water, is a problem. In these conditions, components that may become electrically or mechanically unsafe need to be housed in an enclosure that protects the internal electronics and other workings. The level of protection a machine has from particles and water is given by its International Protection (IP) code. The full classification of degrees of protection is detailed in the standard; BS EN 60529:1992 (IEC 60529:1989 second edition). The two-digit IP code e.g. IP65, states how the machine is protected:-

The first digit indicates level of protection against ingress of solid foreign objects. In our example, "6" means; totally protected against ingress of dust. The second digit indicates level of protection against harmful ingress of water. A value of "5" means; protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions.

The design of the ALS Compact Class range of labellers (ALS 104, ALS 204 and ALS 206), with their solid die-cast aluminium casings, stainless steel components and M12 connectors, lends them easily to upgrading to the IP65 rating, with a low-cost "kit" that seals the casing and protects all electrical connections. Coupled with flexible mounting options for easy line integration, fast dispensing speeds and reliable operation, makes them very attractive machines.

For a great, well-written, guide to understanding the IP standard, we recommend you download the excellent publication from BEAMA, "Guide To The IP Codes For Enclosures", available here: http://www.als-eu.com/downloads/files/IP-Codes.pdf

Our thanks to:

BEAMA Ltd
Westminster Tower, 3 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SL
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7793 3013 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7793 3003
Registered in England No. 84313
http://www.beama.org.uk/
http://www.beamainstallation.org.uk/