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02 May 2016 - News
When discussing electric insect killers (both electrified grid and glue models), it is important to also address the topic of the IP protection rating. The entire pest control industry, from the manufacturer to the PCO and the end user, must be concerned with and know whether the installed trap model meets the requirements of the environment it is intended to cover.
The IP Code, International Protection Marking, IEC standard 60529, sometimes interpreted as the Ingress Protection Marking, classifies and evaluates the degree of protection provided by mechanical enclosures and electrical panels against the intrusion of solid particles (such as body parts and dust) and the ingress of liquids.
UV light traps suitable for these particular environments must be designed and built to meet the prerequisites outlined in the European Safety Standard EN60529:1992. Unless otherwise specified, the protection rating is IP 20 (the same as in office environments). In areas where dust or water is present, a specific protection rating is required.
Electric insect killers that need to be installed outdoors must have a protection rating starting from IP24. This level makes them suitable for use in barns, stables, etc. The IP 2X rating is the highest protection that an electrified grid trap can have, as it must still have openings to allow insects to enter. Traps installed in very humid environments or where they may be exposed to a powerful jet of water must have an IPX5 or IPX6 rating.
With these quick examples in mind, it is clear that the quality of a trap, and the declared IP rating, depends on the quality of the seals, silicone sealants, or other components used inside, which can make a significant difference in the performance and safety of the trap.
Although today a manufacturer is not required to support the declared IP rating with tests and certificates from third parties, PestWest® has chosen to delegate the certification of its lamps to internationally recognized independent laboratories, considering this approach both professional and correct: a certificate issued by an independent company is a way to ensure that the tested products actually meet the declared requirements.
For this reason, we can proudly state that all PestWest® products use high-quality components that have been tested for the IP classification.
To ensure that the declared performance is maintained over time, PestWest® combines innovative design with the use of closed-cell foam seals and reduced use of silicone sealants.
These are added values that allow the British company to differentiate itself from other products on the market, which use large amounts of silicone sealant, making it particularly difficult to maintain the same IP rating over time. In fact, when the trap requires repairs, it is opened, and the silicone detaches, compromising the original IP protection rating.
