Did your Xtreme Heater take a dunk? No worries! Xtreme Heaters are waterproof!
Last year, a customer called to ask if their heater was still safe to use if it got wet. When asked what happened, she said they were walking down the dock to install it and it fell in the water. "How deep?" we asked. The answer was about 16 ft. Ugh! We asked how long it was under. "We called a diver but it's been over an hour so far".
A diver did indeed come and retrieve the heater. We told her we designed it to take a splash or a hose down, though not for immersion, but it was worth letting it dry out and testing it. If it didn't work, we would repair it. As it turned out, the heater worked fine after being dried out.
This customer experience got us thinking. How could we tell this story to our customers with any level of credibility. Calling an electric heater waterproof is a pretty big claim. We knew we needed an independent opinion to back it up, so we called the lab that certified the heater for ignition protection, Imanna Labs of Rockledge, Florida and asked them what they thought and they suggested testing for an IP68 rating would be a good plan, if it could indeed pass the tests.
So, what is IP68? The IP68 rating is one of the highest levels of protection in the Ingress Protection (IP) rating system, a standard used to define the durability of devices against dust and water exposure. The "IP" stands for "Ingress Protection," and the two numbers following it indicate the level of resistance. The first number, "6" means our heaters are fully protected from dust, ensuring no particles can interfere with the device's performance, even in the harshest environments. The second number, "8" signifies that the heaters can withstand continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer, making them highly durable for applications where exposure to moisture or submersion may occur.
An IP68 rating is a testament to the rigorous testing our heaters undergo to meet and exceed industrial standards. This rating provides our customers with peace of mind, knowing that their heaters are built to operate reliably even in extreme conditions where dust and water exposure could otherwise be a concern. It also reinforces our commitment to quality and durability that our products stand for, assuring they’ll function effectively in real-world environments where other heaters will fail.
We're glad our customer's story had a happy ending. We're also proud to announce that Xtreme Engine Compartment and RV Heaters are the only heaters of their kind independently tested as IP68 dust and waterproof.
How is the heater tested?
The 800W XXXL Heat Heater by Xtreme Heaters was independently tested by IMANNA Laboratory to verify its compliance with IEC 60529 standards, which define levels of protection provided by enclosures against dust and water ingress. The heater was assessed for an IP68 rating, representing the highest protection levels in both categories.
Testing Standard and Procedure:
The IEC 60529 standard, specifically the 1989 version with amendments through 2019, outlines the test procedures for determining the ingress protection (IP) rating of enclosures. The heater's components, including a DuPont Zytel ST801 nylon resin housing and potted electronics, were inspected before and after testing to ensure structural integrity and compliance.
Dust Test (IP6X):
This test evaluated the heater's ability to prevent dust penetration. The unit was placed in a dust chamber filled with talcum powder at a concentration of 2 kg per cubic meter. Dry GN2 gas was used to circulate the powder for 8 hours. The heater’s critical electronic components, including the sealed thermostat and fan, were subjected to rigorous inspection after the test. No dust ingress was observed, confirming full compliance with the IP6X standard.
Water Test (IPX8):
The water ingress test assessed the heater's ability to withstand prolonged submersion under specific conditions. The unit was immersed at a depth of 2 meters for 1 hour, with the surrounding water pressure set to 2.84 PSI to simulate real-world conditions. Post-immersion, the heater was inspected for water entry. While minimal water was present, it did not affect the heater’s operation or safety. The heater powered on successfully after the test and performed as intended, passing the IPX8 requirements.
Results and Observations:
The heater met the IP68 standard, demonstrating exceptional resilience against both dust and water. The results indicate the product’s suitability for use in environments with high exposure to these elements, such as marine, industrial, and outdoor applications. IMANNA Laboratory’s report confirms that all tests were conducted using calibrated equipment traceable to NIST standards.
These tests reinforce the durability and reliability of the 800W XXXL Heat Heater, making it a robust choice for demanding conditions.
Important Safety Warning
While Xtreme Heaters are designed to be waterproof for added protection in damp environments, we strongly advise against exposing any electrical device to direct water contact. Under no circumstances should electrical equipment, including Xtreme Heaters, be submerged or operated in water.
Even with advanced waterproofing, electricity and water are a dangerous combination that can result in severe injury, electrical shock, or equipment damage.
If your Xtreme Heater is ever submerged in water, immediately disconnect power. Before restoring power, ensure the heater is completely drained and thoroughly dried out. Failure to do so may result in damage or unsafe operation.
Always ensure Xtreme Heaters are installed in dry, enclosed areas free from standing water. For marine or RV applications, double-check bilge or compartment drainage to prevent water accumulation.
Safety First!
If you suspect water exposure or damage, disconnect power immediately and consult a professional before further use.
