Resource Library

As LED lighting proliferates in automotive applications, so does condensation. That’s because LED lamps’ heat source is at the rear of the assembly, making the lens area the cold spot where condensation forms most easily. Often with unpleasant results: foggy, cloudy or streaky lenses, and lamps that don’t shine as brightly as when they left the showroom. Condensation could also compromise integrated sensors or other electronic devices.

A critical aspect of vent selection begins with defining the level of protection your application, device or housing requires.

IP ratings cannot be “converted” to NEMA ratings, since NEMA requires additional testing not included in IP. However, there are minimum NEMA ratings that will meet or exceed a given IP code.

This document explains the format and classification of Ingress Protection (IP) ratings, according to the IEC 60529 standards.

This document explains the Underwriters Laboratory standard for testing the flammability properties of plastic materials used for parts in devices and appliances.

Description of standard test used to measure a membrane's ability to stop aqueous flow, and diagram of the apparatus used for water entry pressure testing.

Description of standard test used to measure airflow of low flowing media, and diagram of the apparatus used for Gurley airflow testing.

The key to choosing the appropriate membrane technology for a given application is understanding the environmental conditions and the surface tension of the fluids that the vent will encounter.

Description of standard test used to measure resistance of high flowing media, and diagram of the apparatus used for resistance testing.

Description of standard test used to measure the force required to separate the layers of a laminate, with diagrams of possible outcomes when water entry pressure has been exceeded.

Description of GORE™ Oleophobic Membranes, oil repellancy testing, oil ratings, and surface tensions of typical fluids.