Application of LISUN Sand Dust Test Chamber in Reliability Testing of Electronic, Electrical, and Automotive Products

Abstract
Dust intrusion is a major threat to the reliability and service life of products in industries such as electronics, electrical engineering, and automotive manufacturing. The sand dust test chamber serves as a critical tool to simulate dusty environmental conditions, evaluate product dustproof performance, and verify compliance with industry standards. This paper focuses on the LISUN SC-010 Sand Dust Test Chamber, a representative device designed for testing the physical and functional performance of electronic and electrical products, lamps, electrical cabinets, electrical components, and automotive/motorcycle parts under simulated dust climates. It elaborates on the chamber’s compliance with IP5X and IP6X dustproof rating standards (per IEC 60529), technical specifications, test procedures, and practical applications. By analyzing test data and case studies, this paper confirms that the LISUN SC-010 Sand Dust Test Chamber provides accurate, repeatable results, supporting product design optimization, performance improvement, verification, and factory inspection.

Introduction
In industrial and outdoor environments, products such as industrial controllers, outdoor lamps, electrical distribution cabinets, and automotive engine parts are frequently exposed to dust. Fine dust particles can penetrate product enclosures, causing short circuits in electronic components, reduced heat dissipation efficiency of lamps, increased wear of mechanical parts, and even sudden product failure. According to industry data, over 18% of field failures in electronic and electrical products are directly attributed to dust intrusion (IEC, 2013). To address this issue, standardized environmental testing using a sand dust test chamber has become an indispensable step in product development and quality control.

The LISUN SC-010 Sand Dust Test Chamber, developed by LISUN Group, is tailored to meet the diverse testing needs of multiple industries. It simulates realistic dust conditions, enabling enterprises to assess product dustproof performance efficiently and ensure compliance with global standards such as IP5X and IP6X. This paper systematically explores the technical characteristics and application value of the LISUN SC-010, aiming to provide a comprehensive reference for testing institutions and manufacturers.

SC-015 Dustproof test chamber

Overview of LISUN SC-010 Sand Dust Test Chamber
Core Functions and Application Scope
The LISUN SC-010 Sand Dust Test Chamber is a medium-sized environmental testing device designed to replicate dust-laden climates. Its primary function is to conduct physical, functional, and durability tests on products across industries, including:

Electronic and electrical products: Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), communication modules, and power supplies;
Lamps: Outdoor street lamps, tunnel lights, and automotive headlights;
Electrical cabinets: Low-voltage distribution cabinets and industrial control cabinets;
Electrical components: Relays, connectors, and switches;
Automotive/motorcycle parts: Engine air filters, instrument panels, and carburetors.

After testing, products undergo performance verification to determine if they meet design specifications or industry standards. This data is critical for product design iterations, performance enhancements, type approval, and factory quality inspections. Notably, the LISUN SC-010 is specifically optimized for IP5X and IP6X dustproof rating tests, the most widely adopted standards for evaluating solid particle protection.

Structural Design Features
The LISUN SC-010 incorporates durable and user-centric design elements to ensure test accuracy and operational convenience:

Housing and Inner Chamber: The outer shell is constructed from high-quality domestic steel plates with a corrosion-resistant spray-painted finish, ensuring longevity and aesthetics. The inner chamber, sample rack, and dust-contact components are made of 304 stainless steel, preventing rust and avoiding dust contamination;
Observation and Lighting: A transparent tempered glass window is installed on the chamber door, allowing real-time monitoring of sample status and dust distribution. An LED light inside the chamber ensures clear visibility even in low-light conditions;
Dust Management System: A bottom-mounted dust replacement device enables 100% replacement of used dust, eliminating cross-contamination between tests. A built-in vibration device prevents dust from adhering to chamber walls or agglomerating, maintaining uniform dust concentration;
Vacuum System: For Category 1 enclosures (products with internal negative pressure during operation, e.g., due to thermal cycling), the chamber is equipped with a suction pipe and vacuum pump. This system maintains adjustable negative pressure (0~10 Kpa) inside the sample, simulating real-world operating conditions.

Test Principles and IP5X/IP6X Standards Compliance
Basic Working Principle of the Sand Dust Test Chamber
The LISUN SC-010 operates based on the closed-loop dust suspension principle specified in IEC 60529:1989+A1:1999+A2:2013 (Clause 13.4). The test process involves three key steps:

Dust Suspension: Dry talcum powder (standard test dust) is blown into the chamber via a dust circulation pump. The vibration device ensures dust remains uniformly suspended, avoiding agglomeration;
Pressure Control: For Category 1 enclosures, the vacuum pump creates negative pressure inside the sample to accelerate dust intrusion (if gaps exist). For Category 2 enclosures (no pressure difference with the environment), tests are conducted at atmospheric pressure;
Parameter Regulation: The control system precisely manages test duration, dust-blowing cycles, and vibration frequency to meet standard requirements.

Specifications for Test Dust
Test dust properties directly impact result validity. The LISUN SC-010 strictly adheres to IEC 60529 standards for dust, as outlined in Table 1:

Table 1: Test Dust Specifications for LISUN SC-010 Sand Dust Test Chamber：

IP5X and IP6X Test Requirements
IP5X and IP6X are core dustproof ratings in the IP (Ingress Protection) code, defining protection against solid particles. The LISUN SC-010 is engineered to meet these standards, with key requirements summarized in Table 2:

Table 2: IP5X and IP6X Test Requirements for LISUN SC-010

Test Procedures for LISUN SC-010
A standardized test procedure ensures repeatable and accurate results. Below is a step-by-step guide for testing an industrial electrical cabinet (Category 2 enclosure) for IP5X compliance:
Pre-Test Preparation
Sample Inspection: Check the electrical cabinet for damage (e.g., enclosure cracks, loose gaskets). Record initial performance data (e.g., operating voltage, current);
Dust Preparation: Use new talcum powder (passed 75 μm sieve). Weigh 2 kg and load it into the chamber’s bottom dust storage;
Equipment Calibration: Verify temperature control (set to 40℃) and vibration device operation. Calibrate test time to 2 hours (IP5X requirement);
Sample Installation: Place the cabinet on the stainless steel rack. Connect power (≤10A) and confirm normal operation. Close the chamber door and check airtightness.