Computers and Hygiene

It may surprise many people to learn that computer workstations harbour far more bacteria and germs than the average toilet seat. It has been said that many of the minor illnesses that keep people off work are actually caused by workstations and the office environments. Many offices can be described as sick, in that they […]

EN 60529 – Ingress protection

EN 60529 is a European directive designed to specify degrees of protection provided by electronic enclosures. EN 60529 is governed by CENELEC – The European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization. It is a standardized measure to ensure that computer enclosures can cope with certain criteria. The directive gives a two digit IP rating (ingress protection) for […]

Industrial Computers – Drawbacks to Solid State Machines

Computers are now widely used in industrial processes. Many plants, factories and production lines are now fully automated and computers are essential in maintaining efficient productivity. The environments of industry are not however, ideally suited for the sensitive nature of processors and electronics. Many industrial areas contain high levels of dust, dirt, water and fluids, […]

Industrial Computer Enclosure – ATEX Protection in Explosive Atmospheres

ATEX is the name commonly given to the European directives for controlling explosive atmospheres and the standards of equipment and protective systems used in them.  ATEX is now  law in all European Union countries with companies that have potentially explosive atmospheres legally obliges to ensure all equipment in ATEX zones complies with the directive. Explosive […]

Medical Keyboards Fight Against MRSA

A recent study by the University of Arizona has discovered that computer keyboards can house more germs than toilet seats with 25% carrying the deadly superbug MRSA- one of a number of hospital-acquired infections which kill 5,000 people each year in the UK alone. Microbiologists found an average of 3,300 microbes per square inch on […]

Converting IP Ratings and NEMA codes

NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) has established a range of standards for electrical equipment enclosures.  NEMA codes tend to be used by countries outside of Europe, including the USA. NEMA codes use a number to describe the level of protection afforded by electrical equipment enclosures European countries use the European Union IP Rating system from […]