We have choosen to specify the VP165/24 antenna (also VP250/51 and VP250/57) as being rated IP32.
First number, Protection against solid objects, (3) means "protected against solid objects over 2.5 mm (tools and wires)" Second number, Protection against liquids (which is of interest here), (2) means "Protection against direct sprays of water up to 15 degrees from vertical orientation." That is: we guarantee that the function of the antenna is not effected to this kind of exposure. Practically, placing the antenna in a protected position (under the extension of a roof or similar) is a good idea. There is a drainage hole at the bottom of the antenna, which can be clogged by eg insects. Make sure the hole is open using a screwdriver or another thin object. It is unevitable to get condensation inside the antenna, and this moist shall leave through this hole by overpressure. The isolation distance inside the antenna is large, so there has to be severe amounts of water to loose functionality. The most common mistake when users claim "moist inside the antenna" is actually moist inside the connector. We recommend that the connector be sealed with a heat shrink tube with glue, which is included with the antenna, or can be ordered separately. To test the antenna performance when it is exposed to "heavily dripping water" we set up a measurement range as shown on the picture. We sprayed the antenna with several cubic metres of water during many hours while making impedance and transmitted power measurements with a HP8753E network analyser. In this test we could not prove any degrading effect on the functionality of the antenna. |
