Briefly Introduce the Structural Waterproof of LED Lights
The current waterproof technology of lamps and lanterns is mainly divided into two directions: structural waterproofing and material waterproofing. The so-called structural waterproofing means that after the components of each structure of the product are combined, they already have the waterproof function. When the material is waterproof, it is necessary to set aside potting glue to seal the position of the electrical components during product design, and use glue material to achieve waterproofing during assembly. The two waterproof designs are suitable for different product lines, and each has its own advantages.
Lamps based on structural waterproof design need to be closely matched with silicone sealing ring for waterproofing, and the shell structure is more precise and complicated.
structured waterproof lamps are only assembled with pure mechanical structure, with simple tools, few assembly procedures and procedures, short assembly cycle, and convenient and quick repair on the production line. The lamps can be packaged and shipped after passing the electrical performance and waterproof test, which is suitable for projects with short delivery periods.
However, the machining requirements of the structural waterproof design of the lamp are relatively high, and the size of each component must be precisely matched. Only suitable materials and structures can guarantee its waterproof performance. The following are the design points.
(1) Design the silicone waterproof ring, choose the material with the right hardness, design the right pressure, and the cross-sectional shape is also very important. The cable entry line is a water seepage channel, so you need to choose a waterproof wire, and use a strong cable waterproof fixing head (PG head) to prevent water vapor from penetrating through the gap of the cable core, but the premise is that the wire insulation layer is strongly squeezed in the PG head for a long time. No aging or cracking under pressure.
(2) At room temperature, the two are quite different. Careful consideration must be given to the large external dimensions of the lamp. Assuming that the length of the lamp is 1,000 mm, the temperature of the shell during the day is 60℃, the temperature drops to 10℃ in rain or night, and the temperature drops by 50℃. The glass and aluminum profiles will shrink by 0.36 mm and 1.16 mm respectively, and the relative displacement is 0.8 mm. , The sealing element is repeatedly pulled during the repetitive displacement process, which affects the air tightness.
(3) Many medium and high-power outdoor LED lamps can be installed with waterproof breathable valves (respirators). Use the waterproof and breathable function of molecular sieve in the respirators to balance the air pressure inside and outside the lamps, eliminate negative pressure, prevent people from inhaling water vapor, and ensure that the lamps are dry. This economical and effective waterproof device can improve the waterproof capability of the original structure design. However, respirators are not suitable for lamps that are often immersed in water, such as underground lights and underwater lights.
The long-term stability of the waterproof structure of the lamp is closely related to its design and the performance of the selected lamp material, processing accuracy, and assembly technology. If the weak link is deformed and seeps water, it will cause irreversible damage to the LED and electronic devices, and this situation is difficult to predict during the factory inspection process and is very sudden. In this regard, to improve the reliability of structural waterproof lamps, it is necessary to continue to improve waterproof technology.
