1. Application Scenario & Product Selection Advice
For electric actuators deployed in demanding working environments such as continuous underwater submersion, outdoor exposed installations with rain washout, high humidity and dusty conditions, GRAT electric actuators rated IP68 ingress protection are the optimal choice.
Every actuator undergoes full standardized air tightness testing prior to factory shipment to deliver consistent sealing performance with negligible leakage. These products can operate stably and durably in harsh conditions including underwater service, open-air mounting, humid and dusty sites, effectively preventing motor burnout, circuit damage and internal component corrosion caused by water penetration.
2. Hidden Operational Hazards of Actuators Without Certified IP68 Air Tightness Testing
Conventional electric actuators only rely on simple structural sealing without standardized IP68 air tightness verification. Long-term outdoor or underwater operation easily triggers various faults, which are persistent challenges for engineering operation and maintenance teams:
- Circuit burnout induced by slight water seepage Unverified actuator housings often contain tiny pinholes and sealing gaps. After prolonged rainfall exposure or submersion, moisture seeps inside, leading to circuit board short circuits and motor breakdown, resulting in unexpected equipment shutdown.
- Transmission mechanism jamming & rusting from humid air and dust ingress Inadequate sealing allows humid air and dust to enter the enclosure. Over time, contaminants corrode internal gears and transmission assemblies, causing sluggish movement, reduced valve positioning accuracy and degraded automatic control performance.
- Unverified IP ratings fail project acceptance criteria Without formal air tightness certification, marked IP grades are merely theoretical values that cannot meet practical IP68 waterproof and dustproof requirements. This commonly leads to project acceptance failure, costly on-site replacement and rework expenses.
- Rising long-term maintenance costs & frequent breakdowns Actuators failing leak tests face sustained risks of water intrusion and malfunction throughout their service life. Frequent inspections, repairs and component replacements incur substantial labor and equipment renewal expenditures.
3. Standard IP68 Air Tightness Testing Process for GRAT Electric Actuators
All GRAT IP68 electric actuators are subject to 100% full pneumatic leak testing before delivery. Uniform test pressure and objective judging criteria guarantee consistent sealing compliance across all units. The detailed operation steps comply with IEC 60529 IP rating specifications:
Pre-test Calibration & Preparation
Switch on the dedicated air tightness tester and wait for full warm-up. Once internal pressure stabilizes, set the inflation pressure to a unified 0.012 MPa (0.174 psi) to secure precise and valid test data.
Install Custom Inflation Adapters
Fit matched dedicated inflation connectors onto the reserved test ports on the actuator housing. Fasten and compress the joints tightly to eliminate interfacial air leakage that would generate inaccurate test results.
Connect Testing Tubing
Firmly attach the air outlet pipes of the leak tester to the inflation adapters mounted on the actuator casing. Ensure all pipe connections are airtight without looseness or gaps.
Initiate Automated Test Cycle
Tap the start button to launch the four-stage fully automatic testing procedure: Air Charging → Pressure Stabilization → Leak Detection → Automatic Venting. Automated operation eliminates human error throughout the whole cycle.
Test Result Judgment Standard
✅ Pass: The tester records no measurable pressure drop, and the green OK indicator illuminates. The housing sealing conforms to IP68 air tightness requirements. ❌ Fail: The red NG alarm light turns on, indicating micro cracks or defective sealing on the enclosure. Non-conforming products are segregated and prohibited from delivery.
4. Critical On-site Operation Specifications for Factory IP68 Leak Testing
- Check adapter tightness ahead of each test; joint leakage will trigger false failure alerts and unnecessary rejection of qualified products.
- Strictly maintain test pressure at 0.012 MPa; excessive pressure may damage sealing structures, while insufficient pressure cannot deliver valid detection.
- Mandatory individual leak inspection for every IP68 actuator; batch sampling testing and skipped inspection are not permitted.
- Keep the testing workshop dry and dust-free to avoid particulate interference with detection precision.
5. Core Advantages & Industrial Application Value of GRAT IP68 Electric Actuators
Backed by rigorous 100% IP68 air tightness inspection compliant with IEC 60529, GRAT electric actuators feature flaw-free housings and well-sealed structures with reliable waterproof, dustproof and moisture-proof capabilities.
Suited for long-term continuous submersion, outdoor rain exposure, high-humidity dusty sites and unattended field operation, these actuators drastically lower water-induced failure rates, cut post-sales maintenance costs, and satisfy stringent acceptance standards in water conservancy, chemical processing, municipal engineering, environmental protection and other industries.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the standard test pressure for IP68 air tightness testing on electric actuators? A1: The commonly adopted industrial test pressure is 0.012 MPa. All GRAT IP68 electric actuators adopt this unified benchmark for full inspection; no measurable pressure drop is defined as the passing criterion to ensure stable waterproof sealing performance.
Q2: What consequences will poor air tightness bring to IP68 electric actuators? A2: Failed leak testing implies tiny cracks or sealing gaps on the housing. Long-term submersion or outdoor rain exposure will cause water ingress and internal dampness, damaging circuit boards, burning out motors and locking transmission parts. GRAT actuators with verified air tightness can effectively avoid these risks.
Q3: What ingress protection grade is required for outdoor and submerged electric actuator applications? A3: IP68 rating is essential for equipment enduring permanent underwater submersion and outdoor wind and rain conditions. GRAT IP68 electric actuators with comprehensive leak testing deliver stable sealing, extended service life and outstanding adaptability to harsh outdoor hydraulic scenarios.
Q4: How can buyers verify the actual waterproof performance of an electric actuator? A4: Waterproof performance cannot be judged merely by labeled parameters. Qualification must be verified via standardized air tightness testing with zero detectable leakage as the acceptance threshold. All GRAT IP68 electric actuators come with complete test records for quality traceability and smooth project acceptance.
7. Custom Solution Consultation
If you require electric actuators for harsh environments including outdoor mounting, underwater installation, high humidity and dusty working conditions, we can provide tailored IP68 high-protection selection schemes. Simply submit your detailed working condition parameters to acquire customized product recommendations and project quotations free of charge.