For the first time, UL has tested an infrared window as an open assembly.  Previous to now, all UL certifications for IR windows were done only as closed assemblies. This has now changed!  UL applied their standard UL 746 C and its requirements for the viewing optic to the VPFR range of IR windows which are the only IR window assembly that is IP65 rated (NEMA 4) and has a lens assembly that has passed all the test requirements of 508a and the following 746 C 6th Edition tests:

• Ball impact test
• Flammability – 127mm (5 inch) Flame Test

In addition to the above the VPFR Range already met the IEEE standard (C.37.20.2 section a.3.6) for viewing panes in medium and high voltage electrical equipment (36 kV Metal Clad and 72 kV station switchgear) and is NFPA 70e compliant.  No other window assembly available today can meet these requirements (severe pressure, impact and flammability ).

The IRISS VPFR Series are IP65 / NEMA 4 Certified Components, even when in use.

This range is NFPA 70E Compliant as the operators are never exposed to energised components whilst inspecting,

The IEEE standard which specifies that a transparent material covering an observation opening and forming a part of the enclosure should be reliably secured in such a manner that it cannot be readily displaced in service and should meet the following requirements:

Viewing panes should not shatter, crack, or become dislodged when both sides of the viewing panes in turn are subjected to:

1. A force of 445 N (100 lbf) should be exerted perpendicular to the surface in which the viewing pane is mounted. This force should be distributed evenly over an area of 0.010 m2 (16 in2) (as nearly square as possible and as near the geometric center of the viewing pane as possible). If the viewing pane has an area less than 0.010 m2 (16 in2), the force should be evenly distributed over the entire viewing area. The 445 N (100 lbf) should be sustained for a period of 1 min.

2. The viewing pane should be subjected to an impact of 3.4 J (2.5 ft-lbf) using a steel ball weighing approximately 0.54 kg (1.18 lb) and measuring approximately 50 mm (2 in) in diameter.

This test is extremely harsh and would destroy traditional IR viewing materials (except perhaps Sapphire), The test allows for different windows to be used for each individual test, but we decided to use the same VPFR-100 assembly for all the required tests which passed all the required tests without incident. 

The VPF(R) range of windows incorporates a IR1 polymer reinforced by a IP2X grill insert, this is the only IR window available at present that meets and exceeds the standards listed above and is another first for IRISS Infra Red Inspection ports

Click here to download dimensional drawings

Click here to download Lloyds Certificate

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