UV Degradation
This is the ultraviolet component of sunlight breaking down the molecular structure of plastic enclosures and elastomer seals, hardening the material, fading its colour and making it brittle. The result is the seal losing its elasticity and the enclosure effectively no longer being able to provide the declared IP protection.
UV breaks polymer chains. In seal material this means reduced elastic recovery: when the cover is opened the seal does not return to its former thickness, and when it is closed it cannot fill the gaps. In enclosure plastic, first dulling and colour fading appear on the surface, then a network of hairline cracks; impact resistance drops noticeably.
- Timescale: in outdoor installations exposed to continuous sunlight the symptoms typically appear within a few years; on the same enclosure kept in shade it is much slower.
- Precaution: mount the receiver, if possible, under a small sunshade or on the shaded side. Do not leave the remote control in the vehicle dashboard or in the sun at the end of the shift; this is also the right thing to do for battery life.
- Check: at annual maintenance press the seal with your finger; if it does not recover or its surface has chalked, replace it.
Outdoor type receivers and field remote controls are the AXI products most exposed to this effect.
The context in which this term is used: Wireless Crane Remote Control Selection Guide