How do I decide between a panel-mount receiver and an IP67 outdoor receiver?
The decision is determined by the physical location of the receiver. If a protected electrical panel already exists, the panel-mount LF100R is enough; in the 2-channel version it offers a 2x10A relay output and a 12/24V DC or 220V AC supply. If the receiver will sit outdoors or on the machine body, an IP67 outdoor receiver is required (LT200R on SF200, IP67 housing on ST200). IP67 refers to an immersion test; resistance to water jets is a separate rating.
Answer three questions in order:
- Where will the receiver be mounted? If there is an enclosed, gasketed panel, the panel-mount type is enough. If the receiver will remain outdoors, an IP67 housing is essential.
- What is in the environment? Factors such as dust, rain, cement dust and sea salt make an outdoor housing mandatory. At points directly exposed to pressurised water jets (e.g. a vehicle washing line), place the receiver in a separate enclosure protected against jets; the IP67 declaration does not cover the jet test. The IP67 class refers to temporary immersion at 1 m depth for 30 minutes according to IEC 60529; it does not cover the water jet test.
- How will the cable entries be made? On IP67 housings, protection depends on the cable glands being of the correct diameter and fully tightened. If a gland is left loose or an unused hole is not closed with a blanking plug, the declared protection loses its validity.
In practice a panel-mount solution is easier in terms of maintenance and wiring: the terminals, fuses and contactors are already in the same panel. The advantage of an outdoor receiver is that it can be mounted next to the machine without the cost of an extra panel, and that the cable distance is shorter. In both cases the antenna must remain outside the metal housing.
The full topic: Complete guide to IP protection classes