What does vapor proof mean when discussing light fittings.

[Carlow52]

Greetings from Ireland.
I have just passed the aee.org CEM exams and have my first relamping project.
I am a Chartered Engineer and have been a PE in Canada.
I am familiar with IP ratings as well as many of the different codes
I have read most of the posts here on Haz environments so have a grasp of the Classes/Divisions/Groups
The specs I am getting for the replacement luminaries say the fittings are say, IP 66 vapor proof.
My question is:
Is there a vapor proof spec somewhere?
Or am I missing something?
Thanks.

 

[iwire]

Vapor proof means sealed.

Check out the images at this google link https://www.google.com/search?q=vap...HgsATd1IGIDQ&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAA&biw=1024&bih=672

 

[Carlow52]

Thanks.
Are they sealed to any standard?

For example if the client asks 'how well' are they sealed I can hardly 'duck' the question?

 

[GoldDigger]

Thanks.
Are they sealed to any standard?

For example if the client asks 'how well' are they sealed I can hardly 'duck' the question?

This link suggests that IP designations are defined in a European standard, but I have not idea how you would get a copy. I also do not see a mention of vapor proof in the short reference to IP 66.
A common language synonym would be hermetically sealed or gas tight. But without a specification of the pressure it would have to withstand, it is not a complete definition.

For large molecular weight substances composing the vapor, the seal would not have to be as perfect as for low molecular weight (small) gas molecules.

 

[Carlow52]

GD: You have hit the nail on the head here with the IP reference.
This is exactly my dilemma and hence this post.

I have luminaries rated as IP 54 up to IP 68 all of which are 'vapor proof'.
Some are well made in Germany with good seals with quality O rings.
Others are less well made around 100 degrees East

 

[Carlow52]

Just to add that I got the following information elsewhere:

[FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]A vapour proof fitting corresponds to a sealed fitting rated to minimum IP65 and corrosion proof.[/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]There is a process where the words vapor proof are being discontinued in the literature.

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