Water Resistant mark

Under water resistance is meant those characteristics of materials of components, more complex equipment or clothing, which sufficiently avoids the entry of water.

To do something completely waterproof is possible, but usually uneconomic and has other disadvantages. So should be about easy to wear protective clothing - such as a raincoat or hiking boots - although to be tight against the usual rain, but breathable. Also, it is rarely necessary to strive for complete sealing against heavy rain.

• 2.1 Shoes
• 2.2 bags, packing and Backpacks

Watches and technical equipment

Watches and technical devices can be protected by an appropriate design to varying degrees against moisture and water, this is mainly planned by the usage or the location dependent. Better protection naturally increases the production and maintenance costs of a product.

Watches

Generally

Similarly, the " waterproof " (English water-resistant ) watch cases understood. Watch this marking shall be resistant (hand ) washing, splash, etc.. This one refers to a normal use under conditions where water pressure and temperatures do not vary significantly ( see DIN 8310 September 2010, NIH 92-20 and ISO 2281). A colloquially as " waterproof " designated as a wristwatch is never completely tight, that is fully protected against water intrusion, but the mass flow in the clock is for defined test conditions below a fixed value of 50 micrograms / min ( see DIN 8310 December 1984). For everyday wear, this means that water can penetrate the clock well, such as when it is long in the water or is exposed to high water pressure. So simple watches are water resistant, meaning they survive a few seconds in a puddle without prejudice, but not a long time. More expensive brands will therefore be given, for what pressure and how long they are designed. Here one should note, however, that the pressure on the clock rises by movements (eg swimming). Specifying 3 bar means that the clock for a limited time at a pressure of 3 bar can withstand ( see DIN 8310 September 2010). Such a classification will also specify in diving watches, in which case separate requirements and test conditions apply ( see DIN 8306 September 1983 and ISO 6425 ).

The meter - value does not relate to a diving depth but to the test pressure, which was applied in the context of the water resistance test. (ISO 2281) According to a ruling from the Oberlandesgericht Frankfurt am Main is at Prüfdruckangaben in meters to consciously misleading advertising claims. These data are therefore not allowed. Instead, information such as " water resistant to 3 atm " or to use " water resistant to 3 bar ."

Limitations Watches

In swimming movements or under a jet of water (eg when showering or washing hands ) pressure spikes can occur. The clock is hereby charged significantly more of the affected areas, as it suggests the depth of immersion. It was not until the Class 5 bar / 40 meters can (showers available) are spoken by a waterproof clock. From the classification 10 bar / 90 meters, the clock can also be used while swimming.

Water resistance is not a permanent feature since the built-in sealing elements can also be damaged by impacts or dropping relent in their function and in daily use or. Therefore, a maintenance inspection with the seals and seal every one to two years is advised.

When a clock is exposed to large temperature differences, such as sunbathing, followed by jumping into cooler water, condensation may form in the housing. This must mean no water leakage, but the humidity is important to remove immediately.

Salt water causes increased corrosion - even rubber seals - each clock, also of diving watches. Therefore, the rinsing with fresh water is recommended after being in salt water.

Gadgets

For technical equipment and in particular measuring instruments can already low moisture inside - which can also result from condensation - impair the function or cause measurement errors. Therefore, it is indicated for more sophisticated equipment is a limit to the humidity and the conditions of storage. Specifically, electrical contacts are at risk, leakage or the failure of magnetic contacts can be the result.

For electrical installations and electronic equipment, which are used for industrial purposes, the so-called " IP protection " according to DIN EN 60529 and DIN is 40 050 Part 9 The associated IP code consists of a two-digit number that indicates the respective degree of protection, for B. IP54. The first digit specifies the protection for contact and foreign bodies (0-6), the second digit the water and moisture protection (0-8).

Clothing and textiles

Garments (and some shoes) are, if they are not made of 100 % waterproof material, often by impregnating ( spray ) made ​​water -tight, which is but to renew periodically.

The DIN EN 20811:1992, also known as ISO 811, regulates the manner of determination of the resistance to penetration of water. By feeding is the following " Hydrostatic water pressure test ": The outside of the material is exposed to water. The water pressure starts at zero and increases by 10 mm per second, the time is measured until the third blob is shown on the top, or the corresponding time pressure.

According to the European Standard EN 343:2003 ( "Protective clothing against rain") is a product with a water column of 800 mm " waterproof ( Class 2) " and from 1300 mm " waterproof ( Class 3 ) ." The Federal Materials Testing ( EMPA) is in St. Gallen in Switzerland from being a functional material from a water column of 4,000 mm is waterproof. When sitting on damp ground pressure is built up, which corresponds to approximately 2000 mm water column. When knees in the squat press already about 4800 mm water column on the clothing. Materials such as Gore Tex, Sympatex Texapore O2 or have a water column of 10,000 mm to 30,000 mm.

Shoes

Shoes are made ​​hydrophobic and therefore water-repellent by the care with shoe polish. However, every leather shoe will eventually permeable to water through the seams and through the flexing motion while walking. Only plastic or rubber can permanently protect it, but has a lower comfort due to the no longer existing respiratory activity (see wellies, boots and vapor barrier). Membranes, such as Sympatex, can be incorporated in shoes and make it waterproof, and it is, depending on the membrane laminate and the temperature gradient, obtained a certain degree of breathability.

Bags, packing and Backpacks

For a variety of water sports, but also for the outdoor use of consumer electronics and mobile phones waterproof bags and dry bags are suitable to keep moisture and dirt particles. Waterproof bike bags are made with plastic made ​​of coated polyester or Cordura fabric and the seams are sealed to improve sealing.

However, in terms of waterproofing, with pockets no standardized classification. As makeshift examine some manufacturers their products according to the international industry standard IEC 60529 ( see Protection ), while others develop their own rankings with the help of typical application examples to provide transparency regarding the possibilities and limits of the use of waterproof bags.

Construction

In construction, the roof though serves to protect against precipitation, but need not actually be "waterproof". It is sufficient if the shape of the tiles can flow out the water to the bottom. Only with very strong winds or so-called drifting snow penetration of small water ice particles, or is to be expected. In contrast, the structural waterproofing of flat roofs is difficult.