Condensation and Humidity Protection for cRIO or cDAQ

Issue Details

• I am performing a test with a cRIO or cDAQ in a high humidity environment or with condensation. Can my hardware withstand these environmental conditions? How can I protect my hardware from damage?
• Does National Instruments offer devices with conformal coating?
• When should I use a device with conformal coating?

Solution

The specifications document for c-series chassis and other many NI hardware will describe their environmental conditions it can withstand in the section entitled "Environmental". For example the cRIO 9045 is tested up to 90% relative humidity non-condensing.
 

Example from the cRIO 9045 Specifications Document

For environments that exceed these conditions, there are a couple options:
 

1. Conformal Coating

Certain NI products can be purchased with conformal coating which will protect from condensation and other environmental factors. See Conformal Coating and NI RIO Products a list of products that can be conformal coated and more information about this option.

2. Industrial Enclosure

The Industrial Enclosure for CompactRIO and CompactDAQ  can protect cRIO or cDAQ hardware from environmental factors such as condensation. See the product page for exact specifications of this protection.

3. FieldDAQ

FieldDAQ is a rugged, water-resistant, and dust-proof data acquisition device suited for severe environments