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 a cRIO or cDAQ 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