Condensation and Humidity Protection for cRIO or cDAQ

Issue Details

• I am performing a test with a CompactRIO (cRIO) or CompactDAQ (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 NI 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 the environmental conditions it can withstand in the section entitled "Environmental". For example, the cRIO-9045 is tested up to 90% relative humidity non-condensing.
 

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

• 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.
• 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 the exact specifications of this protection.