Enhancing Ethernet Switch Reliability with Antaira Corrosion-Resistant Conformal Coatings

Choosing a hardened, corrosion-resistant Ethernet switch is critical to preserving industrial control system performance and dependability in settings like chemical plants, wastewater treatment plants, seaports, or traffic monitoring locations.

This article explores practical strategies for reducing the risk of corrosion in Ethernet switches within harsh, wet industrial locations. We first discuss the various types of corrosion and describe their impacts, followed by a review of globally recognized protection standards for evaluating corrosion severity. Finally, we will highlight conformal coatings, which provide a reliable shield against moisture, humidity, gases, and debris, ensuring continued network performance even in the most challenging environments.

Types of Corrosion

Corrosion can manifest in several ways. Filiform corrosion, for instance, is caused by moisture penetration. In contrast, galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals are electrically connected in an electrolyte like sodium chloride. "Fatigue" corrosion can also affect ductile metals, leading to cracking or breaking. Bacteria, especially in wastewater treatment environments, can attack metal components, leaving them susceptible to corrosion due to environmental exposure to sulfuric acids.

Even deployed outdoors in a protective cabinet, networking equipment is susceptible to rain, snow, UV rays, salt spray, and temperature changes. These elements, combined with like sulfur dioxide and other airborne contaminants, can accelerate the speed of surface corrosion and affect device reliability.

Spotting signs of corrosion on an external housing of a switch is fairly obvious. However, corrosion in circuitry and electronics is not always immediately visible. Look for warning signs such as surface rust, cracking or peeling of coatings, metal pitting, and discoloration.

Determining Corrosiveness Levels

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the International Society of Automation (ISA), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) have all developed classification systems to assess the corrosive nature of environmental material. ­

How to Fight Corrosion

While it's impossible to eliminate corrosion completely, its impact can be significantly reduced. Here's how:

1. Use Corrosion-Resistant Products: In corrosive or high-humidity environments, the first line of defense is selecting corrosion-resistant materials.
2. Control the Environment: Whenever possible, house networking devices in protective cabinets to shield them from moisture and corrosive chemicals. Reduce industrial contaminants through proper ventilation and maintain fuel-burning equipment to minimize emissions.
3. Specify a Protective Finish: One of the most effective ways to detect and combat corrosion is by choosing a coating that forms an impermeable barrier coating or layer, sealing out water, chemicals, and other corrosive contaminants.

Antaira Corrosion Coating

Antaira’s conformal coating process applies a custom-formulated film that conforms precisely to the contours of printed circuit boards, cables, connectors, and other components within both standard and 802.3bt PoE++ Ethernet switches. This coating protects the board against harsh conditions and helps dissipate excess heat. It forms a complete seal, creating a microscopic vacuum and an impermeable barrier to ensure reliable performance.

Antaira conformal coatings adhere to global standards for protection against corrosive gases, dust, humidity, and moisture, including IEC 60068-2 (salt spray, gas corrosion), MIL-I-46058C, ANSI/ISA G3-Harsh and GX-Severe, and ISO C5-Very High and CX-Extreme. Antaira also formulates customized coatings to address specific customer needs in corrosive environments.

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