ISO 9223: 2012 has established a classification system for atmospheric corrosion of various environments for alloys and metals. It defines the corrosion classes of atmospheric, on the corrosion rate detected in environments for one year on standardised specimens. The norm provides dose-response functions for estimating the corrosivity class, calculated based on normalised metals' annual loss from corrosion. It makes it possible to estimate maximum corrosion class based on the local environment situation knowledge. These consist of the combined effect of temperature and humidity and pollution from sulfur dioxide and salinity.
The reference standard does not consider other elements, such as wind speed, sand abrasion, accidental breakage of the protective layer, maintenance frequency, and exposure level. The classifications in the areas shown do not identify solutions or test methods for their suitability.
|
Corrosivity Category |
Corrosivity | Typical environments |
| C1 | Very low | Dry or cold zone, atmospheric environment with very low pollution and humidity time, e.g., certain deserts, Central Arctic / Antarctica. |
|
Corrosivity Category |
Corrosivity | Typical environments |
| C2 | Low | Low-temperature zone, low pollution atmospheric environment (SO2* <5 μg / m3), rural areas, and small towns. Dry or cold location, atmospheric setting with a short humidity time, e.g., deserts, subarctic areas. |
|
Corrosivity Category |
Corrosivity | Typical environments |
| C3 | Medium | The temperate zone, atmospheric environment with medium pollution (SO2*: from 5 μg / m3 to 30 μg / m3) or some chlorides, e.g., urban areas, coastal areas with low chloride deposition. Subtropical and tropical zone, quiet pollution atmosphere. |
|
Corrosivity Category |
Corrosivity | Typical environments |
| C4 | High | Temperate zone, highly polluted atmospheric environment (SO2*: 30 μg / m3 to 90 μg / m3) or substantial effect of chlorides, e.g., polluted urban areas, industrial areas, coastal areas without saltwater splash or exposure to the strong impact of antifreeze salts-subtropical and tropical zone, medium pollution atmosphere. |
|
Corrosivity Category |
Corrosivity | Typical environments |
| C5 | Very high | Temperate and subtropical zone, atmospheric environment with very high pollution (SO2*: from 90 μg / m3 to 250 μg / m3) and significant effect of chlorides, e.g., industrial areas, generic coastal areas, sheltered locations on the coast. |
|
Corrosivity Category |
Corrosivity | Typical environments |
| CX | Extreme | Subtropical and tropical zone (very high humidity period), atmospheric environment with very high SO2* pollution (above 250 μg / m3) including accompanying and production factors and the strong effect of chlorides, e.g., extreme industrial areas, coastal and offshore locations, and occasional contact with salt spray. Category CX is to be considered for extreme situations where the corrosion rates exceed the upper limits in category C5. Indeed, CX refers to specific marine and marine/industrial environments, such as bridges. |
PERFORMANCE iN LIGHTING tests its products and processes using the ISO 9227: 2017 test standard and use this regulatory reference to provide measurable results for the qualification of materials, treatments, and processes.
We adopt a pre-treatment process to produce the highest quality paint finish capable of guaranteeing excellent adhesion of the paint and the best protection against corrosion using chemicals specifically dedicated to aluminium. There are three active cleaning and conversion stages, including thorough rinsing.
Furthermore, the complete luminaire is tested in atmospheric sodium chloride (5 g/l) cabinet. The surface of the luminaire is scratched horizontally and vertically to the metal. We check the corrosion behaviour on the complete product:
- The quality of the paint
- The sensibility of the design
- The behaviour of stainless-steel screws and the aluminium quality
Before introducing to the market, following ISO 9227, any new product is subjected to a salt spray test to validate its resistance to corrosion.
PERFORMANCE iN LIGHTING, in addition to applying ISO 9227: 2017, also uses UNI EN 12944 to verify its processes for an exposure time of 1440 hours at a constant temperature of 23 ° C ± 3 ° C (U> 60% - NaCl 5%). All our painted products pass this type of test.
However, no environmental factors classification is detailed in ISO 9223: 2012. Our tests are conducted according to ISO 9227, and the results are subsequently classified to conform to ISO 9223. PERFORMANCE iN LIGHTING keeps the test documentation and self-declares the C5 (or CX) declaration.
Note: without prejudice – die-cast aluminium chemically pre-treated polyester powder coated products offer some protection, it is not a total protection against a marine environment
The fittings located in or near coastal locations may suffer oxidation caused by the atmospheric conditions; this may affect the finish and appearance of the luminaire, but not necessarily its electrical integrity.
However, the electrical integrity and safety of the fitting are paramount, which a suitably qualified persons should also check as part of the maintenance cycle.
It is usually recommended that a regular maintenance regime be undertaken in coastal locations. The fittings are frequently hosed down with clean water and a liquid-based surfactant, which should be used to clean down the salty regularly deposits.
As third parties are involved and responsible for undertaking actions outside our remit, we wish to clarify that we cannot be held accountable for acts of nature and offer this advice as best practice only.
The reference standard ISO 9223: 2012 specifies the areas , but does not define the test method to verify the products to be used in these areas. In any case, corrosion is not a problem in our painted products. The High Resistant Treatment (HRT) painting process, exclusive to PERFORMANCE iN LIGHTING, is based on decades of experience within the sector. It is a further evolution for particularly aggressive contexts that improve protection and duration. Consult the factory for "sea-front coastal locations" schemes, to define the most suitable solution for your project with our specialised technicians.
