Ive seen marine electronics ads that say radios comply with US Coast Guard waterproofing requirements specified in CFR 46. What does this mean?
They are referring to the Coast Guard definition for waterproof, not the Coast Guard requirement. The Coast Guard definition is found in 46 CFR 110.15-1, which states that “Waterproof means watertight; except that, moisture within or leakage into the enclosure is allowed if it does not interfere with the operation of the equipment enclosed. In the case of a generator or motor enclosure, waterproof means watertight; except that, leakage around the shaft may occur if the leakage is prevented from entering the oil reservoir and the enclosure provides for automatic drainage. Watertight means enclosed so that equipment meets at least a NEMA 250 Type 4 or 4X or an IEC IP 56 rating.” The original text of this regulation included the following definition, which some manufacturers used in their waterproofing advertisements: “Waterproof machine means a totally enclosed machine so constructed that a stream of water from a hose with a nozzle one inch in diameter that delivers at least 65 gallons p
