Corrosion tests such as the salt spray test in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9227 provide quality control and a prerequisite for the comparability of the corresponding properties.

But how will these switching devices prove themselves in practice? What effect will temporary wave action or slight fouling have on the switchgear? Crucial questions, especially as the Extreme switchgear is often used in maritime areas - on ships, on drilling platforms, in mooring systems on quays and in loading and handling facilities in ports.

In order to find answers to these questions, Steute commissioned the Fraunhofer IFAM (Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Applied Materials Research) in Bremen to carry out a one-year outdoor weathering test at the IFAM site on Helgoland. The test set-up: several specimens of selected switch series - including position switches, foot switches and pull-wire switches - were mounted in an exposed position on the south pier for a year in the splash water area. Some devices were also installed in the tidal range, i.e. in the alternating water range, in order to test the limits of the devices with these water movements of the North Sea. Where will the fouling form and will it affect the function?

These limit tests have now been completed. The final report is not yet available. However, the appearance of the switching devices after one year in the salt water splash zone and initial functional tests already show that the devices are seawater-resistant and fully functional after twelve months: The devices are seawater-resistant and fully functional after twelve months. Even the labels and the applied laser marking are still present and legible. The pre-treated and powder-coated housings of the foot controls are in very good condition, and the "inner workings" such as switch inserts, switch plungers and pedal axles are also corrosion-free.

Steute intends to evaluate the test results in detail as soon as they are available and use them for the further optimization of existing series and the development of new switchgear in the division.