Jean-Francois, I think that this would usually be referred to in the context of electrical control consols/cabinets/boxes etc.. In other words the level of protection afforded viz: IP1 through 6. (There may have been more, but time dims the memory... where was I? Oh yes... Tropicalisation is the old electrical term to ensure that the contents of said boxes can withstand tropical conditions. In those times "Shellac" (I think I have the correct spelling?) would be "liberally applied" to the entire electrical assembly including the valves! It is, if you like, the grandfather of true Conformal Coatings. As Bill Brooks said, fungus, moisture and don't forget those nasty little bug...... ants, termites and the like. As to the continued use of the term in certain European countries, it goes right along-side lacquers and varnishes. These are terms that should no longer be used in the same context as Conformal Coating. Lacquer and Varnish are natural resins dissolved into various solvents. Shellac is the same thing. Great for decoration or indeed for making "lacquer-ware", but not as good as "modern" materials in terms of performance and protection as given in IPC-CC-830. TTFN Y'all. Regards, Graham Naisbitt [log in to unmask] http://www.concoat.co.uk In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move. Douglas Adams For instant access to Product Data Sheets register on the Tech-Shot area of http://www.concoat.co.uk Concoat Limited Alasan House, Albany Park CAMBERLEY GU16 7PH UK Phone: +44 (0)1276 691100 Fax: +44 (0)1276 691227 Mobile: +44 (0)79 6858 2121 -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Bissonnette, Jean-Francois Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2001 06:48 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [TN] Tropicalisation Does anyone know what tropicalisation means in relation with PCA??? Jean-François Bissonnette Contrôle de la Qualité, Électronique Quality Control, Electronics Vapor Canada Inc. 10655 Henri-Bourassa O. St-Laurent, Qc H4S 1A1 (514) 335-4200 Ext: 2021 WABTEC CORPORATION CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE The content contained in this e-mail transmission is legally privileged and confidential information intended only for the use of the individual or entity named herein. If the reader of this transmission is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this transmission is strictly prohibited.