Vattenkontakt

Vattenkontakt is the Swedish term for contact with water. It is used to describe any situation where water touches a person, object, or surface. The concept is relevant in safety, engineering, construction, and environmental contexts.

In electrical and electronic engineering, water contact poses risks of short circuits, electric shock, and equipment damage. Design practices aim to minimize water contact through proper enclosures, seals, gaskets, drainage, and positioning. Protection levels are often described by ingress protection (IP) ratings, which indicate a device’s resistance to water ingress under defined conditions.

In construction and materials science, water exposure can cause corrosion of metals, swelling or rot in wood, and deterioration of concrete. Materials are selected and protected with coatings, moisture barriers, and appropriate drainage and ventilation to reduce prolonged water contact.

In health and safety, water contact can create hazards such as slipping, burns in hot water, or cold-related injuries, especially in outdoor or industrial settings. Emergency response emphasizes prompt removal from water, warming measures for exposed individuals, and medical assessment when needed.

In environmental and process contexts, water contact is considered when evaluating wettability, immersion conditions, and the potential for water-related wear, corrosion, or contamination of equipment and surroundings.

See also: water ingress, corrosion, waterproofing, IP ratings.