EN 60068 and IEC 60068 are pivotal standards that outline procedures to evaluate the endurance of specimens under various environmental conditions. These tests are crucial for determining a specimen’s ability to withstand shocks, temperature variations, humidity, and other environmental stresses during storage, transportation, and operational use.
EN 60068 Testing Overview
The EN 60068 standard provides a framework for assessing the mechanical robustness of specimens against specified shock severities. This testing is essential to identify potential weaknesses or performance degradations due to repetitive or non-repetitive shocks. It serves as a quality control measure and can help ascertain the structural integrity of items, particularly those transported in cases considered part of the specimen.
Key Test Methods under EN 60068:
- Cold Temperature (EN 60068-2-1)
- Dry Heat (EN 60068-2-2)
- Salt Mist (EN 60068-2-11)
- Low Air Pressure (EN 60068-2-13)
- Change of Temperature (EN 60068-2-14)
These methods aim to simulate real-world conditions that products might encounter, ensuring their reliability and durability.
IEC 60068 Testing Framework
IEC 60068 encompasses a series of tests designed to evaluate specimens’ performance under expected environmental conditions. These tests focus on two primary aspects: operational capability within specified environmental limits and resilience during transportation and storage.
Notable IEC 60068 Test Methods:
- Temperature Variations (IEC 60068-2-1 & -2)
- Vibration Resistance (IEC 60068-2-6)
- Shock Endurance (IEC 60068-2-27)
These tests are conducted under controlled atmospheric conditions to ensure reproducibility and accuracy in results.
Importance of Compliance
For laboratories like ours that are A2LA certified, meeting the stringent requirements of IEC 60068 is paramount. These standards not only assure product quality but also enhance consumer trust by guaranteeing that products can withstand diverse environmental challenges.
In conclusion, understanding and adhering to EN 60068 and IEC 60068 standards is essential for manufacturers aiming to ensure their products’ longevity and reliability across various environments.
