AECTP 306 Humidity Temperature Testing

AECTP Method 306 Humid Heat Compliance Testing

AECTP Method 306 high humidity testing evaluates the effects of humidity and temperature of material in storage or during use. As an ISO-17025 accredited environmental compliance test lab, we realize the importance of humid heat compliance testing. Meeting the environmental AECTP climatic requirements can be difficult. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process.

Our proven process helps avoid product launch delays. Keystone Compliance creates an accurate test plan to eliminate expensive over-testing. Additionally, Keystone’s engineers take a consultative approach throughout the entire test program.

Request a quote to see why so many companies partner with Keystone Compliance. Ready to get started? We are. Contact us to see why so many companies work with Keystone each year to achieve their environmental standard test needs.

Summary of AECTP 300 Environmental Climatic Compliance Testing

The AECTP 300 standard is intended to be used in conjunction with four other AECTP test standards (AECTP 100, 200, 400, and 500). Furthermore, the AECTP standard provides advice for preparing environmental test specifications, plans, and procedures.

Additionally, AECTP 300 evaluates climatic environments. These environments can occur individually or in combination with other climatic or mechanical environments.

The AECTP 300 tests outlined provide exposure to simulated conditions from which a degree of confidence can be established.

During testing, the configuration used for the selected test should be the configuration used within the unit’s life cycle. As a minimum, the following is considered:

In the shipping/storage container or transit case.
Protected or unprotected.
In its normal operating and thermal configuration.
Modified with kits for special applications.

Any of the following will be classified as a failure:

A deviation of monitored functional parameter levels beyond acceptable limits.
Nonfulfillment of safety requirements or the development of safety hazards.
Nonfulfillment of specific test item requirements.
Changes to the test item that could prevent it from meeting its intended service life or maintenance requirements.

Scope of AECTP Method 306 Humid Heat Testing

AECTP method 306 humidity testing determines the effects of high humidity and temperature on a material during storage or use.

AECTP 306 applies to material stored or used wherever high levels of relative humidity can exist. The test method can also provide a warning of potential problems associated with humidity.

Humidity can have physical and chemical effects on a material. Temperature and humidity variations can also trigger condensation inside the material. Typical effects of humid heat include:

Swelling or deterioration of materials due to water absorption
Drop in mechanical strength
Change in thermal and electrical characteristics of insulating materials
Electrical short circuits due to condensation
Seizing of moving parts due to corrosion and contamination of lubricants
Galvanic corrosion of metals
Micro-environments caused by trapped moisture
Loss of elasticity
Acceleration of chemical reactions
Acceleration of biological actions
Deterioration of electronic components

AECTP 306 Compliance Test Procedures

Two procedures can be carried out for AECTP 306 humid heat testing. The choice of test type is made based on:

Environmental requirements of the material
The zone and expected use circumstances
The safety and criteria for acceptability of the material
Expected duration of the exposure to humid heat

Test Type 1 – Cyclic

Cyclic testing simulates temperature and humidity variations for the 24-hour cycles. This test represents the storage and transit cycles of wet-hot and humid-hot climatic areas.

To conduct this test, there is a 24-hour conditioning period. Next, a repeating 24-hour temperature and humidity cycle is carried out.

At the end of the specified number of cycles, the temperature and humidity are adjusted back to ambient conditions. Lastly, an operational check is conducted and results are recorded.

Test Type 2 – Steady State

AECTP 306 steady state testing simulates a natural environment’s stable temperature and humidity conditions. These may be found in warm tropical, wooded, and rainy areas.

Test type 2 also simulates conditions encountered inside certain poorly ventilated enclosure spaces.

Similar to Test Type 1, a 24-hour conditioning period is first conducted. This is followed by the test item stabilized to the temperature and humidity conditions.

Lastly, an operational check is conducted and results are recorded.

Expert AECTP Method 306 Humid Heat Compliance Testing Lab

Keystone has a full lab of test equipment which permits us to provide short lead times on scheduling. In addition to AECTP 306 climatic testing, Keystone has a full scope of expertise including vibration, immersion, and fungus.

Have a question about AECTP 306 humid heat compliance testing? Contact us to discuss the best course of action.

For more information on AECTP 300 testing, please follow the links below: