IP Code Testing

AECTP 300 Method 310 Rain and Watertightness Compliance Testing

AECTP method 310 evaluates the integrity of material when subjected to rain. As an ISO-17025 accredited environmental compliance test lab, we realize the importance of rain and water tightness compliance testing. Meeting the AECTP climatic test requirements can be difficult. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process.

Keystone Compliance partners with customers to achieve environmental product compliance. Our engineers take a consultative approach throughout the entire test program. When products do not meet the requirements, we assist with the troubleshooting process.

Request a quote to learn why we are one of the fastest-growing compliance test labs in the country. 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.

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 310 Rain and Water Tightness Compliance Testing

AECTP Method 310 is conducted to determine the following in respect to water spray or dripping water.

The effectiveness of protective covers, cases, packaging, or seals.
The capability of the material to satisfy its performance requirements during or after exposure.
The physical deterioration of the material due to wetting/moisture ingress.
The effectiveness of water removal systems.

This AECTP compliance test standard applies to material that may be exposed to rain, water spray, or dripping water.

The immersion test, (method 307) is considered more severe than rain testing. The immersion test is used to verify water tightness in lieu of the rain test. However, situations may arise where the impact of rain causes the pumping of water actress seals. This situation does not occur in the immersion test due to the seals being held tight against the backing plate by the static pressure.

This test is not suitable to determine the effects of rain erosion. Nor does the test evaluate the atmospheric rain effects on the propagation of electromagnetic radiation.

Rain, water spray, and dripping water can produce a variety of negative effects on a material. Examples of effects resulting from exposure include:

Atmosphere:

Inhibits visibility/detectability through optical devices.
Decreases effectiveness of personnel in exposed activities.

After Deposition and/or Penetration:

Degrades the strength of material.
Causes swelling of material.
Increases weight.
May freeze and cause delayed deterioration and malfunction.
Causes high humidity that encourages corrosion and mold growth.
Reduces the burn rate of propellants.
Modifies thermal exchanges.
Can render an electronic system inoperative or dangerous.
Can cause flash flooding and result in an immersion environment.

AECTP 310 Water and Rain Testing Procedures:

Procedure I – Rain and Blowing/Driving Rain

The rain and blowing rain test is used when the anticipated environment includes rain or rain combined with wind.

For this test, the rain is produced by a water distribution device. The droplets have a diameter size ranging from 0.5 – 4.5mm. The wind source must be capable of producing a horizontal wind velocity of at least 18m/s.

Procedure II – Exaggerated Rain

This procedure is carried out when:

Large material is to be tested.
A high degree of confidence in the water tightness of material is needed.
The material is exposed to non-natural sprays. I.e. road spray or sprinkler systems.
The flux density of water impacts the item due to more severe winds or motion of the item.

Similar to Procedure I, the spray is produced by a water distribution device. The nozzles used during this test are arranged to ensure homogeneous wetting of the test surface.

A minimum operating pressure of 377 kPa is used to produce the desired effects.

Procedure III – Drip

AECTP 310 drip testing evaluates when a material is not expected to be exposed to rain. The method is considered for material to be exposed to dripping/falling water from severe condensation or leakage from overhead surfaces.

For the AECPT Method 310 drip test, a droplet drip height representative of the actual situation is used. The drip area of the dispenser must be large enough to cover the entire top surface of the unit.

Expert AECTP 300 Method 310 Watertightness and Rain Compliance Testing Facility

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

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.

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