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EIA-364 Testing of Electrical Connector/Sockets

EIA-364 establishes environmental testing laboratory procedures for electrical connectors and sockets. As a certified environmental lab, we realize the importance of EIA compliance testing. Meeting the environmental electrical connector/socket requirements can be difficult. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process.

Keystone Compliance provides the peace of mind that all of your needs will be met. Our pricing is competitive and we offer volume discounts. Lastly, Keystone is in constant communication and takes 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 us to achieve their environmental standard testing needs.

Summary of EIA-364 Environmental Testing

It is intended that the environmental classifications provide a guide to develop test sequences that are expected to assure proper evaluation for each classification. Classes cover a broad range of environmental conditions starting with controlled indoor environments and progressing to more severe environments. This compliance standard also includes the administrative details and guidelines for connector/socket qualifications and other EIA-364 test requirements.

The qualification sequences and severity levels are invoked by this EIA environmental lab testing document. EIA-364 references the applicable classes and specific test sequences to be used for product qualification.

Lastly, environmental conditions for each class such as temperature and humidity must reflect the expected maximum equipment operating conditions.

Scope of EIA-364 Test Procedures for Connectors/Sockets

Qualification of a connector/socket series may be established by similarity through testing parts representing the maximum size. A series includes connectors/sockets and contacts of identical design, spacing and configuration. Specimens for all sizes for which similarity is desired must be submitted at the time of qualification.

Qualified contacts which have the same physical dimensional configuration, base material, plating type and thickness are qualified with testing pertinent to the termination technique involved.

Following the connector/socket qualification, the manufacturer can not make design changes, substitutions, material changes or process changes that affect the function, without full or partial requalification.

The EIA test specimens are first subjected to the test sequence shown in the standard. The test sequence establishes the order of exposure to the environmental conditions, and the subsequent test parameters measured to determine adequate performance for each connector/socket class.

Specific EIA-364 tests may be added or deleted from the recommended sequence, supplemental and/or termination test contingent on the specific application.

EIA-364 Environmental Compliance Testing Information

Unless otherwise stated, the measurements are performed after the samples have recovered to room ambient conditions. This includes temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 20% to 80%. The test specimen must always be carefully handled as not to disturb the contact interface.

After the completion of the EIA laboratory test and data measurements, the test report is prepared by the test facility. Specific information especially included in this report may consist of:

Specimen preparations
Schematics
Photographs
A description of the test specimen
Summary of results
Discussion of any test problems
Descriptions of procedures, conditions and requirement levels

The following additional information should be included in the report when qualifying to a specification that does not specify materials and/or plating thickness:

Plastic
Contact material
Plating type and alloy, underplate, and thickness that were tested
Lubrication, if any
Surface treatment, if any

Lastly, in the event a failure occurs, a failure report is issued and the qualifying agency is notified.

Keystone Compliance Offers Expert EIA-364 Lab Testing Services

In addition to environmental EIA testing, Keystone has a full scope of expertise including rain, solar radiation, immersion, and pyroshock. Our team strives to give our customers more time and energy on product development instead of testing. Keystone has a full lab of test equipment which permits us to provide short lead times on scheduling.

Have a question about EIA environmental lab testing procedures? Contact us or call (724) 657-9940 and we will determine the best course of action.

Interested in further information on EIA-364 testing? Follow the links below to learn more about the compliance services that we offer.