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MIL-STD-810C Military Environmental Testing

Keystone Compliance has developed a reputation of being one of the most respected military test labs in the country. Our knowledgeable team has a thorough understanding of the requirements. We apply that knowledge and experience to guide customers through the certification process.

From assisting in the creation of the test plan to the issuance of the test report, our team provides timely and accurate assistance. Our EMC lab features over a dozen test chambers and stations. Our environmental lab has numerous shakers, temperature chambers and other test equipment.

With this large capacity, we are able to offer short lead times on scheduling. Our pricing is competitive and our turnaround time on test reports is immediate. Contact us to see why so many manufacturers partner with Keystone Compliance.

The remainder of this page speaks to the specifics of the MIL 810C test standard.

What Was the Purpose of MIL STD 810C?

MIL-810C establishes uniform environmental test methods for determining the resistance of equipment. The objective is to determine the effects of natural and induced environments peculiar to military operations. MIL-STD-810C provides environmental test methods in order to obtain, as much as possible, reproducible test results. The test methods described herein are intended to be applied by the contractual documents.

Unless otherwise specified, the test item shall be installed in the test facility in a manner that will simulate service usage. This includes making connections and attaching instrumentation as necessary. Plugs, covers and inspection plates not used in operation, but used in servicing shall remain in place.

When mechanical or electrical connections are not used, the connections normally protected in service shall be adequately covered. For tests that temperature values are normally controlled, the test chamber shall be at standard ambient conditions when the test item is installed.

How is the MIL-STD-810C Test Standard Organized?

The test item shall then be operated to determine that no malfunction or damage was caused by faulty installation or handling. The requirement for operation following installation of the test item in the test facility is applicable only when operation is required during exposure to the specified test.

When operation of the test item is required during test exposure, suitable tests shall be performed to determine whether the test exposure is producing changes in performance when compared with present data.

At the completion of each environmental test, the test item shall be inspected in accordance with the equipment specification and the results shall be compared with the pretest data obtained.

What are the Requirements of the Test Chambers?

Test data shall include complete identification of all test equipment and accessories. The data shall include the actual test sequence used and ambient test conditions recorded periodically during the test period. The test record shall contain a signature and data block for certification of the test data by the test engineer.

Failure criteria is an important factor in MIL-810-C testing. This military test standard states that the item shall have failed the test when any of the following occur.

The monitored functional parameters deviate beyond the established acceptable limits. There is a catastrophic or structural failure of the unit under test. Mechanical binding or loose parts result in component failure or a hazard to personnel safety. These can include items such as screws, clamps, bolts and nuts.

A malfunction of the unit under test is considered a failure. The term malfunction should ideally be defined prior to the test starting. Finally, a degradation of performance beyond pretest record or equipment specification requirements.

It is important to note that certain types of equipment are often expected to demonstrate lesser performance at an environmental extreme, partially low temperature. A failure would occur only if degradation is more than expected. Examples of these equipment types are propellants and electrically driven devices.

This degradation includes any additional deviations from acceptable criteria established before the test and recorded. Also, deterioration, corrosion or change in tolerance limits of any internal or external parts which could in any manner prevent the test item from meeting operational service or maintenance requirements.

Expert MIL-STD-810C Compliance Lab Testing Services

Keystone Compliance is a leader in the testing of military and aerospace products. Our scope of accreditation includes all versions of MIL-STD-810. This document covers MIL-STD-810C. For more information about the other versions of this military standard, please click on one of the links below:

As one of the leading MIL-STD-810 C test labs in the country, Keystone Compliance has the expertise and capabilities to meet nearly every 810-testing requirement. We are an ISO-17025-accredited test facility. Our test laboratory includes nearly 10 EMC test chambers, numerous shakers, dozens of temperature, humidity and thermal shock chambers and other various test equipment.

In addition to environmental testing, we also have a full scope of EMC/EMI testing. Our capabilities include shielding effectiveness, ESD, lightning, HEMP and many other types of EMC testing. Our lab features seven EMC test chambers. We also have a reverberation chamber. We also provide expert EMC site surveys.

Lastly, we are also an ISTA-accredited package testing lab. We offer full package testing capabilities through our Keystone Package Testing subsidiary. In addition to ISTA and ASTM, we also are one of the few labs approved to complete Amazon package testing.

Contact us to see why so many manufacturers partner with Keystone Compliance.

The MIL-STD-810C test specification includes the following test methods and sections. For more information on each type of testing, please click on the associated links.