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MIL-STD 883 Immersion Testing

Immersion testing helps determine the effectiveness of the seal of microelectronic devices. Immersing the part under evaluation into liquid, at widely different temperatures, subjects it to thermal and mechanical stresses. This will enable ready detection of defective terminal assembly, or a partially closed seam or molded enclosure. Defects of these types can result from faulty construction or mechanical damage, which might be produced during physical or environmental tests.

MIL-STD-883 immersion testing is generally performed following such tests because it aggravates any incipient defects in seals, seams, and bushings. Performance of his test should only occur in an  immersion testing lab. The procedure is intended only as a measurement of the effectiveness of the seal. Ingress protection testing helps determine how materials may react to water ingress or enclosure ingress.

The choice of fresh or salt water as a test liquid is dependent on the nature of the component part. When electrical measurements are made after immersion cycling, the use of a salt solution will facilitate detection of moisture penetration. This test provides a simple and ready means of detection of the migration of liquids.

Effects noted can include lowered insulation resistance, corrosion of internal parts, and appearance of salt crystals. The test described is not intended as a thermal-shock or corrosion test, although it may reveal inadequacies in these respects. This is a destructive test and shall not be used as a 100 percent test or screen.

What Testing Equipment is Needed in an Ingress Protection Lab?

The apparatus used for the immersion test shall consist of controlled temperature baths. They must be capable of maintaining the temperatures indicated for the hot bath and the cold bath test condition selected. A suitable temperature indicator shall be used to measure bath temperature.

Keystone Compliance is a fully equipped  enclosure testing lab with significant experience in Method 1002 of MIL-883 immersion testing. The following information is extremely technical in nature. Even though the language is from MIL-STD 883K, it applies previous versions of the standard. This includes MIL-STD 883G immersion and MIL-STD 883H immersion.

What is the Proper Procedure for Water Enclosure Testing?

This test consists of successive cycles of immersions. Each cycle consists of a hot bath in fresh (tap) water, followed by a cold bath. The temperature of the hot water should be 65°C +5°C, -0°C followed by a cold bath. The number and duration of cycles, and the temperature of the cold bath is indicated in the applicable test condition.

The transfer of specimens from one bath to another should be as rapid as possible, but should never exceed 15 seconds. After completion of the final cycle, specimens are  thoroughly and quickly washed in fresh (tap) water or distilled water. All surfaces are wiped or air-blasted clean and dry. Typically, measurements are made at least 4 hours, but not more than 48 hours, after completion of the final cycle.

When specified, upon completion of the electrical measurements and external visual examination, the device is examined for corrosion or salt crystals. When performed as a group or subgroup of tests, the post-test inspections need not be specifically at the end. They may be performed once at the conclusion of the group or subgroup.

What are the Effects of Leakage Immersion Compliance Testing?

Penetration of water into material or packaging enclosures can result in problems. Consider the following typical problems to help determine if this Method is appropriate for the material being tested. This list is not intended to be all-inclusive.

  • Fouling of lubricants between moving parts.
  • Formation of electrically conductive paths that may cause electrical or electronic equipment to malfunction or become unsafe to operate.
  • Corrosion due to direct exposure to the water or to the relatively high humidity levels caused by the water.
  • Impairment of the burning qualities of explosives, propellants, fuels, etc.
  • Failure of vehicle engines to operate.

Who Should You Trust for Your IP Code Certification?

Keystone Compliance has been recognized as one of the best immersion labs in the country for IP code testing. We employ experienced test engineers, and have a fully equipped immersion laboratory. This ensures the best immersion testing for your products.

Are you looking to get immersion certification for your product? Our test engineers understand MIL-883G immersion testing and MIL-883H immersion testing for commercial, military, and aerospace products. Contact us to learn why so many manufacturers rely on Keystone Compliance to meet their compliance testing needs.

MIL-STD-883 testing contains several test methods. For more information about these test methods, please click on one of the links below.