MIL-STD-810 rain testing evaluates materials being used in respect to rain. As a MIL-STD-810 certified lab, we realize the importance of rain lab testing. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process. Meeting the MIL-810 enclosure testing requirements can be difficult.
Keystone provides the peace of mind that all of your needs will be met. Our proven process helps avoid product launch delays. Keystone Compliance creates an accurate test plan to eliminate expensive over-testing. Our accurate test reports are delivered quickly. We have a reputation of helping customers achieve their MIL-STD product certifications. Our pricing is competitive and we offer volume discounts.
Request a quote to learn why we are one of the fastest growing compliance test labs in the country. Have a question about MIL-810? Contact us or call at (724) 657-9940 and we will determine the best course of action.
The Importance of MIL-STD 810 Rain Compliance Testing
The main purpose of the ingress protection test is to help determine a level of protection of materials with respect to rain, water spray or dripping water. Also, the military standard testing method 506 will show the effectiveness of protective covers, cases and seals in preventing the penetration of water into the material.
Any water removal system and any physical decline of the material caused by rain will also be evaluated. Lastly, this test will show the capability of the material to satisfy its performance requirements during and after exposure to water.
Use this MIL-STD-810 test method to evaluate material likely to be exposed to the rain, water spray or dripping water during storage, transit or operation. If the material configuration is the same, the leakage test, method 512, is considered to be a more severe test for determining if water will penetrate the material.
There is usually no need to subject the material to the MIL-810 rain test if it was previously subjected to immersion in water. The immersion test may be better if the material is likely to be placed on surfaces with amounts of standing water. In most cases, perform both tests if appropriately identified in the life cycle profile.
Keystone Compliance is a fully equipped MIL-STD 810 testing and enclosure seal testing lab with experience with MIL-810 Compliance testing 506. The following information contains the ip code testing language and summary from MIL-STD 810 rain lab testing.
How Method 506 of MIL-810 Compliance Testing Affects Products
Rain has a variety of effects on material. When first considering this 810-test method, review the required documentation. Consider the following typical problems to help determine if Rain Method 506 is right for the material being tested. This list is not intended to be all-inclusive and some examples may overlap the categories.
- Interference with or degradation of radio communication.
- Limited radar effectiveness.
- Limited aircraft operations due to restricted visibility and decreased lift from wing surfaces.
- Damage to aircraft in flight.
- Effect on munitions launch and flight.
- Degradation or negation of optical surveillance.
- Decreased effectiveness of personnel in exposed activities.
- Inhibited visibility through optical devices.
- Erosion of surfaces.
- Degraded strength/swelling of some materials.
- Increased corrosion potential, erosion or even fungal growth.
- Increased weight.
- Electrical or electronic apparatus become inoperative or unsafe.
- Malfunction of electrical material.
- Modified thermal exchange.
- Slower burning of propellants.
Information on the MIL-810 Standard
Procedure I – Rain and Blowing Rain – Procedure I is used for materials that will be deployed with no protection from rain or blowing rain. The accompanying wind velocity can vary from calm to extreme.
The rainfall rate used in this procedure may be tailored to anticipated deployment locale and duration. It is recommended a minimum rate of 1.7 mm/min. The rate is not an uncommon occurrence and would provide a reasonable degree of confidence in the material.
Procedure II – Exaggerated – Consider using procedure II for material that cannot be suitably tested with procedure I because of its size. Procedure II can be used when large material is to be tested and a blowing-rain facility is not available.
Note that this MIL-810 test procedure is not to mimic natural rainfall. It is mainly used to provide a high degree of confidence in the watertightness of material. Procedure II uses a 276 kPa nozzle pressure with a flow rate of 20.8 L/min. The nozzle should produce water droplets traveling around 64 km/h.
Procedure III – Drip – This procedure is appropriate for material that may be exposed to test conditions such as falling water from condensation or leakage of upper surfaces. The drip rate is reduced. This is as long as the duration of the test is extended to 30 minutes. This ensures the equivalent volume of water falls in the test item.
The MIL-STD-810 standard rain test recommends introducing droplets as close as possible to the test item. The standard recommends assuring the droplets achieve the required velocity prior to impact with the test item. Select the procedure that represents the most severe exposure anticipated for the material commensurate with material size. When selecting a material, consider the following:
- The material configuration.
- The logistical and operation requirements of the material.
- The purpose of the material and data to verify it has been met.
- The natural exposure circumstances.
- Procedure sequence.
Keystone Compliance Provides Rain Lab Testing Services
Keystone Compliance is one of the best MIL-STD 810 lab enclosure test and military testing labs in the country. We employ expert test engineers and properly equip our laboratory in order to provide MIL-STD-810 Rain test certifications. Request a quote and learn why so many manufacturers rely on Keystone Compliance to meet their MIL-STD 810 compliance testing needs.