IEC 60068-2-30: Environmental Testing – Part 2-30: Tests – Test Db: Damp Heat, Cyclic (12 h + 12 h cycle)

Overview and Purpose

IEC 60068-2-30 is a part of the IEC 60068 series, which outlines various environmental testing procedures for electronic and electrical equipment. Specifically, Test Db focuses on the cyclic damp heat test, designed to simulate the conditions that products might encounter in environments with high humidity and varying temperatures. The purpose of this test is to assess the ability of components, equipment, or other items to withstand such conditions, which can lead to corrosion, mechanical failures, or other types of degradation over time.

How the Test is Conducted

1. Preparation: The items to be tested are prepared and possibly preconditioned according to the specific requirements outlined in the standard. This preparation ensures that the test results are accurate and representative of the item’s performance.
2. Cyclic Exposure: The test involves exposing the specimen to cycles of high humidity and temperature for 12 hours, followed by a period of lower humidity and temperature for the next 12 hours. This 24-hour cycle is repeated for the number of times specified by the test parameters, typically for several days.
3. Controlled Environment: The test is conducted in a controlled environment chamber capable of maintaining the specified conditions of temperature and humidity. The high-temperature phase typically ranges from 55°C to 60°C with high humidity levels, while the low-temperature phase is set at a lower temperature, around 20°C to 25°C, with reduced humidity.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Throughout the testing process, the conditions within the chamber are closely monitored to ensure they remain within the specified parameters. After completing the cycles, the specimen is evaluated for any signs of moisture-related damage, such as corrosion, insulation degradation, mechanical failures, or changes in electrical properties.

Purpose of the Test

• Reliability Assessment: To ensure that electronic components and equipment can reliably operate in environments with high humidity and temperature fluctuations.
• Design Verification: Helps manufacturers identify potential design or material weaknesses that could be exacerbated by damp heat conditions, allowing for necessary adjustments.
• Quality Assurance: Forms an essential part of the quality assurance process, verifying that products meet international standards for environmental durability.
• Product Lifespan Estimation: Provides valuable data for estimating the product’s lifespan and performance under various environmental conditions.