Testing that Reaches the World
MIL-STD-810 Method 506 Rain Testing
MIL-STD-810, Method 506, covers rain testing for equipment. This method is used to evaluate the equipment's resistance and performance when exposed to rain and other forms of water ingress to assess the equipment's ability to withstand and operate in environments with rainfall or water exposure.
This MIL Standard Method evaluates equipment likely to be exposed to rain, water spray, or dripping water during storage, transit, or operation. There is generally no need to subject equipment to a rain test if it has previously passed the immersion test and the configuration does not change. However, there are situations in which rain has revealed problems not observed during immersion tests due to differential pressure. Additionally, the immersion test may be more appropriate if the equipment is likely to be placed on surfaces with significant amounts of standing water. In most cases, perform both tests if appropriately identified in the life cycle profile.
The test engineers and technicians at Clark Testing help to evaluate equipment's ability to resist water ingress and maintain its performance under rainy conditions. The MIL 810G Method 506.5 tests help identify potential issues related to water resistance, sealing effectiveness, corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, and functional performance in the presence of water.
Clark can help develop detailed procedures for MIL 810G, Method 506.5 rain testing. The test typically involves subjecting the equipment to controlled rainfall or water spray conditions in specialized test chambers or outdoor test facilities. We help our customers to develop test procedures to determine the rainfall intensity, duration, and other parameters are specified based on the equipment's intended use and the expected environmental conditions.
Method 506.5 also specifies different rainfall conditions based on the anticipated exposure scenarios such as rainfall rates, wind speed, droplet size, and other environmental factors. We help to expose our customer’s equipment to the relevant and representative rainfall conditions.
The test criteria includes allowable water ingress, functionality during and after the rain exposure, corrosion resistance, and other performance parameters. Clark test engineer team will assess equipment based on its ability to withstand the specified rainfall conditions without sustaining damage or exhibiting performance degradation beyond acceptable limits.
Method 506.5 includes three rain-related test procedures: Procedure I (Rain and Blowing Rain), Procedure II (Exaggerated), and Procedure III (Drip).
Before conducting the test, determine which test procedure(s) and test conditions are appropriate. Differences among rain test procedures are explained below. The test engineers at Clark Testing will help you select the procedure that represents the most severe exposure anticipated for your equipment commensurate with equipment size.
- Procedure I - Rain and Blowing Rain: Procedure I is applicable for equipment that will be deployed out-doors and which will be unprotected from rain or blowing rain. The accompanying wind velocity can vary from almost calm to extremely high. a. Procedure I - Rain and Blowing Rain. Procedure I is applicable for equipment that will be deployed out-doors and which will be unprotected from rain or blowing rain. The accompanying wind velocity can vary from almost calm to extremely high. Consider using Procedure II for equipment that cannot be adequately tested with this procedure because of its (large) size.
- Procedure II - Exaggerated. Consider Procedure II when large (shelter-size) equipment is to be tested and a blowing-rain facility is not available or practical. This procedure is not intended to simulate natural rainfall but will provide a high degree of confidence in the watertightness of equipment.
- Procedure III - Drip. Procedure III is appropriate when equipment is normally protected from rain but may be exposed to falling water from condensation or leakage from upper surfaces. There are two variations to the drip test: (1) for equipment that may experience falling water (generally from condensation), and (2) for
Equipment that may be subjected to heavy condensation or leaks from above.
When selecting a procedure, consider:
- The equipment configuration.
- The logistical and operational requirements (purpose) of the equipment.
- The operational purpose of the equipment and data to verify it has been met.
- d. The natural exposure circumstances.
- Procedure sequence.
The test engineering team at Clark Testing can help ensure that equipment will function and maintain its performance while operating in an excessive rain environment. Call or email the Clark Dynamics Test Laboratory for assistance in developing a test plan and conducting the appropriate test to validate your equipment in accordance with MIL-STD-810G Method 506.5 Rain Testing.
Test Set Up
In house custom design and fabrication capabilities (machining and welding) to ensure test fixtures accurately simulation environmental conditions. FEA capabilities to support fixture design along with welding, fabrication & machining services. Multiple vibration adapter plates and prefabricated test fixtures help to streamline the testing process.
Instrumentation capabilities including accelerometers and strain gages with multi-channel control and data acquisition equipment ensuring accurate test data is being recorded. All instrumentation and equipment is provided with measurement uncertainty and compliant with Clark’s ISO 17025-2017 Quality Program.
Lab technicians and engineers record daily test activities to register all activities, events, and responses during the test. The daily test logs along with test data, pictures and test procedures are included in comprehensive test report that is the industry standard.
We work closely with you to validate engineering, ensure quality, analyze test spectrums, and execute accurate testing programs for successful qualification and marketing of your product.
