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Military Standards Testing

MIL-STD-810 H Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests

MIL-STD-810H testing is the test standard most commonly used to determine if a product can withstand the effects of difficult environmental conditions. Version H represents the eighth version of this military test standard.

Even though MIL-810H is a military standard, many commercial products are tested for it. The term “ruggedized products” is often associated with devices that have met the requirements of MIL-810-H testing.

Why Should a Manufacturer Work With a MIL-STD-810-H Test Lab?

Testing to MIL-810 H can be mandatory if the end user is in the military. It can also be mandatory if the product is a component that can eventually be used in a military product. In these cases, testing is mandatory.

MIL-810 testing can also provide a marketing advantage. As previously mentioned, many products are marked rugged or ruggedized. This term and the statement of MIL-810 compliance can provide a competitive advantage over other products. It is important for manufacturers to conduct market research and speak with sellers and distributors prior to developing a test plan.

Whether the testing is mandatory or voluntary, working with a MIL-STD-810-H testing facility provides a number of benefits. These include the following:

  • There could be a contractual requirement that the product meets the requirements. By working with a lab, the manufacturer can show compliance with the contract.
  • A thorough evaluation of the performance of a product or material is completed. Manufacturers can identify the environmental stresses that will be experienced during the life cycle. This can present opportunities for product enhancements and improvements before mass production starts. Identifying deficiencies, defects and shortcomings early in the design process can save considerable time and money.
  • MIL-810 is a foundation for environmental testing. The specifications provide guidance that can be further enhanced as needed. Manufacturers can use the testing to determine stress sequences, test levels and durations that are actually encountered in the field.

What are Some of the Tests Required in MIL-STD-810H?

MIL STD 810H has 28 different test methods. Most products do not have to be tested on all 28 test methods. The type of product and end use of the product most often determines the test plan. Some of the test methods are general and others are very specific.

The more common test methods include test method 516.8 shock and test method 514.8 vibration. These tests simulate the effects of jolts, drops and other similar actions that can occur during transit and operations. MIL-STD-810H test labs must have shock machines and vibration tables to complete this testing.

Temperature testing is a large part of MIL-810. Test method 501.7 high temperature and test method 502.7 low temperature are two of the most common temperature tests. Test method 503.7 temperature shock is essentially a combination of high temp and low temp with fast transition times between the two.

Other types of testing include altitude, corrosion, ingress protection, contamination, solar radiation. Some of the more specific tests are explosive atmosphere, acceleration, pyroshock, gunfire, ballistic shock and rail impact. Included at the bottom is the complete list of MIL-STD-810H test methods with links to descriptive pages.

What does the H stand for?

The H actually does not represent anything other than the eighth version of the standard. To see previous versions of the test standard, please click on one of the links below.

Why do companies prefer to work with Keystone Compliance?

As one of the leading MIL-STD-810 H 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.

Most importantly, we take a consultative approach to assist our customers throughout the entire certification testing program. We pride ourselves on our communication and engineering guidance throughout the test program. If failures occur, we provide engineering guidance to help our customers isolate the issue and take steps to find a resolution.

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