MIL-STD-810 Testing

What is MIL-STD-810?

MIL-STD 810 is an environmental, military-focused compliance standard for electronics and equipment design, testing survivability against a variety of external conditions. MIL-STD-810H is the most recent revision of this standard and while it uses the same tests and methods as previous revisions, this version emphasizes the importance of test plan preparation, provides tailoring guidance for the wide spectrum of product applications, and suggests clearer direction when testing ‘material systems’ durability.

Tests performed under this standard ensure electronic equipment remains operational during and after exposure to the harsh environments typically experienced in military operations. Successful completion of MIL-STD-810 testing proves the durability of the equipment and users can trust it to function properly under virtually any scenario.

“This standard contains material acquisition program planning and engineering direction for considering the influences that environmental stresses have on material throughout all phases of its service life. Each of these groups is critical to the goal of successfully incorporating environmental considerations into materiel design, test, and evaluation.”

If you are designing an electronic product for military use, it is likely that MIL-STD-810 testing will be specified to qualify the design and production quality.

What goes into MIL-STD-810 Testing?

MIL-STD 810 testing simulates a wide range of hazardous environmental situations, such as vibration, shock, acceleration, humidity, low and high pressure, low and high temperature, and various other environmental conditions. What makes this standard unique are the tests specific to the hazards one can expect in a hostile, military environment, including:

• Test Method 511 – Explosive Atmosphere is not a measure of the performance of the component around explosive material, but the reaction to the environment post-explosion. This type of environment typically consists of air infused with fuel. The standard tests if the component can operate without combusting and causing an explosion.
• Test Method 519 – Gunfire Shock is a measure of how well military components react to short bursts of intensive gunfire shock and respond with the continual operation.