Environmental durability isn't just a "nice-to-have" for military-grade and outdoor equipment-it's a necessity. That's why the MIL-STD-810H standard remains a globally recognized framework for testing how products perform under extreme environmental conditions. Two particularly critical categories in this standard are the Sand & Dust Test (Method 510.7) and the Rain Test (Method 506.6).
In this guide, we'll explain what these tests involve and how test chambers-such as those offered by LIB Environmental Test Chambers-enable engineers and manufacturers to meet the highest reliability requirements with confidence.
MIL-STD-810H Sand and Dust Test (Method 510.7)
Dry, arid, and desert environments present a dual challenge: fine dust particles that infiltrate enclosures and abrasive sand that causes mechanical erosion. The standard outlines three distinct procedures:
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Procedure I – Blowing Dust |
Simulates dust-laden airflow using fine particles less than 150μm (usually talcum powder). The test evaluates filter effectiveness, seals, and operational integrity. |
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Procedure II – Blowing Sand |
Uses coarser particles (150–850μm) blown at high velocity (18±2 m/s) to assess abrasion resistance and structural durability. |
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Procedure III – Dust Fall |
Introduced in revision H, this test simulates natural dust accumulation without active air movement-ideal for storage evaluations. |
Recommended Chamber: LIB MIL-STD-810 Dust Chamber
LIB's dust and sand chamber is engineered specifically for MIL-STD-810H Method 510.7. Key technical features include:
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Air velocity range |
Blowing Dust：1.5 -8.9m/s Blowing sand：18.0 -29.0m/s (adjustable for blowing sand and dust) |
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Dust concentration |
10±7 g/m³ |
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Sand particle supplying system |
Pneumatic vibrating dust circulation with automatic refilling |
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Test media |
Compatible with talcum powder, Arizona dust, ISO fine dust, and sand |
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Sample size capacity |
Internal test volume up to 1000 liters |
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The chamber's touchscreen PLC controller allows users to program different cycles and durations according to specific procedures, ensuring full compliance with military standards.
MIL-STD-810H Rain Test (Method 506.6)
Rainwater, especially when driven by wind, can damage electronic components, corrode metallic elements, and cause critical failure. MIL-STD-810H defines three distinct testing protocols to simulate various precipitation conditions:
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Procedure I – Rain and Blowing Rain |
Simulates rain at a rate of 278 L/m²/hr (11 in/hr) combined with wind speeds up to 40 mph (18 m/s), assessing the product's ability to repel water while in operation. |
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Procedure II – Exaggerated Rain Test |
Exposes the product to extreme rainfall (up to 448 L/m²/hr) for detecting leaks, seal failure, or infiltration under worst-case conditions. |
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Procedure III – Drip Test |
Tests the vertical dripping of water from 1-meter height to simulate conditions under canopies, shelters, or roof edges. |
Recommended Chamber: LIB MIL-STD-810H Rain Chamber
LIB's rain test chamber supports full compliance with all three rain procedures through precise water flow and wind simulation:
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Nozzle diameter |
0.5 mm and 4.5 mm for various droplet sizes |
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Water pressure |
276 kPa (40 psi) max, adjustable |
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Flow rate |
Up to 448 L/m²/hr |
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Turntable speed |
Adjustable for rotating samples during spray |
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Wind simulation system |
Optional high-speed fan integration |
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Its 304 stainless steel interior resists corrosion, while the programmable PLC controller allows step-based scenario simulation. The chamber is available in different volumes to accommodate devices like communication radios, rugged tablets, aerospace modules, or military-grade enclosures.
Why Choose LIB for MIL-STD-810H Testing?
With over a decade of experience in environmental simulation, LIB provides robust, standard-compliant chambers that are customizable, energy-efficient, and easy to operate. Every chamber is factory-calibrated to ensure test accuracy and is backed by international support and documentation.
- CE and ISO certified
- Custom door sizes and test ports available
- Remote control and upgradeable software
Conclusion
As industries face increasing demands for product ruggedness, MIL-STD-810H testing for sand, dust, and rain has become essential-not just for military applications, but for all outdoor electronic or mechanical products. With LIB's specialized test chambers, you're equipped to simulate these extreme conditions and ensure your products remain functional and reliable wherever they are deployed.
Explore more about LIB's test chambers at:www.libclimatechambers.com
