IEC 60068-2-78 – Test Cab: Damp Heat, Steady State– Ensuring Component Performance in high temperature/humidity steady conditions

Standard: IEC 60068‑2‑78: Environmental Testing – Part 2‑78: Tests – Test Cab: Damp heat, steady state

Scope: IEC 60068-2-78 is part of the IEC 60068 series of environmental testing standards and focuses on evaluating the ability of electrical and electronic equipment to withstand prolonged exposure to high humidity at a constant temperature. This test simulates real-world conditions such as tropical or coastal environments where moisture and heat can degrade materials and performance over time.

This standard is critical for manufacturers of automotive components, EV systems, and other electronics that must maintain functionality and reliability in humid environments.

Applicable Products: This standard applies to a range of products, including:

Electronic control units (ECUs)
Sensors and actuators
Battery systems
Lighting and Infotainment systems
Mechanical assemblies and enclosures

Test Procedure: In our specialized lab, we conduct IEC 60068‑2‑78 Test Cab using state‑of‑the‑art equipment to ensure accurate and reliable results. Like IEC 6006-2-30 and IEC 60068-2-38, testing combines exposures to elevated temperature and humidity, but this test is designed to assess the long-term effects of damp heat without condensation. It especially relevant for automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications.

Preconditioning: Specimens are stabilized at standard ambient conditions before testing. For some methods, a preconditioning phase is required to simulate real-world transitions into humid environments.
Test Chamber Specifications: Must maintain uniform temperature and humidity, equipped with sensors to monitor environmental conditions, designed to prevent condensation from dripping onto specimens, and for heat-dissipating equipment, the chamber volume must be at least five times the volume of the test item.
Test Procedure: The specimen is placed in the chamber in a ready-for-use state, temperature and humidity are ramped up to specified levels within 2 hours, the specimen remains under steady-state conditions for the full test duration, measurements may be taken during or after exposure, depending on the test plan.

End Result: Humidity can accelerate corrosion, degrade insulation, and cause premature failure in automotive and electronic systems. IEC 60068-2-78 testing helps validate product durability in humid environments, identify design weaknesses early, ensure compliance with OEM and international standards, and reduce warranty claims and field failures.

End Result: Successful completion of IEC 60068‑2‑78 Test Cab: Damp Heat, Steady State confirms that components can withstand and function effectively in conditions of high humidity.

Test Lab Locations: Detroit (Plymouth), MI; Grand Rapids (Kentwood), MI