RTCA DO-160 Section 12 Sand and Dust Testing
The purpose of this test is to simulate the exposure of equipment to blowing sand, and blowing dust particles and to establish the acceptance criteria of this exposure.
Areas of Consideration:
- Intrusion into cracks, crevices, seams, and exposure to moving parts like moving bearings and joints, causing fouling and/or clogging of moving parts, relays, and the clogging of filters and similar products.
- Inducing the unintended formation of electrically conductive bridges.
- Contributing factors with respect to collection of water and other fluids potentially leading to corrosion or other adverse effects.
- Contamination or pollution of fluids within a system.
Section 12 – Sand and Dust:
Category D – This category is specific to dust exposure. Applies to equipment that can be installed in various locations where the equipment is subjected to blowing dust based on its intended use and operation.
Category S – This category references both dust exposure and blowing sand when conditions are present during the normal intended location and operational use. May include locations that are not intentionally protected from dust and sand, such as internal locations in cargo areas, or in cockpit.
DLS provides support for the RTCA DO 160G sections on EMI/EMC Electromagnetic Interference and Compatibility, EMI/EMC RTCA-DO-160 Testing.
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