Humidity is by far one of the largest and most underrated threats to electronic devices.
Temperature is often considered during product development; however, it is the moisture in the air that quietly corrodes, degrades and weakens performance over time. From short circuits to material breakdown, the effects can be catastrophic.
Climate test procedures are, therefore, a critical part of environmental validation.
At Austest Laboratories, we help electronic manufacturers mitigate these risks through humidity testing programs carried out in advanced temperature-humidity test chamber systems.
Protect Your Electronics With Climatic Testing
At Austest, we offer precision climatic testing using advanced temperature-humidity test chamber systems to help manufacturers reduce failure rates and improve product reliability. We can help with testing for compliance and/or performance under extreme conditions.
The Science of Humidity and Electronics
Even a fully enclosed product can fall victim to humidity test failures. Water vapour can infiltrate seals and housings, especially during changes in altitude or pressure. in a cold device, this vapour can condense into droplets that sit on sensitive circuitry.
Once moisture is present within a device, it can lead to electrochemical reactions, corrosion of solder joints, connectors, and other metal components. This corrosion is often made worse in harsh environments or when contaminants such as dust and salts are also present.
At Austest, our engineers replicate these conditions in a climatic test chamber to assess how products behave in real-world humidity exposure, before issues arise in the field.
Common Consequences of Humidity Damage
Short Circuits and Catastrophic Failure: Short circuits are one of the most immediate risk factors which can be identified in climate test results. This is where moisture creates unintended conductive paths, sometimes triggering instant failure that renders a device unusable.
Reduced Performance and Intermittent Issues: While humidity doesn’t always cause immediate breakdown, it can lead to inconsistent signal transmission, increased resistance, or erratic operation. These faults can be hard to trace, but they can severely impact the performance of a product.
Material Degradation: Humidity affects more than metal; it can cause circuit boards to lose insulation resistance, plastics may swell or warp, and adhesives can break down. All of these issues can reduce mechanical integrity.
Long-Term Reliability Concerns: Humidity testing can reveal where moisture exposure can potentially reduce long-term durability. Without proper climate test procedures, failure rates and warranty claims can be increased significantly.
The Role of Climatic Testing
What is Climatic Testing?
Climatic testing simulates a product’s intended environmental conditions, including high humidity and extreme temperatures, to help uncover potential weaknesses before it reaches the market.
Using equipment such as a temperature-humidity test chamber, products are subjected to controlled cycles of heat, cold and moisture. This helps manufacturers assess the reliability of a product in real-world conditions and to help make design improvements before a launch.
Benefits of Testing
- Improves Product Longevity: Testing in a controlled climatic test chamber ensures products are fit for their intended purpose, even in challenging climates. It also protects the brand's reputation by preventing premature product failure.
- Reduces Warranty Claims: Early identification of weaknesses lowers the risk of costly field failures and saves significant costs associated with repairs and replacements.
- Meets Industry Standards and Compliance Requirements: Many sectors, including military, medical and automotive, require formal climate test compliance for safety and durability.
Partnering with Austest Laboratories
At Austest, we deliver expert humidity testing and climatic test services using a precision-controlled temperature-humidity test chamber system. Our laboratories are fully equipped to handle everything from standard climate tests to complex and highly specific testing requirements.
With extensive experience and a deep understanding of temperature and humidity control, our team has successfully carried out tests that other labs have deemed too difficult or “impossible”.
We routinely support manufacturers across defence, automotive, electronics, and transport industries to ensure their products meet both durability and compliance standards.
All testing is conducted under formal A2LA accreditation and in alignment with Australian and international standards.