This part of IEC 60068 deals with a test procedure for simulating the effects of rough handling
shocks, primarily in equipment-type specimens, the effects of knocks, jolts and falls which
may be received during repair work or rough handling in operational use.
This procedure does not simulate the effects of impacts received during transportation as
loosely constrained cargo. Where the effects of loose cargo transportation are to be
assessed, test Ee: Bounce should be used. Also this procedure does not simulate the effects
of shock applied to installed equipments. Where this effect is to be assessed refer to test Ea:
Shock.
Testing should only be specified for equipment likely to receive such rough handling, for
example those of small to medium size and mass, and should only be applied to those faces
and corners where there is a risk of such treatment being encountered.
In general, equipment which is frequently handled and serviced (for example field equipment
and unit spares) can be considered at risk, whereas equipment forming an integral part of a
permanent installation would not normally be considered at risk and need not be tested.
Testing may not be applicable to fragile unprotected equipment of irregular shape (for
example aircraft nose radar) which, when removed from the installation would be contained in
a handling frame or jig. It may however be applicable to these items of equipment when they
are in their transit case or in their handling frame or jig.
For equipment which stands only on one face (for example the normal base) the test is
generally only applied to that face.
Shock tests are performed on the specimen when fixed to the test machine. Drop and topple,
free fall, repeated free fall and bounce tests are performed with the specimen free.
BS EN 60068-2-31:2008 Referenced Document
IEC GUIDE 104 The preparation of safety publications and the use of basic safety publications and group safety publications*, 2019-07-24 Update
ISO 4180-2:1980 Complete, filled transport packages; General rules for the compilation of performance test schedules; Part 2 : Quantitative data
ISO 48:2007 Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic - Determination of hardness (hardness between 10 IRHD and 100 IRHD)
BS EN 60068-2-31:2008 history
2009BS EN 60068-2-31:2008 Environmental testing –– Part 2-31: Tests – Test Ec: Rough handling shocks, primarily for equipment-type specimens
1977BS EN 60068-2-31:1993 Environmental testing - Test methods - Test Ec - Drop and topple, primarily for equipment-type specimens