Miljøtests

Miljøtests, or environmental tests, are evaluations that determine how a product or system performs under real-world operating conditions. They examine the effects of environmental stressors such as temperature, humidity, vibration, dust, altitude, and electromagnetic interference, and are applied to hardware, embedded systems, assemblies, and, to some extent, software services. The goal is to assess reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance, and to guide design improvements.

The scope of miljøtests covers both physical and digital environments. Hardware testing often includes climatic tests (thermal cycling, temperature and humidity exposure), mechanical tests (vibration and shock), ingress protection (dust and water), corrosion, and EMI/EMC testing. For software and systems, miljøtests involve simulating network conditions, varying loads, latency, cloud environments, and integration with external services to judge resilience and recoverability under different environmental scenarios.

Methodology typically combines planned test sequences with controlled laboratory conditions and, when appropriate, field trials. Test setups may use climate chambers, shaker tables, salt spray rigs, and EMI test equipment. Test design is often risk-based, scenario-driven, and aligned with relevant standards. Documentation includes test plans, procedures, data collection, and failure analysis to support product improvements.

Standards and guidelines commonly referenced in miljøtests include IEC 60068 series for environmental testing, MIL-STD-810 for military equipment, and ISO and industry-specific standards addressing automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics. The practice aims to reduce field failures, extend product life, and ensure safety and compliance across diverse environments.