What is IEC 60068-2-38?
IEC 60068-2-38 is an internationally recognized environmental testing standard that specifies cyclic temperature and humidity testing for electrical, electronic, automotive, aerospace, semiconductor, and industrial products.
Unlike constant humidity tests, IEC 60068-2-38 repeatedly changes both temperature and relative humidity, accelerating moisture penetration, condensation, material expansion, corrosion, insulation degradation, and electrical failures. The objective is to evaluate how products perform after long-term exposure to realistic environmental conditions.
For manufacturers exporting to global markets, compliance with IEC 60068-2-38 helps verify product durability while improving confidence among customers, laboratories, and certification organizations.
Purpose of IEC 60068-2-38 Testing
The standard is designed to simulate severe climatic conditions that products may encounter during transportation, storage, or operation.
Typical failure mechanisms include:
Moisture ingress
Condensation
Metal corrosion
PCB insulation degradation
Delamination
Connector oxidation
Seal failure
Electrical leakage
Plastic deformation
Reduced product reliability
Testing allows engineers to discover weaknesses before products reach the market.
Typical Test Conditions
Although the exact profile depends on product specifications, IEC 60068-2-38 generally includes repeated cycles of:
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | +25°C to +65°C |
| Relative Humidity | Up to 93% RH |
| Test Cycle | Heating, humidity exposure, cooling |
| Duration | Multiple cycles |
| Purpose | Accelerated moisture and thermal stress |
These cyclic conditions better reproduce outdoor climates than constant damp heat testing.
Industries Using IEC 60068-2-38
IEC 60068-2-38 is widely adopted across industries requiring high product reliability:
Semiconductor devices
Automotive electronics
Consumer electronics
Medical equipment
Aerospace components
Telecommunications equipment
Renewable energy systems
Industrial control systems
Battery management systems
Military electronics
For suppliers serving OEMs, passing this standard demonstrates strong environmental reliability.
Recommended Test Equipment
To comply with IEC 60068-2-38, laboratories typically require:
Temperature Humidity Chamber
Programmable environmental controller
High humidity generation system
Accurate refrigeration system
Uniform airflow design
Data logging software
Alarm and safety protection
Stable temperature and humidity control is essential because excessive fluctuation may invalidate test results.
Why Choose TestEQ Environmental Chambers?
TestEQ designs environmental simulation systems for laboratories, manufacturers, and reliability testing centers worldwide.
Key Advantages：
Temperature range from -70°C to +180°C
Humidity control from 20% to 98% RH
High temperature and humidity uniformity
PLC & touchscreen programmable control
Supports continuous cyclic testing
Remote monitoring and data export
CE compliant design
Custom chamber sizes available
Worldwide technical support
OEM & laboratory solutions
Whether your application involves electronics, automotive components, or semiconductor reliability testing, TestEQ provides environmental chambers designed for long-term stable operation.
Why This Standard Matters
Selecting the correct environmental testing standard is essential for ensuring long-term product reliability and meeting international quality requirements. IEC 60068-2-38 provides a proven framework for evaluating resistance to cyclic temperature and humidity stress, helping manufacturers reduce field failures, improve product quality, and satisfy customer qualification requirements.
If you are planning a new reliability laboratory or upgrading existing environmental testing capabilities, TestEQ offers complete temperature and humidity testing solutions tailored to your application, industry, and international compliance needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is the difference between IEC 60068-2-38 and IEC 60068-2-78?
IEC 60068-2-38 performs cyclic temperature and humidity testing, while IEC 60068-2-78 focuses on constant damp heat exposure. IEC 60068-2-38 generally produces greater condensation stress and is more representative of real operating environments.
2.Which products require IEC 60068-2-38 testing?
Typical products include:
Printed circuit boards
Automotive ECUs
Connectors
Sensors
Power supplies
Semiconductor packages
Communication equipment
Battery modules
Industrial controllers
3.What chamber is recommended for IEC 60068-2-38?
A programmable Temperature Humidity Test Chamber capable of maintaining stable cyclic temperature and humidity conditions is recommended.
4.Can TestEQ customize chambers for IEC 60068-2-38?
Yes. TestEQ offers customized chamber sizes, temperature ranges, humidity systems, controller options, and automation interfaces according to customer testing requirements.
5. What is the objective of IEC 60068-2-38 testing?
The primary objective of IEC 60068-2-38 is to evaluate a product's ability to withstand repeated cycles of high humidity and changing temperatures. The test helps identify failures caused by moisture ingress, condensation, corrosion, insulation degradation, and thermal expansion before products are released to the market.
6. How is IEC 60068-2-38 different from thermal cycling testing?
IEC 60068-2-38 combines temperature changes with high humidity exposure, making it suitable for evaluating moisture-related failures such as corrosion and condensation. Thermal cycling testing primarily evaluates expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes without controlled humidity. Both tests are often used together during product reliability qualification.
7. What features should an IEC 60068-2-38 test chamber have?
A chamber designed for IEC 60068-2-38 testing should provide:
Accurate temperature and humidity control
Uniform airflow throughout the workspace
Stable humidity generation system
Programmable cyclic test profiles
Reliable refrigeration and heating systems
Continuous data logging and remote monitoring
Safety protection for long-duration testing
These features help ensure repeatable and standards-compliant test results.
8. Why choose TestEQ for IEC 60068-2-38 environmental testing?
TestEQ provides programmable temperature and humidity chambers designed for international environmental testing standards. Our systems offer stable climatic control, customizable chamber sizes, advanced PLC control, remote monitoring, and long-term operational reliability. Whether for semiconductor, automotive, aerospace, electronics, or laboratory applications, TestEQ delivers solutions that support accurate IEC 60068-2-38 compliance and dependable product qualification.
Internal Linking Module
Related Products
Ideal for cyclic humidity, condensation, storage, and climatic testing.
Suitable for accelerated reliability evaluation before humidity testing.
Related Standards
Comprehensive overview of the IEC 60068 environmental testing series.
IEC 60068-2-78 Damp Heat Test Standard
Guide to constant damp heat environmental testing.
Related Resources
Understand the differences between thermal cycling and thermal shock testing and when each method is appropriate.
A practical guide for engineers and procurement teams selecting environmental testing equipment.
CTA
Looking for an IEC 60068-2-38 compliant Temperature & Humidity Test Chamber?
Whether you are developing a new product, upgrading a reliability laboratory, or preparing for international qualification testing, selecting the right environmental test chamber is essential for obtaining accurate and repeatable results.
TestEQ supplies programmable Temperature & Humidity Test Chambers designed to meet the environmental conditions required by IEC 60068-2-38 and other international reliability standards.
Our engineering team can help you:
Recommend the most suitable chamber configuration
Match your IEC testing requirements
Customize chamber size, temperature range, and humidity control
Provide technical specifications and testing advice
Deliver OEM and turnkey laboratory solutions
"Contact TestEQ today" to discuss your testing application or request a customized technical proposal. Get Expert Advice | Request Technical Specifications | Request a Quote
