Aircraft Icing and Rain Test Methods

Element test a range of aircraft parts under real-world ice and rain conditions - including rain test methods and all three RTCA DO-160 equipment categories for icing testing. Our scope includes:

• External aircraft equipment
• Electrical equipment enclosures
• Component coatings and sealants
• Structural aircraft components
• Road vehicle electrical equipment

Rain tests we offer include:

• Blowing rain tests
  We use specified wind velocity and rainfall rates to determine how a product will endure its outdoor environment.
• Drip tests
  We measure water penetration or pooling caused by repeated droplets falling at a uniform rate.

Water ingress protection tests include:
We test the effectiveness of seals on the enclosures of electrical equipment (including IEC 60529, NEMA 250 & UL 50E, DIN 40050-9).

• IP Testing (IEC 60529): IEC 60529 is an international standard designed to give products a determined International Protection Marking according to the IP Code rating. This standard tests the sealing effectiveness of enclosures of electrical equipment against the intrusion of solid particles and liquid.
• Electrical Enclosure Rating Testing (NEMA 250 & UL 50E): Specific to North America, NEMA 250 (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) ratings cover additional product features and tests such as functionality under construction requirements, electrical enclosures for hazardous areas and industrial applications against environmental hazards such as water, dust, oil or corrosive atmospheres.
• High Pressure Steam Jet Cleaning (DIN 40050-9): Covers degrees of protection of electrical equipment of road vehicles against foreign objects, water and access.

Aircraft icing tests:

Include 3 RTCA DO-160 Categories -

• Category A
  For equipment located externally or in non–climate-controlled areas where aircraft icing and frost may occur due to condensation.
• Category B
  A 25-cycle test mimicking multiple ascents and descents, where water accumulation can damage moving parts and electronic systems.
• Category C
  Used for external areas exposed to standing water that can freeze, causing ice buildup that impedes normal operation.

Our automated chambers combine altitude, humidity, and freezing temperatures for realistic testing across RTCA DO-160 categories.

We offer advanced solutions like Bird Strike Testing, Hail Impact Testing, Fuel System Testing, and more. Explore our full range of aerospace and environmental simulation services to address every aspect of product performance.

• Automated environmental chambers for combined condition testing (altitude, temperature, humidity).
• High-pressure and blowing rain apparatus for replicating severe storm conditions.

We deliver certainty—high-quality data, test reports, and certificates you can rely on when making critical decisions about design and compliance.

Our team works in product qualification hubs across the world, so you can test locally or leverage our global network. Find your nearest lab on our Locations Page.