Salt Fog Testing
Section 10: Environmental Qualification (DO-160)
Definition
DO-160 Section 14 (Salt Fog) defines tests that evaluate the equipment's resistance to corrosion and functional degradation when exposed to a salt-laden atmosphere representative of marine or coastal operating environments. The equipment is subjected to a fine salt spray mist for a specified duration, followed by a drying period and functional evaluation.
Where This Shows Up
Salt fog testing is primarily applicable to equipment installed on aircraft that operate extensively in maritime or coastal environments, and to externally mounted equipment. Salt deposits can cause corrosion of metallic surfaces, degradation of electrical connections, and tracking across insulating surfaces. The test evaluates both the protective effectiveness of coatings, platings, and seals, and the functional impact of salt deposit accumulation.
Primary Sources
Section 14 (Salt Fog) — defines the salt spray concentration, exposure duration, and acceptance criteria.
Related Terms
Need help navigating certification?
Understanding the terminology is the first step. If you need expert guidance on DO-178C, DO-254, ARP4754B, or any aspect of FAA, EASA, or TCCA certification, our team is here to help.