Solar radiation tests

Testing devices and components under UV radiation

Solar radiation tests

Solar radiation (UV radiation) can influence the quality of products (think about discolouration, brittleness and elasticity of materials). Solar radiation (UV) tests are used to test equipment or components with UV-radiation. The UV-tests can be combined with water tests. This way, you simulate the combined impact of weather by sun and rain. In the IEC 60068-2-5 (Procedure C), a test method is described to show the impact of a year’s use of your product in three days of UV-simulation.

Sunlight spectrum

The UV part of the actual sunlight spectrum corresponds with 68 Watt/m2 (280-400 nanometres) at sea level (approximately 6,1% of the total range). The visible part (VIS) of 400 to 800 nanometres corresponds with 580 Watt/m2 (51,8% of the total range). The UV and visible radiation of the sunlight spectrum is approximately 648 Watt/m2. The total radiation is 1120 Watt/m2 (UV+visible+IR).

Suntester

Our suntester measures and controls the radiation between 300 nm and 800 nanometres (UV+visible). The maximum radiation inside the unit is 765 Watt/m2 (UV+visible), which is 18% more than the maximum amount of sunlight at sea level on 12:00 hours (hottest day in summer, no clouds and no pollution). Generally, most representative test methods recommend 550 Watt/m2, between 300 and 800 nanometres (UV+visible) for sunlight simulation situated outside. In case of a sunlight simulation behind window glass, special window glass filters will provide UV radiation starting at 320 nanometres.

Specifications:
  • Dimensions: 200 x 300 mm
  • Temperature: 25 to 60 degrees Celsius
  • Maximum radiation: 765 Watt/m2 (300 – 800 nanometres)
  • Remark: combination test using UV+visible and water is possible