Test interruptions can result from two or more situations, one being from failure or malfunction of test chambers or associated test laboratory equipment. The second type of test interruption results from failure or malfunction of the test item itself during operational checks.
4.1.3.3.1 Interruption Due To Chamber Malfunction
- a. General. See Part One, paragraph 5.11 of this Standard.
- b. Specific to this Method.
- (1) Undertest interruption. Follow any undertest interruption by reestablishing the prescribed test conditions and continue from the point of interruption.
- (2) Overtest interruption. Following exposure to excessive dust concentrations, remove as much of the accumulation as possible (as would be done in service) and continue from the point of interruption. If abrasion is of concern, either restart the test with a new test item or reduce the exposure period by using the concentration-time equivalency (assuming the overtest concentration rate is known).
4.1.3.3.2 Interruption Due To Test Item Operation Failure
Failure of the test item(s) to function as required during operational checks presents a situation with several possible options.
- a. The preferable option is to replace the test item with a “new” one and restart from Step 1.
- b. A second option is to replace / repair the failed or non-functioning component or assembly with one that functions as intended, and restart the entire test from Step 1.
NOTE: When evaluating failure interruptions, consider prior testing on the same test item and consequences of such.