The drop test generally refers to the free-fall impact test conducted on a product after it is properly packaged (inside an outer carton) from a certain height to assess whether there is any damage. This test is primarily used to evaluate the damage sustained by packaged products during falls, assessing the impact resistance of components during handling and the protective capability of the packaging material against such impacts, including all edges, corners, and surfaces of the packaging container.
The objectives are:
1. To determine the resistance of products to throwing, compression, and dropping during handling, transportation, storage, and use, including assessing the adequacy and compliance of carton boxes and product packaging methods to protect the product or to determine the minimum security level required.
2. To evaluate the ability of a packaged item to withstand vertical impact and the protection it offers to its contents when dropped from a specified height onto a rigid, flat surface.
The drop test simulates potential drops the product may encounter during handling, including:
- Free falls of unpacked products during handling, with samples typically dropped from a specified height and orientation onto a specified surface.
- Simulated repeated free falls of connectors on load cables, small remote control devices, etc., during usage.
Key parameters:
1. Drop height 2. Number of drops 3. Drop surface
Constraints:
1. Height 2. Sample shape (for free falls)
A typical drop test procedure can follow these steps:
1. Prepare samples before testing.
2. Test the product's functionality, safety, and appearance beforehand to ensure they are normal before proceeding with the drop test.
3. Package samples according to prescribed methods (referring to production instructions or specifications), ensuring no accessories are omitted.
4. If there are special sealing requirements (e.g., strapping), follow them; otherwise, seal the inner box with 2" transparent tape and the outer carton with 3" transparent tape.
5. Ensure there are at least 2 full cartons or 4 PCS of finished products for testing.
6. Define the drop sequence.
7. Focus on the bottom corners of seams.
Test standards:
- GB/T4857.1 - GB/T4857.2
- GB/T4857.5
- GB/T4857.17
- GB/T4857.18
Operational flow:
1. Wiring: Connect the power cord to a three-phase power source and ground it. Connect the control box to the tester using the provided cables, and test the up/down commands.
2. Adjust the drop height: Power on the main unit, set the desired test height, and press the up button to reach it. If stopped midway, resume and reach the set height before reversing.
3. Place and secure the test object on the workbench.
4. Press the up button to raise the test object to the set height.
5. Press the drop button to release the workbench, allowing the test object to fall freely.
6. Press the reset button to restore the workbench.
7. Repeat steps for further tests.
8. After testing, lower the workbench to its lowest position and turn off the power.
Drop height requirements vary based on product weight, adhering to national standards. For lighting fixtures:
一. Weights between 0-68kg are dropped from one corner and all edges and faces, with height determined by weight (refer to table).
二. Weights over 68kg are dropped from all six faces at a height of 15.2cm.
Assessment Criteria:
After the drop test, re-inspect the exterior, functionality, stability, and electrical safety according to lighting inspection procedures. Products are deemed qualified if there are no damages, dents, or deformations, and performance remains unchanged; otherwise, they are unqualified. Packaging should not exhibit severe deformation.
Visual requirements: Test samples should show no gaps, cracks, damages, or deformations (refer to specific lighting inspection standards).
Internal Structure: After the drop, inspect inside for proper installation of fans, motors, connectors, fasteners, etc., with no looseness, cracks, damages, deformations, or breaks (refer to operation manuals).
Functional Requirements: Test self-propelled and console-controlled lighting for normal lighting, dimming, strobing, single/mixed colors, focusing, and movement, with all LEDs illuminated and no abnormal noises (refer to YJ/D-QC-029, YJ/D-QC-037, YJ/D-QC-036). Optical performance, including illumination, color temperature, power, and current, should meet requirements.