ISO 16750-3:2023

Overview

ISO 16750-3:2023 - "Road vehicles - Environmental conditions and testing for electrical and electronic equipment - Part 3: Mechanical loads" defines mechanical environmental stresses and recommended test methods for automotive electrical and electronic (E/E) systems and components. It applies to systems including electric propulsion and components with maximum working voltages in voltage class B. The standard focuses on mechanical loads (vibration, shock, free-fall, abrasion, gravel impact, etc.), specifies test selection by mounting location, and distinguishes between small/lightweight (typically < 2 kg) and large/heavy (typically ≥ 2 kg) devices under test (DUT). It does not cover motorcycles or mopeds.

Key topics and requirements

• Vibration testing: Multiple vehicle-based vibration profiles are defined (tests for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, rotating machines, electric drive components, sprung/unsprung masses). Test choice depends on mounting location, DUT mass and real vehicle measurements.
• Mechanical shock: Defined shock tests for components on doors, body/frame, gearbox and other rigid mounting points.
• Free-fall and guided-fall: Procedures and guidance for drop testing to assess handling/installation robustness.
• Surface strength / abrasion / gravel bombardment: Methods for scratch, stone-chip and wear resistance relevant to exposed components.
• Test selection process: Emphasis on verifying laboratory profiles with vehicle measurements; code letters and documentation requirements for traceability.
• Annexes for guidance: Informative annexes include development of vibration profiles, recommended mechanical requirements by mounting location, shaker testing for rotating machines, free-fall guidance, and 3D vibration testing.

Practical applications - who uses it

• Automotive OEMs and Tier 1/2 suppliers use ISO 16750-3:2023 to specify mechanical qualification for ECUs, sensors, actuators, inverters, DC/DC converters, electric motors, alternators and fuel-system components.
• Design and validation engineers use the standard to choose appropriate vibration/shock profiles and to size mounting hardware and housings for durability.
• Test laboratories adopt the document’s procedures and annex guidance (e.g., shaker setups, 3D testing, guided-fall) for repeatable qualification testing.
• Procurement & quality teams incorporate the standard into contracts and acceptance criteria to ensure field reliability across ICE, hybrid and fully electric vehicles.

How to use it (practical steps)

• Identify the DUT and mounting location.
• Classify DUT mass (small/light vs large/heavy) and operating environment.
• Select relevant vibration, shock or impact tests and consult annexes for test setup guidance.
• Verify laboratory profiles against in-vehicle measurements and document results using the code letters and documentation clauses.

Related standards

• ISO 16750-1:2023 (General)
• ISO 16750-4:2023 (Climatic loads)
• IEC 60068 series (vibration and shock test methods)
• UL 969; ISO 20567-1 for stone-chip testing

Keywords: ISO 16750-3:2023, mechanical loads, vibration testing, shock testing, free fall, automotive electronic testing, EV components, environmental testing, mounting location, vehicle qualification.