ISO 16750-5:2023

Overview

ISO 16750-5:2023 - "Road vehicles - Environmental conditions and testing for electrical and electronic equipment - Part 5: Chemical loads" defines chemical exposure requirements and test methods for automotive electrical and electronic systems and components (including electric propulsion and components in voltage class B). The standard describes potential chemical stresses, recommended tests and acceptance criteria based on the component’s mounting location. It is intended for passenger cars and commercial vehicles (not motorcycles or mopeds) and complements other parts of the ISO 16750 series.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Applies to vehicle electrical/electronic systems and components (incl. electric propulsion) with maximum working voltages in voltage class B; excludes motorcycles/mopeds.
• Purpose: Determine whether temporary exposure to chemical agents causes unacceptable effects on devices under test (DUT). This is a qualification test, not a life test.
• Test planning:
  • Select chemical agents according to mounting location (Table 2).
  • One DUT per test agent is typical unless otherwise agreed.
  • Tests generally conducted in operating mode 1.2 (see ISO 16750-1) or agreed alternative.
• Conditioning:
  • DUT storage and test-agent conditioning at room temperature (23 ± 5 °C) and RH 25–75 % unless specified.
  • Documentary evidence may be used to demonstrate material immunity.
• Application methods (Table 1): codes I–VI - Spraying, Brushing, Wiping, Pouring, Dipping, Immersing - chosen per agent and mounting location.
• Test conditions (Table 2): maps specific chemicals (diesel, biodiesel, petrol, engine oil, brake fluid, antifreeze, battery fluid, urea/NOx agents, cleaning solvents, acetone, cosmetics, vehicle wash chemicals, etc.) to application method, test temperature (RT or T_max per ISO 16750-4) and duration (e.g., RT 10 min, RT 2 h, T 22 h max).
• Procedure and assessment: pre/post visual and functional checks, conditioning, exposure, storage, post-test evaluation; document results and any agreed exemptions.

Applications - who uses it and why

• Automotive OEMs and Tier suppliers for component qualification and supplier specifications.
• Design and materials engineers for material selection, seals, coatings and connector design to resist chemical exposure.
• Test laboratories and quality/validation teams for conducting standardized chemical-resistance tests and issuing reports.
• EV and battery system teams needing assurance for components in voltage class B against chemical contamination.

Practical uses include verifying protective lacquers, selecting compatible plastics/elastomers, qualifying connectors and enclosures, and defining supplier test requirements based on mounting location.

Related standards

• ISO 16750-1 - General requirements for environmental testing
• ISO 16750-4 - Climatic loads (defines T_max referenced in ISO 16750-5)
• ISO 19453-5:2018 - content integrated/harmonized into this edition
• Full ISO 16750 series for comprehensive electrical/electronic environmental testing

Keywords: ISO 16750-5, chemical loads, automotive environmental testing, chemical resistance testing, road vehicles, electrical and electronic equipment, mounting location, application methods, voltage class B.