ISO 9022-1:2016 - Optics and photonics: Environmental test methods (Part 1)

Overview

ISO 9022-1:2016 is the first part of the ISO 9022 series for optics and photonics. It defines the terminology, scope and basic features of laboratory environmental testing for optical and photonic instruments (including assemblies with mechanical, chemical or electronic sub‑systems). This third edition (2016) replaces the 2012 edition and establishes a common test sequence, ambient reference conditions and the framework used across the ISO 9022 parts.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions: precise meanings for terms such as environmental test, optical instrument, optical assembly, specimen, conditioning, degree of severity, state of operation (0, 1, 2), examinations and tests (visual, function, measurement), and evaluation.
• Test sequence and procedure: structured steps include preconditioning, initial test, conditioning, intermediate test (when operating), recovery, final test and evaluation. Preconditioning requires specimen temperature adjustment to within ±3 K of ambient.
• Ambient atmospheric conditions: defined reference ambient range is 15 °C to 35 °C and 30 % to 85 % relative humidity.
• Conditioning method and severity: conditioning is the set of external influences (e.g., shock, damp heat) and associated parameter values (temperature, humidity, exposure time). The standard distinguishes conditioning method (what) and degree of severity (how severe).
• States of operation:
  • State 0 - packaged/transport/storage condition
  • State 1 - unprotected, ready for operation but unpowered
  • State 2 - operating during the test (function checked)
• Environmental test code: ISO 9022‑1 provides rules for forming test identification codes used across the series.
• Annex A: lists relevant ISO 9022 parts and conditioning methods (examples: cold, dry heat, damp heat, shock, vibration, salt mist, dust, rain, immersion, solar radiation, mould, contamination, dew/ice and combined tests).

Applications and users

ISO 9022-1 is used by:

• Manufacturers of optical and photonic instruments (telescopes, microscopes, cameras, sensors) to define test programs and product specifications.
• Test laboratories and quality teams to design and sequence environmental tests.
• Design and reliability engineers to select appropriate conditioning methods and severity levels.
• Procurement, certification and technical compliance teams for specification, acceptance testing and comparative evaluation.

Practical uses include establishing baseline test procedures, defining specimen preparation, and harmonizing environmental test language across suppliers and test reports.

Related standards

• ISO 9022 series (Parts 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 17, 20, 22, 23) - detailed conditioning methods listed in Annex A.
• IEC 60529 (Degrees of protection by enclosures, IP Code) - referenced for related dust and rain methods.

Keywords: ISO 9022-1:2016, optics and photonics, environmental test methods, optical instrument testing, conditioning methods, test sequence, state of operation.