Overview
ISO 30013:2011 - Rubber and plastics hoses - Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources - specifies laboratory methods to expose rubber and plastic hoses to xenon‑arc, fluorescent UV and open‑flame carbon‑arc lamps and to determine resulting changes in colour, appearance and other physical properties. The procedures simulate outdoor (artificial weathering) or indoor light exposure and define test pieces, mounting, exposure cycles and result reporting. Note: results from different light sources and exposure conditions are not comparable.
Key technical topics and requirements
- Scope and principle: Expose hose test pieces to controlled laboratory light sources to evaluate degradation effects on colour, appearance, cracking and selected physical properties.
- Light sources & exposure cycles: Methods cover xenon‑arc, fluorescent UV and open‑flame carbon‑arc lamps. Filters and cycles represent outdoor (Method A: daylight filters) or indoor (Method B: window‑glass filters) environments; specific irradiance and cycle parameters are specified in the standard’s tables.
- Types of test piece: Four defined types - two strained (Types 1 and 2) and two unstrained (Types 3 and 4). The type used must be stated in the product standard; results across types are not directly comparable.
- Number and conditioning of specimens: At least three exposed test pieces plus one unexposed control (minimum four pieces). Test pieces must be conditioned per ISO 23529 or ISO 291 in darkness or subdued light before exposure.
- Mounting and holders: Holders shall be made of inert materials (e.g., aluminium or stainless steel). Avoid using brass, plain steel or copper near the specimens.
- Measurements and reporting: Procedures cover mounting, exposure, measurement of radiant exposure, removal/inspection, assessment of colour change (e.g., grey scale or colorimetry), appearance/cracking and changes in physical properties. A detailed test report is required.
Practical applications - who uses ISO 30013:2011
- Hose manufacturers and R&D teams for product development and quality control
- Independent testing laboratories performing artificial weathering and comparative evaluations
- Product standards and specification authors, procurement and compliance teams requiring verified light‑exposure performance
- OEMs and end users needing assurance of hose appearance and performance after light exposure (outdoor or indoor conditions)
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 30013:2011, rubber and plastics hoses, laboratory light sources, xenon‑arc, fluorescent UV, carbon‑arc, artificial weathering, colour change, hose testing, test pieces, exposure cycles.