1
Start with the Test Standard
Identify Your Test Standard First
The test standard determines the chamber type — not the temperature range. Many engineers start with temperature range and then discover the chamber type is wrong. Start here: what standard does your qualification document, customer spec, or regulatory submission reference?
StandardChamber TypeNote
IEC 60068-2-78T&H chamberDamp heat, steady state (steady humidity) MIL-STD-810 Method 507T&H chamberHumidity — requires programmable humidity control Large specimens / vehiclesWalk-in chamberCustom volume — harness looms, subassemblies, vehicles 2
Define Your Temperature Range
Temperature Range Selection
Refrigeration system architecture determines the minimum temperature the chamber can reach. Specifying a lower temperature than needed adds cost; specifying too high means the chamber cannot run your test. Match the range to the coldest temperature in your test programme.
−20°C to +85°CStandard T&H chamber — single-stage refrigeration
−40°C to +150°CExtended-range T&H — cascade refrigeration
−70°C to +180°CUltra-low T&H — dual-stage cascade
Shock: −70°C / +200°CThermal shock chamber — two-zone or fluid bath
Ramp rate note: If your test standard specifies a minimum temperature ramp rate (e.g. 3°C/min or 10°C/min for JEDEC), state this requirement explicitly. Standard chambers typically achieve 2–4°C/min cooling. Higher ramp rates require a larger compressor system and may reduce usable volume.
Chamber Volume vs. Specimen Size
Industry guideline: specimen volume (and any fixturing) should not exceed 20% of total chamber volume. Exceeding this ratio compromises air circulation uniformity and temperature recovery time after door opening.
Specimen TypeRecommended Volume
For vehicle-level or full-system testing, Indeecon's walk-in chambers are custom-built to your floor area and height requirement — no standard catalogue size applies.
5
Controller and Data Logging
Controller, Data Logging, and Compliance Requirements
The controller specification depends on your test programme complexity and compliance requirements. Over-specifying adds cost; under-specifying means you cannot run complex profiles or provide the audit trail required by regulated industries.
Simple pass/fail testing — manual set-point, no profile programming. Suitable for incoming QA and non-regulated applications.
PLC with programmable profiles
Cyclic profiles, ramp-and-soak sequences, alarm logging. Required for IEC 60068-2-30 and similar cyclic tests.
IoT / Cloud + Audit Trail
IQ/OQ RequiredRemote monitoring, data export, and electronic batch records. Recommended for pharmaceutical and medical device labs.
Connectivity options: Indeecon chambers are available with USB data export (standard), RS-485 Modbus for SCADA/PLC integration, and Ethernet / Wi-Fi for remote monitoring and alert notifications.