Technetters, I would like some expert opinions on what constitutes a "harsh environment". In order to stimulate some debate the following is one proposed definition. "Due to the highly competitive nature of the electronics industry and costs of coating the issue of whether coating is required or not can become a hotly debated topic. The primary issue is "What is a harsh environment?". The following general rules can be considered as the boundary line condition for a "harsh environment". There are three minimum conditions which must exist in the localized area of the circuitry at the same time with or without power applied: 1. A relative humidity of 60% or higher. 2. Temperatures above 0 degrees C. 3. The deposition of ionic contaminates on the circuitry surface which will exceed 1.5ug of NaCl or its' equivalent per square cm during the expected lifetime of the product. Consideration of these conditions must also include shipping, storage, and handling of the product. These conditions are a reference point and exceptions are possible. Researching these environments are required to determine if these conditions exist." Thank you for your time. D. A. Douthit ############################################################## TechNet Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c ############################################################## To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TECHNET <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TECHNET ############################################################## Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional information. If you need assistance - contact Gayatri Sardeshpande at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5365 ##############################################################