What is ASTM B117? The “gold” standard for corrosion-resistant cameras

NGÀY ĐĂNG 18/09/2025

Admin

In harsh outdoor environments - where sun, rain, high humidity and salt spray can silently destroy metal equipment - corrosion resistance becomes a vital factor for product durability and performance. To evaluate this criterion objectively and consistently, manufacturers around the world have trusted the ASTM B117 (Salt Fog Test) standard - one of the oldest and most popular salt fog corrosion simulation testing methods today.

Not only limited to the mechanical or coating industry, the ASTM B117 standard is also widely applied in fields such as surveillance cameras, marine equipment, electrical cabinets, cars, telecommunications, etc. So what exactly is ASTM B117 and why does it play an important role in ensuring the quality of outdoor equipment? Let's find out right away.

What is ASTM B117?

ASTM B117 is a salt spray test standard first published by ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials) in 1939. This is one of the oldest and most popular methods used to evaluate the corrosion resistance of metals, protective coatings or surface materials in high salinity environments - such as coastal areas, seaports, chemical plants, etc.

The main purpose of ASTM B117:

• Simulate a corrosive environment similar to coastal areas, where there is a lot of salt vapor and humidity.
• Compare the quality between types of coatings, paints, plating, alloys or surface protection layers.
• Evaluate the durability of equipment, detect weaknesses in coatings or metal structures.

Salt Fog Test Method ASTM B117

Test Configuration

The test simulates a salt corrosion environment by placing the test specimen in a salt spray chamber under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The objective is to create a continuous, uniform, salt-rich environment to test the rate and extent of corrosion occurring on the surface of a material or protective coating.

The following is the test chamber configuration:

• Temperature in the chamber: Maintained at 35°C ± 1°C.
• Salt solution used:
  • 5% NaCl (5g of pure salt dissolved in 95ml of deionized water).
  • PH of the solution: 6.5 – 7.2.
  • Mist pressure: 1.0–2.0 bar.
• Salt mist flow rate: 1.0 – 2.0 ml/h for every 80cm² of sample area.
• Spray time: Continuous throughout the test period.

Implementation procedure

• Preparation of test sample: The material to be tested is cleaned, free of oil, dust, and placed at an angle of 15–30° in the test chamber.
• Testing procedure:
  • The sample is continuously sprayed with salt mist in a closed chamber.
  • There is no change in the environment (stop spraying – rest) during the process.
• Test duration:
  • End of test: The sample is taken out and gently dried at room temperature.
  • Depending on the technical requirements: it can be 24h, 96h, 240h, 500h, 720h or 1000h.
  • For high-end outdoor equipment (e.g. anti-corrosion cameras): ≥ 720 hours is common.

Evaluation criteria

After the test is completed, the sample is observed with the naked eye or using a magnifying tool to determine:

• Level of rust (for uncoated steel).
• Peeling of coatings, paints, plating.
• Discoloration, cracking or blistering of protective coatings.
• Early/late corrosion appearance time – for comparison of quality between samples.

Note:

ASTM B117 results do not reflect actual outdoor life, but are a very useful accelerated test for relative comparison between different materials or products.
Related standards such as ISO 9227 also have similar methods but are more stringent in terms of spray/rest cycles, humidity control.

Common applications of ASTM B117

Surveillance camera industry - outdoor security equipment

• Corrosion-resistant cameras are installed in seaports, coastal industrial zones, drilling rigs, coastal resorts, ships, etc.
• Testing the ability to withstand salt spray, sea water and high humidity.
• Many high-end camera lines (eg Panasonic i-PRO, Hikvision Anti-Corrosion, Pelco Esprit) are tested from 500 to 1000 hours according to ASTM B117.

Marine & Oil & Gas Industry

• Electronic equipment, cameras, technical boxes, pipes, sensors, ... on: Ships, drilling rigs, marine radar stations.
• Metal housing, stainless steel, protective paint must meet ASTM B117 standards to prevent rapid corrosion due to seawater and salt-rich air.

Automotive & Special Vehicle Industry

Applications in:

• External vehicle components: door handles, chassis, bumpers.
• Metal coating, powder coating.
• Helps test the durability of metal parts when exposed to dust, water, road salt (in winter conditions in many countries).
• Electrical - industrial control industry
• Electrical cabinets, control cabinets, protective boxes, junction boxes, ... are installed outdoors, in factories, streets, construction sites.

ASTM B117 is used to test:

• The oxidation resistance of the cabinet.
• The durability of the paint layer, plating layer (zinc plating, chrome plating, epoxy paint...).
• The service life when operating in heavy industrial environments or near the sea.

Telecommunications & energy industry

• BTS stations, wireless network equipment, solar energy monitoring systems, wind power,...
• Long-term outdoor installation, requiring a shell or housing that can withstand wind, humidity, and salt fog.
• Especially for equipment in coastal areas, humid plateaus or deserts with salty winds.

Industry construction - metal materials & accessories

• Outdoor gates, railings, frames, hinges, bolts, screws.
• Powder coated and hot-dip galvanized materials are all tested according to ASTM B117 to demonstrate their ability to withstand corrosion over a long period of time.

Conclusion

The ASTM B117 standard is not only a technical test, but also an important measure to evaluate the durability and quality of outdoor equipment - from surveillance cameras, electrical cabinets to marine and heavy industrial equipment. Choosing products that have passed the Salt Fog Test is a way to help businesses reduce maintenance costs, increase equipment life and ensure stable operation in all weather conditions.

At KPS, we provide international standard electrical - security - control equipment and system solutions, many of which have been tested and certified to meet ASTM B117 standards for corrosion resistance. With experience in deploying hundreds of key industrial, commercial and infrastructure projects, KPS is committed to accompanying you in building sustainable and safe systems over time.

In addition, KPS is also an official distributor of major brands in the field of surveillance such as i-PRO, Bosch, CNB, ... KPS is proud to bring advanced AI technology surveillance cameras, meeting high standards of image quality, security, durability and ability to operate in harsh environments.

With a diverse product portfolio from smart AI cameras, anti-vandalism, anti-salt corrosion, meeting NDAA and FIPS 140-2 standards, ... KPS not only provides equipment but also consults on overall solutions, provides in-depth technical support and accompanies partners in key projects in Vietnam.