Dark studio detail of a case ready for lab testing

Technical

Testing, Standards, and Certifications

Water and dust protection, drop and impact testing, transit standards, temperature exposure, and cooler performance.

Overview

Practical guidance

Testing language is easy to overstate. This guide describes the standards commonly referenced for rugged cases and coolers — what they measure, what they do not, and how to request the documentation you need for your program. Actual test results and applicable certifications are always tied to the specific product configuration and are shared on request.

Water and dust protection

IEC 60529 defines the IP rating system used across the case industry. Ratings are established under lab conditions and refer to the specific configuration tested. Field performance depends on gasket condition, latch closure, and maintenance.

Impact and drop testing

Cases are commonly evaluated for drop resistance from defined heights and orientations. Standards such as MIL-STD-810 and ATA-300 describe general test methods used in defense and airline transit contexts. Product-specific results are reported per configuration.

Transit and shipping standards

ATA-300 (Air Transport Association) categorizes cases by expected trip count and handling severity. It is a shipping durability specification, not a waterproof rating.

Temperature exposure

Hard cases and coolers are commonly evaluated across a range of operating temperatures. Documentation typically specifies the test temperature range and the parameters that were held constant.

Cooler performance

Ice retention is reported under specified conditions — ambient temperature, pre-chill, ice ratio, and lid opening frequency. Real-world retention varies with all four.

Documentation on request

Applicable test reports, certifications, and declarations of conformity are provided for specific configurations and use cases. Request a Quote to receive the documentation relevant to your program.

Note

Careful with claims

Ardmont describes test methods and applicable standards without asserting broader performance than the underlying test supports. Documentation is always tied to a specific product and configuration.