3️⃣ Typical Test Cycle for Seat Electronics
Step Condition Duration
High Temp/High Humidity Soak +40 °C ±2 °C, 95% ±4% RH (Category A) 2 days
Cool-Down/Condensation Period +30 °C ±2 °C, 80% ±4% RH 1 day
Repeat 5 cycles = 10 days total —
(For Category B: +50 °C instead of +40 °C.)
4️⃣ Acceptance Criteria for Seat Electronics
Must operate per spec throughout test.
No condensation inside enclosures that leads to failure.
No corrosion of connectors or PCB traces.
Post-test insulation resistance and dielectric withstand must be acceptable.
5️⃣ Best Practice for Seats
Document which components are “equipment” under DO-160 and which are “furniture” under TSO-
C127b / CS-25.
For the seat structure itself, list humidity exposure in the Materials & Processes section (coatings,
anodising, stainless fasteners, etc.).
For any electrical harness or modules, specify DO-160 Section 6 Category A/B in the QTP.
6️⃣ Typical Statement for a Seat Qualification Plan
“Seat structure is considered cabin furniture and is not subject to DO-160 Section 6 Humidity testing.
All seat-integrated electronic modules (power supply units, IFE boxes) are qualified separately to DO-
160G Section 6, Category A (10-day humidity cycling at +40 °C/95%RH with condensation).”
🔎 Quick Answer (for an aircraft seat):
Mechanical seat structure/cushions: DO-160 Humidity test not applicable.
Integrated electronics (power boxes, IFE, lighting): DO-160 Section 6 Category A (pressurised cabin) is
typical; Category B if underfloor or harsher zone.
Would you like me to draft a one-page humidity test plan template specifically for a seat electronic
box (ready for inclusion in your QTP)? (It can be copy-paste into a qualification doc.)
You said:
fluid suscpetibility
ChatGPT said:
Got it 👍 — you’re asking about Fluid Susceptibility testing as per RTCA/DO-160G Section 11.
This is a separate section from humidity and temperature — it evaluates how well your equipment
resists contact with common aircraft fluids.
1️⃣ Purpose of the Test
To determine whether exposure to fluids normally used in aircraft (cleaning agents, beverages, fuels,
hydraulic fluid, de-icing fluids, etc.) causes damage, leakage, or functional degradation.
Covers spillage, spray, and immersion resistance depending on where the equipment is installed.
2️⃣ Applicability to Aircraft Seats
Seat Component Fluid Susceptibility Applicability
Seat structure & cushions Usually not tested under DO-160 but must use materials resistant to
cleaning fluids and spillage (handled under material qualification, flammability, and burn testing).
Integrated electronics or power boxes Yes — DO-160 Section 11 fluid susceptibility applies.
In other words:
Seat electronics (IFE modules, seat-powered USB outlets, seat-powered actuators) → must pass fluid
susceptibility test.
Seat foam/trim → qualified by separate flammability, toxicity, and cleaning fluid resistance specs, not
DO-160 Section 11 directly.
