The ability of a plastic material to resist deterioration of its electrical, mechanical, and optical properties caused by exposure to light, heat, and water can be very significant for many applications. This practice is intended to induce property changes associated with end-use conditions, including the effects of sunlight, moisture, and heat. The exposure used in this practice is not intended to simulate the deterioration caused by localized weather phenomena, such as, atmospheric pollution, biological attack, and saltwater exposure. (Warning—Variation in results may be expected when operating conditions are varied within the accepted limits of this practice. Therefore, no reference to the use of this practice shall be made unless accompanied by a report prepared in accordance with Section 9 that describes the specific operating conditions used. Refer to Practice G 151 for detailed information on the caveats applicable to use of results obtained in accordance with this practice.)

Note 2—Additional information on sources of variability and on strategies for addressing variability in the design, execution, and data analysis of laboratory-accelerated exposure tests is found in Guide G 141.

Reproducibility of test results between laboratories has been shown to be good when the stability of materials is evaluated in terms of performance ranking compared to other materials or to a control.^{4 ,5} Therefore, exposure of a similar material of known performance (a control) at the same time as the test materials is strongly recommended. It is recommended that at least three replicates of each material be exposed to allow for statistical evaluation of results.

Test results will depend upon the care that is taken to operate the equipment in accordance with Practice G 152. Significant factors include regulation of line voltage, freedom from salt or other deposits from water, temperature and humidity control, and conditions of the electrodes.

1.1 This practice covers specific procedures and test conditions that are applicable for exposure of plastics in filtered open-flame carbon-arc devices conducted in accordance with Practices G 151 and G 152. This practice also covers the preparation of test specimens, the test condition suited for plastics, and the evaluation of test results.

1.2 This practice does not cover enclosed carbon-arc exposures of plastics, which had been allowed in Practice D 1499. Enclosed carbon-arc exposures of plastics are described in Practice D 6360, and in G 153, which gives requirements for exposing nonmetallic materials in enclosed carbon-arc devices.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 1—This practice is technically equivalent to ISO 4892-4.