scope:

This part of IEC 60068 demonstrates how to estimate the uncertainty of steady-state temperature and humidity conditions in temperature and humidity chambers. Since this is inextricably linked to the methods of measurement, these are also described.

This standard is equally applicable to all environmental enclosures, including rooms or laboratories. The methods used apply both to temperature chambers and combined temperature and humidity chambers.

This standard is meant to help everyone using climatic test chambers. Those already familiar with uncertainty of measurement will find it useful for guidance on typical sources of uncertainty and how they should be quantified and combined. It is also intended to assist the first-time or occasional user who has little or no knowledge of the subject.

To discuss uncertainty, it is important first to understand what is being measured or characterized. The calibration or characterization of the performance of a chamber is concerned with the humidity and temperature of the air in the chamber, as experienced by the item under test, at a given set point. This should not be confused with characterizing or calibrating the chamber sensor, which is a separate matter.