scope:

This Standard defines the consideration and requirements for performing an acceptable seismic qualification test and presents the different test methods that may be used.

Note: Selected safety related systems are required to be seismically qualified. (See CSA Standard CA N3-N289.1.) Qualification may be by analysis or testing, or a combination thereof, depending on the nature and complexity of the equipment. CSA Standard CA N3-N289.3 specifies methods of qualification by analysis.

This Standard is intended to provide a basis for developing specifications for seismic qualification by testing, and to aid equipment purchasers, suppliers, and testing laboratories in selecting the appropriate test methods for performing a seismic qualification test.

This Standard presents several acceptable methods with the intent of permitting the user to make a judicious selection from among the various options. In making such a selection, the user of this Standard should choose those test methods which best recognize the characteristics of a particular piece of equipment.

Note: It should be recognized that seismic qualification forms only a portion of the overall equipment qualification program. It is important that the qualification program for a component include consideration of all operational loadings (seismic, environmental, aging, thermal, and mechanical stresses, etc) for which the component must demonstrably meet its performance objectives.