Time in a salt spray report is a specimen result under a stated laboratory protocol, not a field-life estimate.
Identify the report first
ISO 9227:2022 covers NSS, AASS and CASS methods; it does not set specimen size, exposure duration or product-result interpretation.
Match the conditions
| Check | Information to find in the report |
|---|---|
| Specimen | Material and coating |
| Preparation | Cut-edge and scribe condition |
| Exposure | Stated cabinet conditions |
| Result | Rust/degradation criterion and assessment |
Do not rank hours from different protocols, specimen preparation or acceptance criteria as one scale.
Converting test duration into months or years in service requires a validated correlation; the report alone does not provide one.
Store report code, specimen description, method/edition and evaluation criterion together in the bid file.
On your equipment, photograph and log the date, location and use conditions at first corrosion.
Periodic observation informs field decisions but is not the same measurement as a laboratory result.
For coastal or high-salt exposure, ask whether the specimen represents the actual material and edge treatment.
If the report omits these details, request clarification before ranking results.
Assess the test result alongside maintenance plan, coating description and field records when deciding.
Inspect the same locations on later batches and log changes; investigate from observed conditions, not test hours.
