C SERIES CORROSION TEST & SALT SPRAY CHAMBER
The Auto Technology C Series salt spray chamber runs NSS, AASS, and CASS salt spray tests, humidity exposures, and ASTM G85 cyclic corrosion tests for coated panels, plated parts, and industrial components. Choose Size 20 or Size 40, then select the monitoring, exhaust, and specimen supports your test program requires.
- NSS / AASS / CASS
ASTM B117 & ISO 9227 - ASTM G85 A1 / A2 / A3 / A5
- Salt fog, humidity & cyclic operation
- Size 20 & Size 40
Tests the C Series Can Run
The C Series supports the following salt spray, cyclic corrosion, and humidity methods. Chamber setup and test solution depend on the standard and revision.
NSS — Neutral Salt Spray
ASTM B117 / ISO 9227 NSS. Continuous neutral salt spray for metals, coatings, and plated finishes.
ASTM B117 laboratory testingAASS — Acetic Acid Salt Spray
ISO 9227 AASS. Acetic-acid salt spray testing under ISO 9227 AASS.
ISO 9227 AASS test requirementsCASS — Copper-Accelerated Acetic Acid Salt Spray
ISO 9227 CASS. Copper-accelerated acetic-acid salt spray testing.
Discuss a dedicated CASS chamber with ATC. Residual copper contamination can affect later NSS testing.
ISO 9227 CASS test requirementsASTM G85 Annex A1
Acetic acid salt fog.
ASTM G85 A1 testing servicesASTM G85 Annex A2
Cyclic acidified salt fog.
ASTM G85 A2 testing servicesASTM G85 Annex A3
Seawater acidified cyclic testing.
ASTM G85 A3 testing servicesASTM G85 Annex A5
Dilute electrolyte fog/dry cycling, commonly called Prohesion.
ASTM G85 A5 testing servicesWater Fog & Humidity
ASTM D1735 water fog and ASTM D2247 high-humidity testing, with the setup and humidity measurement required by the method.
ASTM D1735 / D2247 laboratory capabilitiesMilitary Salt Atmosphere
MIL-STD-810 Method 509.7 and MIL-STD-202 Method 101.
ATC salt-atmosphere laboratory capabilitiesAdditional Salt Spray Methods
IEC 60068-2-11, JIS Z 2371, and GB/T 10125.
Salt spray laboratory capabilitiesCommon Applications
Automotive
Coated panels, plated fasteners, brackets, trim, and supplier quality-control samples.
ASTM B117 testing for automotive partsCoatings & Paint
Paint and powder-coating comparisons, pretreatment evaluation, and formulation testing.
ASTM G85 testing for coatingsPlating & Finishing
Zinc, nickel, chrome, conversion coatings, and passivated parts.
ASTM B117 testing for plated finishesAerospace & Defense
Finishes, hardware, and metallic components tested to purchasing or military specifications.
Laboratory testing for aerospace and defenseElectronics
Connectors, terminals, enclosures, and hardware where salt atmosphere testing is specified.
Salt spray testing for connectors and enclosuresIndustrial Components
Fabricated parts, fasteners, outdoor equipment, and protective finishes.
ASTM B117 testing for industrial componentsFor apparatus and operating requirements, see the ASTM B117 salt spray chamber requirements guide.
Choose Your Chamber Size
Choose by part dimensions, quantity, and the racks or supports you need. Allow room around the chamber for utilities, exhaust, and service access.
Size 20
20 ft³ Test volume: 594 L
- Panel capacity
- Approximately 160 small, flat panels using 4 racks
- Chamber footprint
- 95 × 43 in
- Fog dispersion towers
- One
Size 40
40 ft³ Test volume: 1,189 L
- Panel capacity
- Approximately 360 small, flat panels using 9 rack positions
- Chamber footprint
- 120 × 43 in
- Fog dispersion towers
- Two
Size 20 and Size 40 are nominal size designations. Panel capacities assume optional slotted trays and small, flat specimens. These estimates use the 40-slot test panel tray. Larger panels and close spacing can cause shadowing and reduce the practical load. Custom fixtures are available for larger components and assemblies. Confirm the final footprint against the quoted configuration and drawings.
Usable Test Space
ATC bases chamber capacity on the specimen exposure area below the lid. The sloped lid provides clearance and directs condensate away from samples; its volume is excluded from the stated test space.
Send your largest part dimensions and the number of specimens per test. We can check the loading arrangement and recommend racks or shelves.
Compare Usable Chamber Volume
Compare the volume below the lid when evaluating specimen capacity. ATC lists 594 L for Size 20 and 1,189 L for Size 40. The leading competitor lists approximately 500 L and 900 L excluding the lid for its 600 and 1100 models.
| Chamber | Test Volume Excluding Lid | Solution Reservoir |
|---|---|---|
| ATC C Series Size 20 | 594 L | 60 US gal |
| Q-FOG 600 | Approximately 500 L | Approximately 32 US gal |
| ATC C Series Size 40 | 1,189 L | 60 US gal |
| Q-FOG 1100 | Approximately 900 L | Approximately 32 US gal |
The leading competitor also lists approximately 600 L and 1,100 L when lid volume is included. Source: Leading competitor Specification Bulletin LF-8110.21. Volumes are approximate. Part dimensions, spacing, and racks determine how many specimens fit.
What Comes Standard
Fiberglass Cabinet
Molded, corrosion-resistant cabinet with a viewing lid.
Touchscreen Controller
6-inch color display for stored methods, programming, manual functions, and chamber status.
60-Gallon Reservoir
Built-in 60-gallon solution tank for fewer refills during extended tests.
Fog Generation
Venturi atomizer, bubble tower, and baffled fog dispersion system.
Heating & Humidity
Chamber heating and wet-bottom humidity capability. Exposure-zone temperature: ambient to 70°C; high-humidity operation: approximately 95–100% RH.
Lower Shelving
Standard lower-level shelving for specimen support.
Alarms & Shutdowns
Chamber alarms and protective shutdown functions.
Racks & Specimen Supports
Lower shelving is included. Select optional support rods, slotted bars, panel racks, or mid-level shelves to suit your specimens and the required exposure angle.
Review sample-handling optionsField Upgrades
The C Series can be field-upgraded for additional cyclic tests. Available upgrades depend on the chamber’s existing controls and hardware. Include any future test requirements when requesting a quote.
Options & Accessories
Include the options you need in your quote request.
Measurement & Documentation
Data Logging
Saves chamber and bubble-tower temperatures to the controller memory card. Also records wet-bulb temperature when the Wet Bulb Option is fitted.
Part 701350
Wet Bulb Option
Adds wet-bulb temperature measurement to check chamber humidity.
Part 710675
Calibration Certificate
NIST-traceable calibration certificate for your quality records.
Part 701900
Solution Preparation
Mixing Tank Convenience Package
Prepare test solution at the chamber with an air sparger for mixing, an overflow port, and manual valves for controlling air and water.
Part 700825
Exhaust
Select the exhaust arrangement for your facility before ordering.
Standard Scrubber
Non-recirculating scrubber using a continuous supply of pressurized water discharged to drain. Discuss this option when direct exterior venting is impractical.
Part C700200
Recirculating Scrubber
Jet exhaust system that reuses scrubber water, reducing water consumption compared with a flow-through scrubber.
Part C260315
Power Exhaust Vent Kit
Required for exhaust runs over 15 ft. ATC can also review runs with multiple elbows or other restrictions.
Part 701000
Sample Handling
Choose racks and supports to suit the chamber size, specimen weight, and required exposure angle.
Standard Size 20 Interior
Standard chamber interior with included lower shelving, before adding optional racks and supports.
Support Angles
Support racks, collectors, and other accessories.
Support Rods
Suspend parts from ½-in-diameter rods.
Slotted Bars
Hold panels at 15° or 6° from vertical.
Panel Racks
8.5 × 23 in trays with 40 slots.
Mid-Level Shelves
Additional support for parts and slotted bars.
Racks, Bars & Shelves — Part Numbers
| Part Number | Accessory | Size / Use | Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| 700400 | Support Angles – Size 20 | Size 20; supports panel racks and collection accessories. | View product |
| 700405 | Support Angles – Size 40 | Size 40; supports panel racks and collection accessories. | View product |
| 700420 | Support Rods – Size 20 | Size 20; ½-in-diameter rods for hanging parts. | View product |
| 700425 | Support Rods – Size 40 | Size 40; ½-in-diameter rods for hanging parts. | View product |
| 700410 | 15° Slotted Support Bar – Size 20 | Size 20; 3 × 6 in and 4 × 12 in panels at 15° from vertical. | View product |
| 700415 | 15° Slotted Support Bar – Size 40 | Size 40; 3 × 6 in and 4 × 12 in panels at 15° from vertical. | View product |
| C262880-S | 6° Slotted Support Bar – 29 in | 29-in polypropylene bar; 6° from vertical. | View product |
| C262890-S | 6° Slotted Support Bar – 41 in | 41-in polypropylene bar; 6° from vertical. | View product |
| C100324 | Slotted Support Rack | 8.5 × 23 in tray; two rows of 20 slots. | View product |
| 700430 | Heavy Duty Mid-Level Shelf – Size 20 | Composite mid-level shelf for Size 20. | Browse store |
| 700432 | Heavy Duty Mid-Level Shelf – Size 40 | Composite mid-level shelf for Size 40. | View product |
Place slotted polypropylene bars on heavy-duty shelves for added support and to reduce sagging.
Test Supplies & Startup Items
Order premixed solutions, salt, DI water, and setup supplies as needed for your test program.
Solutions, salt, DI water, and startup supplies
| Part Number | Item | Description | Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| C173300 | ASTM B117 / ISO 9227 Salt Solution | 5% sodium chloride solution, 55-gallon drum. | View product |
| C173305 | ASTM Type IV DI Water | ASTM D1193 Type IV DI water, 55-gallon drum. | View product |
| C173273-C | Certified ASTM B117 Salt | Certified 99.9% sodium chloride for solution preparation. | View product |
| C173330 | ASTM G85 Annex A1 Solution | Premixed solution for ASTM G85 A1. | View product |
| C173332 | ASTM G85 Annex A2 Solution | Premixed solution for ASTM G85 A2. | View product |
| C173331 | ASTM G85 Annex A3 Solution | Premixed acidified synthetic seawater solution for ASTM G85 A3. | View product |
| C173334 | ASTM D5894 / G85 Annex A5 Solution | Dilute electrolyte solution for ASTM G85 A5. | View product |
| C264000 | pH Meter Kit | pH measurement kit for solution checks. | View product |
| 701500 | Start-Up Kit | Startup supplies for CCT / NC chambers. | View product |
| 703100 | Installation Kit | Installation components for CCT / NC chambers. | View product |
Training, Maintenance & Proficiency Testing
Operator Training
Remote instruction on setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Part C910001
Maintenance Kit
Replacement components for routine preventive maintenance.
Part C920000
Proficiency Testing
Compare your laboratory’s test results with other participating laboratories.
Part 550100
Browse replacement parts and testing supplies
Installation Assistance & Service
ATC can help plan chamber placement and utilities, provide installation and startup assistance, and support the chamber with calibration, repairs, preventive maintenance, training, and replacement parts.
Chamber installation, calibration & repair services
Need a test solution that is not listed above? Ask about CASS solution and other method-specific supplies when requesting your quote.
How the C Series Works
During conventional salt fog operation, compressed air and prepared solution meet at the atomizer. The fog then passes through a baffled tower before reaching the specimens.
- Compressed AirClean, dry air enters the chamber.
- Bubble TowerAir is heated and humidified.
- Venturi AtomizerConditioned air draws and atomizes solution.
- Dispersion TowerA baffle removes large droplets.
- Exposure ZoneFog surrounds the specimens at the set temperature.
This flow describes conventional salt fog. ASTM G85 A5 uses dry-air fogging with the bubble tower bypassed; setup depends on the selected test method.
Measuring Fog Collection
Operators use collection funnels and graduated cylinders to measure fog fallout and check the collected solution. The controller manages temperature and the programmed test sequence.
Humidity Operation
For water fog, the chamber atomizes DI water. For condensing humidity, the wet bottom and submerged heater generate water vapor that condenses on specimen surfaces.
Fog Delivery & Specimen Clearance
The dispersion tower carries fog above the loading area, where the baffle helps remove large droplets before fog reaches the specimens. This arrangement keeps the atomization point away from test surfaces and provides clearance around the loading area. Check the drawing and proposed rack layout for large parts, tall panels, or assemblies.
Solution Temperature Before Atomization
The reservoir sits within the heated chamber environment, so the stored solution approaches chamber temperature before it reaches the atomizer.
Both C Series sizes have a 60-gallon reservoir, compared with the approximately 32-gallon reservoir listed for Q-FOG 600 and 1100 models. That is about 88% more stored solution; actual refill intervals depend on fog output, the test cycle, and operating conditions.
C Series Touchscreen Controls
Operators use the touchscreen to select a method, start a test, and check chamber status.
- Preloaded test methods
- Custom programs and stored sequences
- Manual operation for setup and checks
- Live chamber status
- Alarm display
Need test records? Add the optional data-logging package for temperature records that can be transferred to a computer.
For bubble-tower pressure or RH-probe logging, see the options for an X Series cyclic corrosion chamber. C Series temperature logging is described in the data-logging FAQ.
Installation & Facility Requirements
Confirm utility connections and exhaust routing before delivery. Final requirements depend on chamber size and configuration.
Electrical
208, 240, or 480 V configurations. Confirm phase, load, and disconnect requirements against your quote and drawings.
Compressed Air
65–85 psi, clean and dry. Supply through ⅜-in O.D. poly tubing.
DI Water
Pressurized DI water, typically 15–30 psi, through ⅜-in O.D. poly tubing. Specify water quality for the test method, including ASTM D1193 Type IV where required.
Drain & Exhaust
1-in gravity drain and 2-in PVC exhaust connection. Power exhaust is required for runs over 15 ft.
View Complete Chamber Installation Requirements →
Electrical loads and disconnect requirements
| Size | Part Number | Supply Configuration | Maximum Current |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 790020 | 208 or 240 V; 1Ø / 3Ø configurations | 25.9 A |
| 20 | 790021 | 480 V / 3Ø | 12.5 A |
| 40 | 790040 | 208 or 240 V; 1Ø / 3Ø configurations | 34.2 A |
| 40 | 790041 | 480 V / 3Ø | 16.7 A |
Size the electrical circuit using the voltage, phase, and current specified on the factory drawings for your chamber.
- A qualified electrician must provide a lockable fused disconnect with slow-blow fuses, in full operator view.
- Mount the disconnect separately from the chamber cabinet.
- Size conduit and cable for the specified voltage and load.
- Provide noise/surge suppression where supply quality requires it.
Drain, exhaust, and facility details
- Use 1-in I.D. tubing on the chamber drain hose barb. Discharge to an open drain; do not hard-plumb the drain connection.
- Route exhaust directly outdoors wherever possible. Use a dedicated vent rather than a shared instrument duct or plenum.
- Support vent piping, maintain proper pitch, and leave rear-service access.
- Provide upstream filtration and drying for contaminated plant air. Purge air uses the compressed-air supply.
- Place the chamber on a flat, level floor with adequate load capacity and a nearby floor drain.
Room Requirements
Room temperature: 20–25°C (68–77°F). Room humidity: 45 ±10% RH, non-condensing. Keep the chamber environment above freezing and below 60% RH.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are salt spray and salt fog chambers different?
Salt spray chamber, salt fog chamber, and salt spray cabinet are common names for equipment that exposes specimens to an atomized salt solution. In ASTM B117 testing, the intended exposure is a fog atmosphere, with direct spray kept off the specimens. See the ASTM B117 apparatus requirements for the method’s chamber requirements.
Can the C Series run ASTM G85 Annex A5?
Yes, with the A5 fog/dry configuration. A5 uses dry-air fogging with the bubble tower bypassed.
Can I switch between salt spray and humidity testing?
Yes. The C Series supports water fog and wet-bottom condensing humidity. Clean the chamber before changing from salt solution to DI water, then set it up for the next method. Add the Wet Bulb Option when you need to measure humidity.
How do I choose between Size 20 and Size 40?
Size 40 provides more specimen space and uses two fog dispersion towers. Choose based on your largest part, quantity per test, support arrangement, and available floor space. The size cards include panel-capacity estimates and drawing links.
Does it need an exterior exhaust connection?
Direct exterior venting is preferred. If that is impractical, ask ATC to review a standard or recirculating scrubber arrangement. Exhaust runs over 15 ft require the Power Exhaust Vent Kit. Confirm routing before ordering.
What data can the controller log?
The optional data-logging package records chamber temperature and bubble-tower temperature to the touchscreen controller’s memory card. It also records wet-bulb temperature when the Wet Bulb Option is installed. Transfer the files to a computer for test records and reporting.
How is the C Series different from the M Series?
The C Series uses a molded fiberglass cabinet, internal heating, and standard touchscreen controls. The M Series uses a steel cabinet with water-jacket heating and Command Controls, with a touchscreen available as an option. Compare the required test cycle and configuration in the C & M Series selection guide.
When should I choose an X Series chamber?
Choose the X Series for cycles requiring recirculated spray, cooled spray, humidity ramps, or broader temperature and humidity control. ATC can review OEM cycles, immersion requirements, and low-temperature stages against your specification.
Why does the chamber use a baffled fog tower?
The tower separates atomization from the specimen area. Its baffle reduces large droplets and direct impingement before fog enters the exposure zone. Specimens must still be positioned to allow fog circulation and prevent runoff from one sample reaching another.
Why is the solution reservoir inside the chamber?
Keeping solution within the heated environment helps bring it toward chamber temperature before atomization. See the reservoir illustration and fog-generation explanation for the layout and the 60-gallon capacity comparison.
Can salt spray hours be converted into years of outdoor service?
There is no universal conversion. Salt spray testing is used for comparisons and specification requirements. A service-life prediction needs evidence for the material, coating, and actual exposure environment.
What should I send for a chamber quote?
Send the standard and revision, largest specimen dimensions, quantity per test, available floor space, electrical supply, and any monitoring or reporting requirements. Include your exhaust route or a room sketch if you need installation planning assistance.
Request a C Series Quote
Send us your test standard, specimen dimensions, and quantity. We will help select the chamber size, supports, and options for your lab.
Request a C Series Quote