Do Shockproof Items Really Work? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Computers, Laptops & Tablets > Accessories & Hardware
Do Shockproof Items Really Work?
They feature a rubberized material meant to absorb the shock of a fall
By Lisa Johnston Lisa Johnston Writer New York College Emerson College Lisa Johnston is a former Lifewire writer and an editor who covers computer peripherals and other consumer electronics since 2004. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on December 2, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Accessories & Hardware The Quick Guide to Webcams Keyboards & Mice Monitors Cards HDD & SSD Printers & Scanners Raspberry Pi When an item is advertised as shockproof, it means the item can be dropped from a significant height and still function afterward. The shock refers to the impact the drive experiences upon landing. For example, shockproof cases for iPhones and Android devices are designed to withstand minor bumps and falls. Silicon Power What Is a Shockproof Device
Shockproof devices usually feature a rubberized material around them meant to absorb the shock from unexpected impact. Some companies call such items drop-proof rather than shockproof. Before you purchase a shockproof hard drive, check the warranty to see what is meant by the designation and whether the company tests items after production. For shock-resistant phone cases, you need to check the item's description to determine whether it's supposed to survive a drop of three feet (one meter) or higher. Some are shockproof for a six-foot (two-meter) drop. Such phone cases usually encase the front of the phone's camera lens as well. Shockproof doesn't mean that an item is insulated from static electricity or able to function after sustaining an electrical surge. You should use all normal precautions to keep the item from being damaged by electricity. Military Standard 810G - 516 6
You may see items labeled as shock-resistant to Military Standard 810G - 516.6. This refers to a method of testing shock-resistance for military-grade items as outlined in Military Standard 810G. This standard lists testing methods for several kinds of shock, including: 503.5 Temperature Shock516.6: Electrical Shock517.1 Pyroshock (from an explosion)519.6: Gunfire Shock522.1: Ballistic Shock The standards for testing 516.6 are for infrequent, non-repetitive shocks that might happen during handling, transportation, or when an item is serviced. If the item passes this standard, it doesn't mean it can survive shocks from ballistic impacts, gunfire, or explosions. However, if you drop it, it may survive intact. Depending on the item, this standard outlines tests for functional shock, material to be transported, fragility, transit drop, crash hazard shock, bench handling, pendulum impact, and catapult launch/arrested landing. ISO 1413 Standard for Shock-Resistant Watches
The shock-resistance standard for watches was set by the International Organization for Standardization. Watches that pass this test keep time accurately after falling one meter onto a flat hardwood surface. That's something that could easily happen if a watch slips off your wrist. Shockproof watches are also tested by applying two shocks with a hard plastic hammer delivering a precise amount of energy. It's hit on the nine o'clock side and on the crystal face with a three-kilogram hammer at a set velocity. The watch is deemed shock-resistant if it keeps time accurately to within 60 seconds per day as it did before the shock test. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Can a 12 Volt Car Battery Really Electrocute Someone? The 9 Best iPhone X Cases of 2022 The 8 Best OtterBox Cases of 2022 The 6 Best Pocket Watches How to Choose Your Ideal Phone Case Apple Watch Ultra: Release Date, Specs, Price, and News How to Use a Selfie Light Apple Watch: Everything You Need to Know The 8 Best Android Cases of 2022 The 7 Best Rugged Smartphones of 2022 What Is a Data Sanitization Method? (Data Wipe Methods) The 6 Best Waterproof Cameras of 2022 ADATA SD700 Review: Speedy Storage Performance Protected by Military-Grade Durability The 6 Best iPhone 12 Cases of 2022 Jaybird Vista Review: Durable Earbuds For a Rugged Lifestyle The 8 Best Laptop Bags of 2022, Tested by Lifewire Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies