What is an environmental test chamber?
Sue James • May 6, 2020
For an environmental test chamber engineer, the answer to an opening line of “What do you do?” can provoke one of two outcomes: curiosity - or a slightly glazed look and a wish of having never asked!
So, what is an environmental test chamber? In this short series we’ll introduce you to the how’s and why’s.
The simplest way to explain what a test chamber is, is to describe it as a highly insulated cupboard, fitted with various systems to simulate environmental conditions eg refrigeration for cold and humidity for damp. It can be small enough to fit on a bench – or big enough to hold a car or two. They are used to research, develop and manufacture many of the products in everyday use.
The chamber has a controller and can be programmed to give different cycles through hot and cold, dry and humid, even rain or dust or salt spray, according to requirements and specifications. The tests can also ensure adherence to certain Standards for products.
The test results help predict the potential lifespan of a product or material, and how well it will stand up to the conditions it will be expected to operate in. Test chambers can also be used to evaluate product quality and reliability, and to identify manufacturing weaknesses.
Examples of the products our test chambers have been used for:
• Deep sea pipeline valves (operation at cold temperatures);
• Traffic light sensors (need to be operational in all weathers);
• Office equipment (testing laminated materials);
• Electronic devices (how well will your phone operate in the rain…?);
• Smoke detectors, fire alarms & toxic gas detectors;
• Aerospace components (taking off in a hot desert, going up into cold atmosphere).
Click here to find out more about our test chambers, or call us if you have a requirement you’d like to discuss.
Next up: Inside a Test Chamber: how it works...
At JTS, Health and Safety is a responsibility shared by everyone across our employee owned business here in Wales. As manufacturers of environmental test chambers, we regularly handle large and heavy equipment, making safe manual handling practices and properly trained forklift personnel an essential part of our day to day operations. National Forklift Safety Day is an important reminder of the role trained operators play in keeping our workplace safe, efficient, and compliant - helping reduce risk, prevent injury, and ensure materials are moved safely and correctly. A huge thank you to our forklift drivers and wider team for continuing to put safety first every day. Because good safety culture protects people, products and productivity. We’re also pleased to share that two of our workshop engineers are currently completing forklift operator training this week, further expanding our team of qualified forklift drivers 👍
Taking ACTION for Mental Health. At JTS, we believe that building high-quality environmental test chambers starts with something even more important—supporting the people behind them. As an employee-owned company, our people are at the heart of everything we do. This Mental Health Awareness Week (11–18 May), we’re embracing this year’s theme: ACTION. For us, ACTION means: Checking in with colleagues—not just about work, but how they’re really doing Creating a culture where it’s okay to talk openly about mental health and how we are feeling. Taking breaks, setting boundaries, and supporting wellbeing every day Encouraging each other to reach out—because no one should feel alone. Small actions can make a big difference. Together, we can create a workplace where everyone feels supported, valued, and heard. Let’s take ACTION—this week and every week. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #MentalHealthMatters #TakeAction #EmployeeOwned #WorkplaceWellbeing #MHAW26 #MentalHealthFirstAid
We’re excited to welcome Alan Phillips to our service team. Alan joined us this summer and has already been making a big impact, helping customers get the very best out of their test chambers. 👏 At JTS, we know that regular servicing is the key to keeping your equipment reliable, accurate, and compliant. That’s why we offer a comprehensive Service Package designed to: ✅ Extend equipment lifespan ✅ Prevent costly breakdowns ✅ Maintain testing accuracy & compliance Our expert technicians provide: 🔧 Full functional checks 📏 Calibration & performance verification ⚙️ Replacement of worn parts 📝 Detailed service reports With JTS, you get fast, efficient service from specialists who know your chambers inside out — so you can keep operations running smoothly with minimal downtime. 📅 Ready to book your service? Drop us a message or get in touch today for your quotation andrea@jts-test-chambers.co.uk
