Interpretation ID: 1985-02.4

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: 03/25/85

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Jeffrey R. Miller; NHTSA

TO: Mr. Kent Cox

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT:

February 26, 1985

Mr. Wm. Smith Department of Transportation 400 7th Street S.W. Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

I would like a written confirmation pertaining to the D.O.T. Salt Spray procedure. It is my understanding that this procedure calls out 24 hour salt spray vs. 48 hour (in reference to a meeting with Mr. Frank Pepe, United States Testing Company).

Any information pertaining to this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Very truly yours,

Kent R. Cox Compliance Administrator

cc: N. R. Zimmerman

Mr. Kent Cox Allied Automotive Bendix Safety Restraint Division 353 Cass Avenue Mount Clemens, MI 48043

Dear Mr. Cox:

This responds to your letter of February 26, 1985, concerning the corrosion resistance requirements of Standard No. 209, Seat Belt Assemblies for safety belt attachment hardware. You asked whether the standard uses a 24 hour salt spray test or a 40 hour salt spray test. As explained below, the length of the test depends on what type of safety belt attachment hardware is being tested.

Section S5.2(a) of the standard sets out the test procedures for the corrosion resistance requirements for attachment hardware. The test procedure provides that if the attachment hardware is used at or near the floor of a vehicle, it shall be tested for a 50 hour period, consisting of two 24 hour exposures to salt spray followed by a one hour drying period following each exposure. If the hardware is not used at or near the floor of a vehicle, then it is subjected to a 25 hour test, consisting of one period of 24 hours exposure to salt spray followed by a one hour drying period.

If you have further questions, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey R. Miller Chief Counsel