How are Condoms Electronically Tested?

Condoms are the only type of birth control method that provides safety against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and prevents unwanted pregnancy. Food and Drug Administration have recognised certain domestic and international standards to be followed by condom manufactures. This includes a series of testing procedure including testing for possible microscopic holes.

Electronically Testing of Condoms

Post production, each and every condom must undergo a series of testing procedure for ensuring quality of final product. Condoms are tested electronically for additional assurance of its quality before it is finally packed.

Each condom is tested by placing it over a ‘mandrel’ (made up of metal), that is shaped like a dildo. The ‘mandrel’ is passed through an electric field. The microscopic holes and thin spots are detected easily by this process because insulating characteristic of rubber. In simple words, it is because condoms don’t conduct electricity. Electronically tested condoms can be assured of quality before the final wrapping of condom.

In addition to being checked for microscopic pinholes electronically(by electrical testing) condoms also undergoe water burst test, tensile test, air burst test, water leakage and aging test.

In United States, manufactures are legally responsible for holes and defects of condoms. Initially, each condom is electrically tested for holes and other defects. Then the condom manufacturers sample each lot of condoms by visually examining them through a water leakage test. Besides this, they are also liable for other physical characteristics of condoms manufactured by them.

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