IEEE N42.17C-1989

N42.17C-1989 is an American National Standard for health physics instrumentation, with a specific focus on portable instruments intended for extreme environmental conditions. In the field of nuclear engineering, this standard helps define the performance expectations for equipment that must remain dependable when temperature, moisture, vibration, or other harsh factors could affect readings. It matters because portable radiation-monitoring tools are often used where accurate, stable measurements are essential for safety and operational control.

About N42.17C-1989

This standard addresses performance specifications for portable health physics instrumentation used outside controlled conditions. N42.17C-1989 is relevant to the design, qualification, and evaluation of instruments that may be carried into difficult environments and still need to function consistently. Its technical context is centered on nuclear engineering applications where measurement reliability can affect exposure assessment, survey work, and field decision-making. As a specification, it supports clearer expectations for instrument capability and testing under demanding service conditions.

Where is N42.17C-1989 used?

N42.17C-1989 is commonly applied where portable radiation or health physics instruments must be used in rugged field settings rather than in stable laboratory conditions. That can include site surveys, maintenance operations, emergency response, and inspection work associated with nuclear facilities or related technical environments. The standard is relevant to handheld or transportable equipment that may be exposed to challenging weather, physical handling, or operational extremes while still needing dependable performance and usable measurements.

Importance in practice

In practice, this standard helps organizations compare instruments more consistently and verify that equipment is suitable for harsh operating conditions. For procurement and compliance work, N42.17C-1989 provides a clearer basis for specifying performance expectations and reviewing test results. It can also reduce operational risk by supporting better design control, more reliable field measurements, and greater confidence that portable instrumentation will continue to perform when conditions are less than ideal. That consistency is especially important in nuclear engineering settings.

• Portable health physics instrumentation
• Extreme environmental conditions
• Performance specification and testing
• Field use in nuclear engineering settings
• Consistency for safety-related measurements