Shock and vibration resistance gives information concerning the robustness of the mechanical design of a device. The methods for evaluating the vibration resistance are defined in IEC 60068-2-6 and IEC 60068- 2-64. Electrical and electronic equipment are exposed to vibration in many applications and must withstand this without any degeneration, or even failure, in their function. Therefore, manufacturers of electrical and electronic devices put a great deal of effort into ensuring their instruments are prepared for such applications.

Random vibrations are the oscillations of mechanical systems excited by environments that vary randomly in time and, perhaps, space. Practically all real physical systems are subjected to random dynamic environments, and many systems will fail due to the effects of these exposures.