Purpose This test is performed for the purpose of determining whether switches can withstand the heating effects of soldering to their terminations using a soldering iron. Heat is conducted through the termination into the switch@ or radiant heat from the iron in close proximity to the switch body@ or both. The heat of soldering may affect the electrical characteristics of the switch and may cause damage to the materials from which it is made@ e.g.@ loosening of terminations@ softening or distortion of insulation materials@ weakening of mechanical joints@ etc.