I currently work as a Test Engineer. I test (power) electronics.
One test I often perform is something called a "smoke test". Among engineers, this is a common term:
"The phrase smoke test comes from electronic hardware testing. You plug in a new board and turn on the power. If you see smoke coming from the board, turn off the power. You don't have to do any more testing."
Easy to understand, right? But not necessarily professional in a test report. One of my colleagues, the one having to deal with the customers, notified me we should probably change the wording in reports. He's afraid it will be considered pejorative. I don't necessarily agree with him, but sure, let's find an alternative. Except I can't think of an alternative to "smoke test" that's equally unambiguous and clear.
What would be a proper equivalent term for "smoke test"?
Target audience is engineers, salesmen and managers when addressed in written reports.