1.1These test methods cover the evaluation of the relative tracking and erosion resistance of insulating solids using the liquid-contaminant, inclined-plane test. The following test methods also can be used to evaluate the tracking resistance of materials: Test Method D2132 (contaminants: dust and fog) and Test Method D3638 (contaminant: conductive liquid drops).
1.2Two tracking and one erosion test procedure are described:
1.2.1A “variable voltage method” to evaluate resistance to tracking.
1.2.2A “time-to-track method” to evaluate resistance to tracking.
1.2.3A method for quantitative determination of erosion (Annex A1).
1.3While a particular contaminant solution is specified, other concentrations of the same contaminant, or different contaminants are used to simulate different environmental or service conditions.
1.4The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.5Although this standard and IEC 60587-2007, “Test Methods for Evaluating Resistance to Tracking and Erosion for Electrical Insulating Materials Used Under Severe Ambient Conditions,” differ in approach or detail, data obtained using either are technically equivalent.
1.6This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 9.
1.7This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.