JIS C 2135:2004

This Standard describes a test method which can provide preliminary differentiation between similar insulating materials, with respect to their resistance to damage when exposed to high-voltage, low-current arc discharges, occurring close to their surfaces. The discharges cause localized thermal and chemical decomposition and erosion and eventually a conductive path forms across the insulating material. The severity of the test conditions is gradually increased: in the early stages a low-current arc discharge is repeatedly interrupted, whereas in the later stages, the arc current is raised in successive steps. Because of its convenience and because of the short time required for testing, the test method is applicable for preliminary screening of materials, for detecting the effects of changes in formulation and for quality control testing. Previous experience with this test, showed acceptable reproducibility with thermoset materials. Using thermoplastics, some testing laboratories report unacceptably large variation in test results which lead to the recommendation not to use the test for thermoplastics

Reaffirmed 2010