UNE-EN IEC 60413:2026

This document concerns carbon-based grades that are used for sliding electrical contacts, such as carbon brushes or pantograph strips.

By extension, it is possible to use the test procedures of this document to all electrical sliding contacts for electrical transmission appliances and to other appliances of carbon-based materials (heat exchangers, bearings& ).

This document specifies uniformized procedures for determining their following properties:

" density and porosity;

" resistivity;

" flexural strength;

" hardness;

" ash content.

In addition, it provides recommendations on test procedures for other properties:

" Mechanical properties: Charpy impact test, compression strength, tensile strength (Annex B).

" Thermal properties: coefficient of thermal expansion, specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity (Annex C).

The properties determined by these tests are inherent of the carbon-based materials themselves as distinct from performance characteristics in operation on electrical equipment (carbon brush in an electrical rotating machine, contact strips on a pantograph, etc.).

It should be kept in mind that since these materials are generally brittle, porous materials, it is reasonable that their properties vary much more than the same properties in metals.

Some test methods are suitable for use in production quality control (routine tests), others only for more thorough investigations, using precise laboratory techniques (see Annex A).

WARNING The use of this International Standard can involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. It does not purport to address all of the safety or environmental problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this International Standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.