This part of GB/T 2423 provides a test method for determining the extent to which electrotechnical products support mould growth and how any mould growth may affect the performance and other relevant properties of the product.
Since mould growth conditions include high relative humidity, the test is applicable to electrotechnical products intended for transportation, storage and use under humid conditions over a period of some days at least.
2 Normative References
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of this part of GB/T 2423. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this part are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the normative documents indicated below. For undated references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies.
GB/T 27025-2008 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025:2005, IDT)
ISO 846:1997 Plastics — Evaluation of the action of microorganisms
MIL-STD-810 F:2000 Method 508.5 Fungus
Laboratory Biosafety Manual (2nd Ed., WHO 1993, ISBN 92 4 1544503)
3 General Description
This test covers the inoculation of electrotechnical products with a selection of mould spores followed by a period of incubation under conditions which promote spore germination and the growth of mould.
Two variations of the test are given. Variant 1 specifies inoculation of the specimen with the mould spores without nutrients whereas variant 2 specifies the inoculation with the mould spores suspended in a nutritive solution which supports mould growth.
It is advisable to use testing procedures such as specified for plastics in ISO 846 to assess the vulnerability to damage by mould growth of the constructional materials used.
