This standard describes two test methods for the evaluation of electrical insulating materials for use under severe ambient conditions at power frequencies (45Hz to 65Hz) by measurement of the resistance to tracking and erosion, using a liquid contaminant and inclined plane specimens.
Method 1: constant tracking voltage;
Method 2: stepwise tracking voltage.
Notes:
1 Method 1 is the most widely used method as there is less need for continual inspection.
2 The test conditions are designed to accelerate the production of the effects, but do not reproduce all the conditions encountered in service.
2 Terms and Definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
2.1
track
partially conducting path created by localized deterioration on the surface of an insulating material
2.2
tracking
progressive degradation of the surface of a solid insulating material by local discharges to form conducting or partially conducting paths
