IEC 60243-1 Electrical Strength of Insulating Materials - Test Methods - Part 1: Tests at Power Frequencies

In the IEC 60243-1 standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), test methods for determining the short-term electrical strength of solid insulation materials at power frequencies between 48 Hz and 62 Hz are defined. This standard does not cover testing of liquids and gases. However, they were specified and used as the impregnation or surrounding medium for the solid insulation materials tested. Methods for determining breakdown voltages along the surfaces of solid insulating materials are within the scope of this standard.

The vertical electrode tests described in the IEC 60243-1 standard, applied to the surface of non-laminated and normal materials or applied to the lamination of laminated materials, are:

Boards and sheet materials, including printing boards, papers, fabrics and films
Tapes, films and narrow strips
Flexible tubing and sheath
Rigid pipes (up to 100 mm inside diameter)
Tubes and hollow cylinders (inner diameter greater than 100 mm)
Cast and molded materials
Shaped solid parts
Varnishes
filler compounds

Parallel elector tests described in the IEC 60243-1 standard, applied to the surface of non-laminated materials or applied to the laminate of laminated materials are:

General
Parallel plate electrodes
Conical pin electrodes
Parallel cylindrical electrodes

The IEC 60243-1 standard includes additional requirements for determining the electrical strength of solid insulating materials under direct voltage stress. In addition to these requirements, certain points must be considered when using direct voltage tests. For example, for a non-homogeneous test specimen with alternating voltage, the voltage stress distribution within the test specimen is determined by impedance. With increasing direct voltage, the voltage distribution can still be largely capacitive, but partly dependent on the rate of voltage increase. After the application of constant voltage, the resistive voltage distribution represents the steady state. The choice between direct or alternating voltage depends on the purpose for which the breakdown test is to be used and, to some extent, the intended application of the material.

Among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides testing services at power frequencies for the electrical resistance of insulation materials within the scope of IEC 60243-1 standard, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.