Limitation of test sample arrangements according to IEC 60243-1: Electrical strength of insulating materials - Test methods

This Publication deals with the dielectric breakdown performance of thermoplastic materials and the problems which occur if the corresponding standard IEC 60243-1 is applied. The first three chapters are describing the specimen according to the standard, the test materials and the methods that were used. The first part of chapter IV shows, based on an investigation, the problems of the used specimen. In the second part of chapter IV, a solution is developed and then evaluated with an example application. The last part explains the evaluated results on the basis of a microstructural analysis.

I. Introduction

The electrical breakdown performance is one of the most important parameters to design insulation systems. Typically this parameter is determined by applying the standard IEC 60243-1. For plastics, according to this standard, a plateplate electrode arrangement has to be used. Between the electrodes a plate of the test material is placed and the whole arrangement is filled with an insulating fluid to eliminate surface discharges ( Fig. 1a ) . Fig. 1.

Specimen according to IEC 60243-1