Significance and Use
18.1 This test method provides useful engineering information for evaluating the mechanical behavior of rigid electrical insulation at elevated temperature. When the proper exposure and test temperatures are chosen, depending on the material and end-use operating temperature, use the test method as one means of indicating relative thermal degradation of rigid insulating materials.
Scope
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for testing rigid electrical insulation normally manufactured in flat sheet or plate form. They are generally used as terminal boards, spacers, voltage barriers, and circuit boards.
1.2 Use Test Methods D619 (withdrawn) or Specification D710 for tests applying to vulcanized fibre.
1.3 Some of the test methods contained in this standard are similar to those contained in IEC 60893-2, which applies to rigid industrial laminated sheets based on thermosetting resins for electrical purposes.
1.4 The test methods appear in the following sections:
Test
Sections
ASTM
Test
Method
Acetone extractable matter
82 to 83
D494
Arc resistance
47
D495
Ash
56 to 60
…
Bonding strength
49 to 54
…
Flammability methods I and II
61 to 74
…
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion
76
D696
Compressive strength
25
D695
Conditioning
4
D6054
Dissipation factor
34 to 40
D669
Dielectric strength
28 to 33
D149
Expansion (linear thermal)
75
D696
Flexural properties
12 to 24
D790
Hardness (Rockwell)
55
D785
Insulation resistance and resistivity
41 to 46
D257
Permittivity
34 to 40
D150
Resistance to impact
26
D256
Tensile properties
7 to 11
D638
Thickness
5 to 6
D374
Tracking resistance
48
D2132
Warp or twist
76 to 81
…
Water absorption
27
D570
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.6 This is a fire-test-response standard. See Sections 61 through 74, which are the procedures for assessing ignitability and burning time under specific test conditions
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in 31.1 and 1.8.
1.8 This standard measures and describes the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
1.9 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.
1.10 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
