ASTM D2303-97(2004)
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Liquid-Contaminant, Inclined-Plane Tracking and Erosion of Insulating Materials (Withdrawn 2013)
Standard Test Methods for Liquid-Contaminant, Inclined-Plane Tracking and Erosion of Insulating Materials (Withdrawn 2013)
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the evaluation of the relative tracking and erosion resistance of insulating solids using the liquid-contaminant, inclined-plane test. The following test methods also can be used to evaluate the tracking resistance of materials: D 2132 (contaminants: dust and fog) and D 3638 (contaminant: conductive liquid drops).
1.2 Two tracking and one erosion test procedure are described:
1.2.1 A "variable voltage method" to evaluate resistance to tracking.
1.2.2 A "time-to-track method" to evaluate resistance to tracking.
1.2.3 A method for quantitative determination of erosion ().
1.3 While a particular contaminant solution is specified, other concentrations of the same contaminant, or different contaminants may be used to simulate different environmental or service conditions.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.5 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 8.
WITHDRAWN RATIONALE
These test methods cover the evaluation of the relative tracking and erosion resistance of insulating solids using the liquid-contaminant, inclined-plane test.
Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee D09 on Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials, this practice was withdrawn in January 2013 in accordance with section 10.5.3.1 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D2303 − 97(Reapproved 2004) An American National Standard
Standard Test Methods for
Liquid-Contaminant, Inclined-Plane Tracking and Erosion of
Insulating Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2303; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 These test methods cover the evaluation of the relative 2.1 ASTM Standards:
tracking and erosion resistance of insulating solids using the D374 Test Methods for Thickness of Solid Electrical Insu-
liquid-contaminant, inclined-plane test. The following test lation
methods also can be used to evaluate the tracking resistance of D1711 Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
materials: D2132 (contaminants: dust and fog) and D3638 D2132 Test Method for Dust-and-Fog Tracking and Erosion
(contaminant: conductive liquid drops). Resistance of Electrical Insulating Materials
D3638 Test Method for Comparative Tracking Index of
1.2 Two tracking and one erosion test procedure are de-
Electrical Insulating Materials
scribed:
1.2.1 A “variable voltage method” to evaluate resistance to
3. Terminology
tracking.
3.1 Definitions:
1.2.2 A “time-to-track method” to evaluate resistance to
3.1.1 erosion, electrical, n—the progressive wearing away
tracking.
of electrical insulation by the action of electrical discharges.
1.2.3 A method for quantitative determination of erosion
3.1.2 erosion resistance, electrical, n— the quantitative
(Annex A1).
expression of the amount of electrical erosion under specific
1.3 While a particular contaminant solution is specified,
conditions.
other concentrations of the same contaminant, or different
3.1.3 track, n—a partially conducting path of localized
contaminants may be used to simulate different environmental
deterioration on the surface of an insulating material.
or service conditions.
3.1.4 tracking, n—the process that produces tracks as a
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
result of the action of electric discharges on or close to the
as the standard.
insulation surface.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.5 tracking, contamination, n—tracking caused by scin-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
tillations that result from the increased surface conduction due
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
to contamination.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.1.6 tracking resistance, n—the quantitative expression of
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precau-
tionary statements are given in Section 8. the voltage and the time required to develop a track under
specified conditions.
1 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D09 on
3.2.1 initial tracking voltage, n—the applied voltage at
Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials and are the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D09.12 on Electrical Tests.
which continuous tracking can be initiated in a specified time.
Current edition approved March 1, 2004. Published March 1. Originally
approved in 1964. Last previous edition approved in 1997 as D2303 – 97. DOI:
10.1520/D2303-97R04. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
K. N. Mathes, Chapter 4, “Surface Failure Measurements,” Engineering contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Dielectrics, Vol IIB, Electrical Properties of Solid Insulating Materials, Measure- Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
ment Techniques, R. Bartnikas, Editor,ASTM STP926,ASTM, Philadelphia, 1987. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2303 − 97 (2004)
3.2.2 time-to-track, n—the time in which tracking proceeds 4.6 Very track-resistant materials, such as polymethylmeth-
a specified distance between the test electrodes at a specified acrylate, may erode rather than track under more usual con-
voltage. taminant conditions in service. The use of this method for
measuring erosion is consequently important. For erosion
3.3 Other definitions pertinent to these test methods are
studies, only tests as a function of time at constant voltage are
given in Terminology D1711.
useful.
4. Significance and Use
5. Apparatus
4.1 These test methods differentiate among solid electrical
5.1 Asimple schematic diagram of the apparatus is given in
insulatingmaterialsonthebasisoftheirresistancetotheaction
Fig.1andconsistsofthefollowing.DetailsaregiveninAnnex
of voltage stresses along the surface of the solid when wet with
A2.
an ionizable, electrically conductive liquid contaminant.
5.1.1 A 60-Hz power supply with an output voltage stabi-
4.2 These test methods quantitatively evaluate, in a relative
lized to 61 % which can be varied from 1 to at least 7.5 kV
manner, the effects upon an insulating material resulting from
with a rated current of no less than 0.1 A for every test station
the action of electrical discharges upon a material surface. The
to be used (that is, 0.5 A for five stations).
effects are similar to those that may occur in service under the
5.1.2 Ameans for applying a specified contaminant solution
influence of dirt combined with moisture condensed from the
at a controlled rate to the specimen surface. A pneumatically
atmosphere.
actuated repeating pipet has been found useful for this purpose
4.2.1 In the field, the conditions resulting in electrical
andisdescribedinAnnexA2.Peristalticpumpshavealsobeen
discharges occur sporadically. Degradation, often in the form
used (A2).
of a conducting “track,” develops very slowly until it ulti-
5.1.3 Stainless steel top and bottom electrodes as shown in
mately bridges the space between conductors thus causing
Fig. 2.
complete electrical breakdown.
NOTE 1—Stainless-steel type 302 is recommended.
4.2.2 In these test methods, the conducting liquid contami-
nant is continuously supplied at an optimum rate to the surface
5.1.4 Apad of filter paper cut as shown in Fig. 3 to fit under
of a test specimen in such a fashion that essentially continuous
the top electrode and used to smooth out the flow of the
electrical discharge can be maintained.
contaminant solution.
4.2.3 By producing continuous surface discharge with con-
5.1.5 Asetofballastresistors(50,10,and1-kΩratedat200
trolled energy it is possible, within a few hours, to cause
W each) to be connected as specified in series with each test
specimen failure which is similar to failure occurring under specimen on the high-voltage side of the power supply.
long-time exposure to the erratic conditions of service in the
Somewhat lower resistances are being considered by the
field. International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC/TC15).
4.2.4 The test conditions, which are standardized and accel-
5.1.6 A330-Ω, ⁄2-W, carbon resistor mounted with a
erated, do not reproduce all of the conditions encountered in simple tension spring and connected in series with the speci-
service. Use caution when making either direct or comparative
men and ground to act as an overload, high-voltage fuse.
servicebehaviorinferencesderivedfromtheresultsoftracking 5.1.7 Structural parts and a grounded safety enclosure.
tests.
6. Sampling
4.3 Thetime-to-tracka1-in.(25-mm)distanceataspecified
6.1 Refer to applicable materials specifications for sampling
voltage between electrodes separated 2 in. (50 mm) has also
instructions.
been found useful in categorizing insulating materials for
indoor and protected outdoor applications, such as metal-clad
7. Test Specimens
switchgear.
7.1 Make insulation specimens with a flat surface approxi-
4.4 The initial tracking voltage has been found useful for
mately 2 by 5 in. (50 by 130 mm) as shown in Fig. 4. Measure
evaluating insulating materials to be used at high voltages or
the thickness in accordance with Test Methods D374 if there is
outdoors and unprotected, as well as for establishing (see 10.1)
no standard for a particular material. Specimens must be thick
the test voltage for the time-to-track test.
enough that tracking does not penetrate completely through the
4.5 In service many types of contamination may cause
specimen during the test. Secure thin specimens to prevent
tracking and erosion of different materials to different degrees.
sagging. Specimens thicker than ⁄4 in. (2 cm) are difficult to
This method recognizes the importance of such variability and
clamp in the apparatus.
suggests the use of special test solutions to meet specific
7.2 Prepare separate specimens exposing each surface of
service needs. For example, an ionic contaminant containing,
sheet or other materials with two or more surfaces which may
in addition, a carbonaceous component such as sugar may be
have different characteristics. Carefully identify the surface so
used to cause tracking on very resistant materials like polym-
far as possible, that is, mold face, press face, and so forth.
ethylmethacrylate. Such contamination may be representative
of some severe industrial environments. In this case, the
time-to-track technique is used, since time is required to
International Resistance Co. RC 20-mil type carbon-composition resistors,
decompose the contaminant solution and build up conducting
availablefromtheTRWElectronicsCorp.,CommerceTerminalBldg.,Philadelphia,
residues on the sample surface. PA, have been found satisfactory.
D2303 − 97 (2004)
FIG. 1 Schematic Diagram of Apparatus
Prepare two sets of specimens of materials with noticeable specimens prepared as above for 24 to 48 h in the specified
directional characteristics, with the predominant directional contaminant solution before test.
characteristic in line with the electrodes for one set and at right
7.4 Prepare five specimens for each determination.
angles to the other set. Identify the specimen direction as far as
8. Procedure
possible; that is, machine direction, cross-machine direction,
warp or fill direction (for woven textile reinforced products).
8.1 Lethal voltages are a potential hazard during the perfor-
(See Fig. 5.)
mance of this test. It is essential that the test apparatus, and all
associated equipment electrically connected to it, be properly
7.3 Preparation of Specimens—Clean the specimen face
designed and installed for safe operation. Solidly ground all
with a suitable solvent and rinse with distilled water. For
electrically conductive parts which it is possible for a person to
specimens to be used in the time-to-track method, do not
contactduringthetest.Providemeansforuseatthecompletion
mechanically destroy, that is, sand, abrade, and so forth. the
of any test to ground any parts which were at high voltage
natural surface finish of the specimen unless otherwise speci-
during the test or have the potential for acquiring an induced
fied.However,withthevariable-voltagemethod,thesurfaceof
charge during the test or retaining a charge even after discon-
the test specimens should be lightly but completely sanded
nection of the voltage source.Thoroughly instruct all operators
under flowing tap water with 400A-grit wet silicon carbide
as to the correct procedures for performing tests safely. When
paper and rinsed with distilled water. Such sanding removes
making high voltage tests, particularly in compressed gas or in
gloss and contaminants to provide a surface that is wet more
oil, it is possible for the energy released at breakdown to be
easily and rapidly by the contaminant. Loss of gloss and slight
sufficient to result in fire, explosion, or rupture of the test
erosion of the surface usually occurs in service, particularly
chamber. Design test equipment, test chambers, and test
outdoors. Generously cover the specimen area under the
specimens so as to minimize the possibility of such occur-
bottom electrode with conductive silver paint and add the
rences and to eliminate the possibility of personal injury. If the
1-in. (25-mm) tracking reference marks as shown in Fig. 5. For
potential for fire exists, have fire suppression equipment
all tests, other than the time-to-track test, soak the test
available
8.1.1 Also see Fig. 1.
Thesolventshouldnotsoftenorotherwisedamagethetestspecimen.Isopropyl
8.2 Mount and fuse the specimen with the flat test surface
alcohol has been found suitable for many materials.
DuPont silver paint No. 4817 has been found suitable for this purpose. on the underside at an angle of 45° from the horizontal as
D2303 − 97 (2004)
shown in Fig. 1. Insert the contaminant delivery hose midway specimen face between electrodes. The contaminant must flow
between eight thicknesses of the filter paper as shown in Fig. from the quill hole in the bottom of the top electrode and
3(c) and fold back the filter paper “ear” to prevent contaminant
should not squirt out of the sides or top of the filter paper
from squirting out the sides.
during the pressure stroke of the pipet.Adjust the specimens so
that the contaminant runs down as nearly as possible the center
8.3 At the start of each test date, replace all residual liquid
line of the specimen. Avoid drafts on equipment that might
in the contaminant supply beaker with fresh contaminant.
Cover all beakers to minimize dust and dirt as well as cause undue cooling of the specimens or of the water vapor
evaporation. Unless otherwise specified, use 0.1 % (by weight) from evaporation of the contaminant. Close the safety gate and
ammonium chloride (reagent grade) and 0.02 % nonionic
apply the appropriate test voltage tabulated in Table 1.
wetting agent in distilled water. This contaminant solution
NOTE2—Thissteadyflowconditionshouldbeobservedfor5minatthe
must have a resistivity between 370 and 400 Ω-cm when
normal test contaminant feed rate and not at a manually operated
measured at 23 6 1°C.
accelerated calibration rate.
8.4 Adjust the contaminant flow and calibrate as described
8.5.2 For a specimen that is a continuation from a previous
inAnnexA1togivetheflowrateforthevoltagetobespecified
test (that is, off test overnight), wash down the test specimen
in Table 1.
face and filter paper with distilled water in order to remove any
8.5 After calibration, the start-up procedure differs depend-
contaminant residue from the previous test. Do not change the
ing on w
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