EN IEC 60112:2020

Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking indices of solid insulating materials

IEC 60112:2020 specifies the method of test for the determination of the proof and comparative tracking indices of solid insulating materials on pieces taken from parts of equipment and on plaques of material using alternating voltage. This document provides a procedure for the determination of erosion when required. This test method evaluates the composition of the material as well as the surface of the material being evaluated. Both the composition and surface condition directly influence the results of the evaluation and are considered when using the results in material selection process. Test results are not directly suitable for the evaluation of safe creepage distances when designing electrical apparatus. This basic safety publication focusing on a safety test method is primarily intended for use by technical committees in the preparation of safety publications in accordance with the principles laid down in IEC Guide 104 and lSO/lEC Guide 51. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:  
Introduction of a new contaminant, solution C with a surfactant aligned with the test method of IEC 60587. The definition of the solution B was transferred to Annex B for backward reference.
Introduction of a screening test, considering the fact that some materials can withstand high test voltages, but fail at lower test voltages.  It has the status of a basic safety publication in accordance with IEC Guide 104.

Verfahren zur Bestimmung der Prüfzahl und der Vergleichszahl der Kriechwegbildung von festen, isolierenden Werkstoffen

Méthode de détermination des indices de résistance et de tenue au cheminement des matériaux isolants solides

L'IEC 60112:2020 spécifie la méthode d’essai pour la détermination des indices de résistance et de tenue au cheminement des matériaux isolants solides sur des échantillons prélevés sur des parties d'équipement et des plaques de matériau en utilisant une tension alternative. Le présent document fournit une procédure pour la détermination de la valeur de l’érosion quand cela est exigé. Cette méthode d’essai évalue la composition et la surface du matériau soumis à l’essai. La composition et les conditions de surface influencent directement les résultats de l’évaluation et sont prises en considération lors de l’utilisation des résultats au moment de la sélection des matériaux. Les résultats d’essais tels quels ne sont pas adaptés à l’évaluation des lignes de fuite de sécurité lors de la conception des appareils électriques. La présente publication fondamentale de sécurité portant sur une méthode d’essai de sécurité est avant tout destinée à être utilisée par les comités d’études dans le cadre de l’élaboration de publications de sécurité, conformément aux principes établis dans le Guide IEC 104 et le Guide lSO/lEC 51. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:  
Introduction d’un nouveau contaminant, la solution C, avec un tensioactif aligné sur la méthode d’essai de l’IEC 60587. Transfert à l’Annexe B de la définition de la solution B pour référence arrière.
Introduction d’un essai de déverminage, en tenant compte du fait que certains matériaux peuvent supporter des tensions d’essai élevées, mais pas des tensions d’essai plus basses.  Elle a le statut de publication fondamentale de sécurité, conformément au Guide IEC 104.

Metoda za ugotavljanje preskusnih in primerjalnih indeksov ustvarjanja prevodnih poti trdnih izolacijskih materialov (IEC 60112:2020)

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 03-Dec-2020
• ICS: 19.080 - Electrical and electronic testing
• ICS: 29.035.01 - Insulating materials in general
• Technical Committee: CLC/SR 112 - Evaluation and qualification of electrical insulating materials and systems (to be defined)
• Drafting Committee: IEC/TC 112 - IEC_TC_112
• Current Stage: 6060 - Document made available - Publishing
• Start Date: 04-Dec-2020
• Completion Date: 04-Dec-2020
• Ref Project: SIST EN IEC 60112:2021 - Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking indices of solid insulating materials (IEC 60112:2020)

Relations

• Replaces: EN 60112:2003/A1:2009 - Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking indices of solid insulating materials
• Effective Date: 07-Jun-2022
• Replaces: EN 60112:2003 - Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking indices of solid insulating materials
• Effective Date: 14-Jun-2016
• Replaced By: EN IEC 60112:2025 - Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking indices of solid insulating materials
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2022

Overview - EN IEC 60112:2020 (IEC 60112:2020)

EN IEC 60112:2020 specifies the internationally accepted method for determining the Proof Tracking Index (PTI) and the Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) of solid insulating materials using an alternating-voltage drop test. The standard covers testing on specimens taken from parts of equipment or on material plaques, provides an optional procedure to determine erosion, and evaluates both material composition and surface condition, which directly influence tracking performance.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope of test: PTI (acceptance/quality control) and CTI (basic material characterization) using alternating voltage and repeated contaminant drops.
• Test specimens: Pieces from actual equipment or standardized plaques; environmental and surface conditioning required before testing.
• Apparatus and setup: Electrode design and mounting, test circuit, dropping device, specimen support platform and conditioning chamber are defined. Annexes include guidance on electrode material selection (e.g., platinum electrodes) and alternatives.
• Test solutions: Introduction of a new contaminant Solution C with a surfactant (aligned with IEC 60587). Solution B is retained for backward reference in Annex B.
• Procedures:
  • Basic test procedure, specimen preparation and conditioning.
  • Screening test to detect materials that may pass at high voltages but fail under different conditions.
  • Determination of the maximum 50-drop withstand voltage and the 100-drop point for CTI evaluation.
  • Optional erosion measurement procedure when required.
• Limitations: Results are not directly suitable for determining safe creepage distances in electrical apparatus design (see IEC 60664-1 for insulation coordination). More severe outdoor tests (e.g., the inclined plane test in IEC 60587) may rank materials differently.

Practical applications and users

• Who uses EN IEC 60112:
  • Material manufacturers and formulators for R&D and quality control (PTI/CTI data).
  • Component and equipment manufacturers for material selection and safety verification.
  • Independent test laboratories performing tracking resistance testing.
  • Standards and product committees preparing safety publications (aligned with IEC Guide 104 and ISO/IEC Guide 51).
  • Regulatory bodies and certification entities assessing basic safety performance.
• Typical uses:
  • Comparative ranking of insulating materials for use in moist or contaminated environments.
  • Routine acceptance testing and batch quality control.
  • Supporting evidence for product safety standards and technical specifications.

Related standards

• IEC 60587 (inclined plane test - outdoor/severe contamination assessment)
• IEC 60664-1 (insulation coordination and creepage distance guidance)
• ISO/IEC Guides referenced for safety publication principles

Keywords: EN IEC 60112, IEC 60112, proof tracking index, comparative tracking index, PTI, CTI, tracking resistance, solid insulating materials, tracking test, erosion, solution C, IEC 60587.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-februar-2021
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 60112:2004
SIST EN 60112:2004/A1:2010
Metoda za ugotavljanje preskusnih in primerjalnih indeksov ustvarjanja prevodnih
poti trdnih izolacijskih materialov (IEC 60112:2020)
Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking indices of solid
insulating materials (IEC 60112:2020)
Verfahren zur Bestimmung der Prüfzahl und der Vergleichszahl der Kriechwegbildung
von festen, isolierenden Werkstoffen (IEC 60112:2020)
Méthode de détermination des indices de résistance et de tenue au cheminement des
matériaux isolants solides (IEC 60112:2020)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 60112:2020
ICS:
29.035.01 Izolacijski materiali na Insulating materials in
splošno general
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 60112

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
December 2020
ICS 19.080; 29.035.01 Supersedes EN 60112:2003 and all of its amendments
and corrigenda (if any)
English Version
Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative
tracking indices of solid insulating materials
(IEC 60112:2020)
Méthode de détermination des indices de résistance et de Verfahren zur Bestimmung der Prüfzahl und der
tenue au cheminement des matériaux isolants solides Vergleichszahl der Kriechwegbildung von festen,
(IEC 60112:2020) isolierenden Werkstoffen
(IEC 60112:2020)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2020-12-02. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2020 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 60112:2020 E
European foreword
The text of document 112/479/FDIS, future edition 5 of IEC 60112, prepared by IEC/TC 112
"Evaluation and qualification of electrical insulating materials and systems" was submitted to the IEC-
CENELEC parallel vote and approved by CENELEC as EN IEC 60112:2020.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2021-09-02
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2023-12-02
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 60112:2003 and all of its amendments and corrigenda (if any).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60112:2020 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standards
indicated:
IEC 60587 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60587
IEC 60664-1 NOTE Harmonized as EN IEC 60664-1
IEC 60212 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60212
ISO 293 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 293
ISO 294-1 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 294-1
ISO 294-3 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 294-3
ISO 295 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 295
ISO 3167 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 3167
ISO 3696 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 3696

Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
NOTE 1  Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod),
the relevant EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2  Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available
here: www.cenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
ISO 4287 - Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) - EN ISO 4287 -
Surface texture: Profile method - Terms,
definitions and surface texture parameters

IEC 60112 ®
Edition 5.0 2020-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
BASIC SAFETY PUBLICATION
PUBLICATION FONDAMENTALE DE SÉCURITÉ

Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking indices

of solid insulating materials
Méthode de détermination des indices de résistance et de tenue

au cheminement des matériaux isolants solides

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 19.080; 29.035.01 ISBN 978-2-8322-8748-4

– 2 – IEC 60112:2020 © IEC 2020
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Principle . 7
5 Test specimen . 7
6 Test specimen conditioning . 8
6.1 Environmental conditioning . 8
6.2 Test specimen surface state . 8
7 Test apparatus . 8
7.1 Electrodes . 8
7.2 Test circuit . 9
7.3 Test solutions . 9
7.4 Dropping device . 10
7.5 Test specimen support platform . 10
7.6 Electrode assembly installation . 10
7.7 Conditioning chamber . 10
8 Basic test procedure . 11
8.1 General . 11
8.2 Preparation . 11
8.3 Test procedure . 11
9 Determination of erosion . 12
10 Proof tracking index test (PTI) . 12
10.1 Procedure . 12
10.2 Report. 12
11 Determination of comparative tracking index (CTI) . 13
11.1 General . 13
11.2 Screening test . 13
11.3 Determination of the maximum 50 drop withstand voltage . 14
11.4 Determination of the 100 drop point . 15
11.5 Report. 15
Annex A (informative) List of factors that should be considered by product committees . 19
Annex B (informative) Solution B . 20
Annex C (informative) Electrode material selection . 21
C.1 Platinum electrodes . 21
C.2 Alternatives . 21
Bibliography . 22

Figure 1 – Electrode . 17
Figure 2 – Electrode/specimen arrangement . 17
Figure 3 – Example of typical electrode mounting and specimen support . 17
Figure 4 – Example of test circuit . 18

IEC 60112:2020 © IEC 2020 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF THE PROOF AND THE
COMPARATIVE TRACKING INDICES OF SOLID INSULATING MATERIALS

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as "IEC
Publication(s)"). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60112 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 112:
Evaluation and qualification of electrical insulating materials and systems.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2003 and
Amendment 1:2009. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
• Introduction of a new contaminant, solution C with a surfactant aligned with the test
method of IEC 60587. The definition of the solution B was transferred to Annex B for
backward reference.
• Introduction of a screening test, considering the fact that some materials can withstand
high test voltages, but fail at lower test voltages.
It has the status of a basic safety publication in accordance with IEC Guide 104.

– 4 – IEC 60112:2020 © IEC 2020
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
112/479/FDIS 112/484/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IEC 60112:2020 © IEC 2020 – 5 –
METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF THE PROOF AND THE
COMPARATIVE TRACKING INDICES OF SOLID INSULATING MATERIALS

1 Scope
This document specifies the method of test for the determination of the proof and comparative
tracking indices of solid insulating materials on pieces taken from parts of equipment and on
plaques of material using alternating voltage.
This document provides a procedure for the determination of erosion when required.
NOTE 1 The proof tracking index is used as an acceptance criterion as well as a means for the quality control of
materials and fabricated parts. The comparative tracking index is mainly used for the basic characterization and
comparison of the properties of materials.
This test method evaluates the composition of the material as well as the surface of the
material being evaluated. Both the composition and surface condition directly influence the
results of the evaluation and are considered when using the results in material selection
process.
Test results are not directly suitable for the evaluation of safe creepage distances when
designing electrical apparatus.
NOTE 2 This is in compliance with IEC 60664-1, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage
systems – Part 1: Principles, requirements and tests.
NOTE 3 This test discriminates between materials with relatively poor resistance to tracking, and those with
moderate or good resistance, for use in equipment which can be used under moist conditions. More severe tests of
longer duration are available for the assessment of performance of materials for outdoor use, utilizing higher
voltages and larger test specimens (see the inclined plane test of IEC 60587). Other test methods such as the
inclined method can rank materials in a different order from the drop test given in this document.
This basic safety publication focusing on a safety test method is primarily intended for use by
technical committees in the preparation of safety publications in accordance with the
principles laid down in IEC Guide 104 and lSO/lEC Guide 51.
One of the responsibilities of a technical committee is, wherever applicable, to make use of
basic safety publications in the preparation of its publications.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
ISO 4287, Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) – Surface texture: Profile method –
Terms, definitions and surface texture parameters

– 6 – IEC 60112:2020 © IEC 2020
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
tracking
progressive formation of conducting paths, which are produced on the surface and/or within a
solid insulating material, due to the combined effects of electric stress and electrolytic
contamination
3.2
tracking failure
failure of insulation due to tracking between conductive parts
Note 1 to entry: In the present test, tracking is indicated by operation of an over-current device due to the
passage of a current across the test surface and/or within the specimen.
3.3
electrical erosion
wearing away of insulating material by the action of electrical discharges
3.4
air arc
arc between the electrodes above the surface of the specimen
3.5
comparative tracking index
CTI
numerical value of the maximum voltage (in V) at which five test specimens withstand the test
period for 50 drops without tracking failure and without a persistent flame occurring and
including also a statement relating to the behaviour of the material when tested using
100 drops (see 11.3)
Note 1 to entry: No tracking failure and no persistant flame are allowed at any lower test voltage.
Note 2 to entry: The criteria for CTI may also require a statement concerning the degree of erosion.
Note 3 to entry: Although a non-persistent flame is allowed in the test without constituting failure, materials which
generate no flame at all are preferred unless other factors are considered to be more important. See also Annex A.
Note 4 to entry: Some materials can withstand high test voltages, but fail at lower test voltages. See also 11.2.
3.6
persistent flame
flame which burns for more than 2 s
3.7
proof tracking index
PTI
numerical value of the proof voltage (in V) at which five test specimens withstand the test
period for 50 drops without tracking failure and without a persistent flame occurring
Note 1 to entry: Although a non-persistent flame is allowed in the test without constituting failure, materials which
generate no flame at all are preferred unless other factors are considered to be more important. See also Annex A.

IEC 60112:2020 © IEC 2020 – 7 –
3.8
de-ionized water
water for analytical laboratory use in accordance with ISO 3696, grade 3, or equivalent quality
4 Principle
The upper surface of the test specimen is supported in a horizontal plane and subjected to an
electrical stress via two electrodes. The surface between the electrodes is subjected to a
succession of drops of electrolyte either until the over-current device operates, or until a
persistent flame occurs, or until the test period has elapsed.
The individual tests are of short duration (less than 1 h) with up to 50 or 100 drops of about
20 mg of electrolyte falling at 30 s intervals between platinum electrodes, 4 mm apart on the
test specimen surface.
An AC voltage between 100 V and 600 V is applied to the electrodes during the test.
During the test, specimens may also erode or soften, thereby allowing the electrodes to
penetrate them. The formation of a hole through the test specimen during a test is to be
reported together with the hole depth (test specimen thickness). Retests may be made using
thicker test specimens, up to a maximum of 10 mm.
NOTE The number of drops needed to cause failure by tracking usually increases with decreasing applied voltage
and, below a critical value, tracking ceases to occur. For some materials, tracking also ceases to occur above an
upper critical value.
5 Test specimen
Any approximately flat surface may be used, provided that the area is sufficient to ensure that
during the test no liquid flows away from the test electrodes.
NOTE 1 In general flat surfaces of not less than 20 mm × 20 mm are used to reduce the probability of electrolyte
flows away from the test electrodes although smaller sizes can be used, subject to no electrolyte loss,
e.g. ISO 3167, 15 mm × 15 mm multi-purpose test specimens.
NOTE 2 In general separate test specimens for each test are used. If several tests are to be made on the same
test piece, testing points can be sufficiently far from each other so that splashes, fumes, or erosion, from the
testing point will not contaminate or influence the other areas to be tested.
The thickness of the test specimen shall be 3 mm or more. Individual pieces of material may
be stacked to obtain the required thickness of at least 3 mm.
NOTE 3 The values of the CTI obtained on specimens with a thickness below 3 mm cannot be comparable with
those obtained on thicker specimens because of greater heat transmission to the glass support through thinner test
specimens. For this reason, stacked specimens are possible.
Test specimens shall have uniformly smooth and untextured surfaces which are free from
surface imperfections such as scratches, blemishes, impurities, etc, unless otherwise stated
in the product standard. If this is impossible, the results shall be reported together with a
statement describing the surface of the specimen because certain characteristics on the
surface of the specimen could add to the dispersion of the results.
For tests on parts of products, where it is impossible to cut a suitable test specimen from a
part of a product, specimens cut from moulded plaques of the same insulating material may
be used. In these cases, care should be taken to ensure that both the part and the plaque are
produced by the same fabrication process, resulting in the same surface texture, wherever
possible. Where the details of the final fabrication process are unknown, methods given in
ISO 293, ISO 294-1 and ISO 294-3 and ISO 295 may be appropriate.

– 8 – IEC 60112:2020 © IEC 2020
NOTE 4 The use of different fabrication conditions/processes can lead to different levels of performance in the
PTI and CTI test.
NOTE 5 Parts moulded using different flow directions can also exhibit different levels of performance in the PTI
and CTI test.
In special cases, the test specimen may be ground to obtain a flat surface. In this case, the
surface texture according ISO 4287 (e.g. R values) shall be reported (see 10.2 and 11.5).
z
NOTE 6 Any grinding can damage the specimen. In this case, material surface made by grinding has higher or
lower tracking value than the original surface.
Where the direction of the electrodes relative to any feature of the material is significant,
measurements shall be made in the direction of the feature and orthogonal to it. The direction
giving the lower CTI shall be reported, unless otherwise specified.
NOTE 7 Use of an aggressive electrolyte, such as solution C, is common, when the material has a hydrophobic
surface.
6 Test specimen conditioning
6.1 Environmental conditioning
Unless otherwise specified, the test specimens shall be conditioned for a minimum of 24 h at
(23 ± 5) °C, with (50 ± 10) % RH. Once the test specimen has been removed from the
conditioning chamber (see 7.7) the test shall be started within 30 minutes.
6.2 Test specimen surface state
Unless otherwise specified,
a) tests shall be made on clean surfaces;
b) any cleaning procedure used shall be reported. Wherever possible, the details shall be
agreed between supplier and customer.
Dust, dirt, fingerprints, grease, oil, mould release or other contaminants can influence the
results. When cleaning the test specimen, swelling, softening, abrasion or other damage to
the material shall be avoided.
7 Test apparatus
7.1 Electrodes
Two electrodes of platinum with a minimum purity of 99 % shall be used (see Annex C). The
two electrodes shall have a rectangular cross-section of (5 ± 0,1) mm × (2 ± 0,1) mm, with
one end chisel-edged with an angle of (30 ± 2)° (see Figure 1). The sharp edge shall be
removed to produce an approximately flat surface, 0,01 mm to 0,1 mm wide.
NOTE 1 A microscope with a calibrated eyepiece has been found suitable for checking the size of the end
surface.
NOTE 2 In general, mechanical means are used to re-furbish the electrode shape after a test to ensure that the
electrodes maintain the required tolerances, especially with respect to the edges and corners.
At the start of the test, the electrodes shall be symmetrically arranged in a vertical plane, the
total angle between them being (60 ± 5)° and with opposing electrode faces approximately
vertical on a flat horizontal surface of the test specimen (see Figure 2). Their separation along
the surface of the test specimen at the start of the test shall be (4,0 ± 0,1) mm.
A thin metal rectangular slip gauge shall be used to check the electrode separation. The
electrodes shall move freely and the force exerted by each electrode on the surface of the

IEC 60112:2020 © IEC 2020 – 9 –
test specimen at the start of the test shall be (1,00 ± 0,05) N. The design shall be such that
the force can be expected to remain at the initial level duri
...