PTFE Tape-Wrapped Jacket Delamination

Delamination is a particularly important consideration in any wrapped insulation/ jacket; separation of the tape layers may lead to unraveling of the jacket and/or significant electrical failures. This test is a visual examination of a tape-wrapped PTFE jacket intended to identify any evidence of delamination. See also Delamination/ Lamination Sealing Read more

Jacket Flaws (Spark Test)

The jacket flaws test (spark test, insulation-continuity proof test, or insulation faults test) aims to identify any defects in a wire/ cable’s outer insulation that would allow an amount of leakage current. Testing is performed in an enclosure filled with conductive metal beads/ balls. The beads are electrified and connected to a continuity detection circuit […] Read more

Insulation Stripping

The insulation stripping test evaluates the ability of insulation to be stripped from a wire sample without causing damage to the conductor. This test uses a standard wire stripping tool as identified in AS5768. After removal of the insulation, the conductor is visually examined and any damage is reported. Read more

Insulation Volume Resistivity

The insulation volume resistance test verifies that the amount of leakage current from a wire sample is within the acceptable range for a particular application by determining the resistivity of the insulation sample. The test sample is submerged in a tap water bath within 250mm of each end. A DC voltage is applied between the […] Read more

Tinning Test

The tinning test evaluates the ability of the tin layer over a copper conductor to protect the inner conductor from chemical degradation. Test samples are exposed to the following solutions: Hydrochloric-acid solution Sodium-polysulfide solution After a series of immersion cycles, as identified in the testing standard, each of the samples are visually examined for any […] Read more

Unrestricted Shrinkage

This test evaluates the radial shrinkage of a heat shrink insulation sample to ensure the insulation shrinks to the appropriate dimensions as identified in the detail specification. There are two methods with which this test may be performed: Unsupported – The heat shrink sample is placed on a tray in the oven. Supported – The […] Read more

Water Pressure

Connectors that are designed to resist pressure and leakage due to water exposure must be capable of doing so over an extended duration. The water pressure test is performed by submerging a number of connector samples in six feet of tap water for a period of 48 hours. Half of the connectors are mated throughout […] Read more

Wall Thickness

A sample of heat shrink insulation is exposed to an elevated temperature and allowed to fully shrink to its reduced size (Unrestricted Shrinkage, method 5.5), after which the thickness is measured by one of the three methods presented in the standard: Micrometer Method – A smooth gauge rod of known diameter is used as a […] Read more

Wire Fusing Time

A test sample wire is strung horizontally such that it hangs without resting on any surface. A current 2.5 times that of the “free air rated current” is applied to the sample via a DC power source. The sample is held at this constant current until a current interruption (open circuit) occurs with a maximum […] Read more

Wire Identification Printed Marking and Location

It is important that wires involved in a large EWIS system be easily and uniformly identifiable by the manufacturer’s markings. This test entails a visual examination of the identification markings on a wire sample. The identification marking must include the following information in the correct order: Detail specification designator Wire gauge Color designator(s) of insulation […] Read more

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