Crush Resistance

The crush resistance test method measures the capability of wire insulation to withstand an applied load, simulating the damage that may occur when insulated wire is crushed between two flat surfaces. During the test, a tensile strength test machine is used with additional components, such as mandrels, plates, and a support anvil oriented perpendicular to […] Read more

Contamination

The contamination test measures the quality factor (Q) of a test sample. The specimen length for the contamination test ranges between 2-4 feet of PVC type jacket, depending upon the diameter of the cable being tested. One end of the specimen is cut square, while the other end is prepared to provide the shortest possible […] Read more

Circumferential Elongation (PTFE only)

This test determines the elongation of insulation of a wire in a circumferential direction. This test was developed to measure the resistance of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) insulation to rupture when under a radial stress. Using a power driven apparatus built by Lectromec technicians, a cone shall be driven through the insulation. At the end of the […] Read more

Characteristic Impedance

This test measures the characteristic impedance of a cable defined as the resistance of a transmission line. Read more

Accelerated Aging

The test determines if the insulation of a wire has been converted to a thermoset material by polymer crosslinking. The test is performed for a short time period at a temperature much greater than the temperature rating of the insulation. To pass this test, the wire must withstand the bend and wet dielectric tests after […] Read more

Altitude-Low Temperature

Wired, mated, and assembled connectors are tested inside a pressurized chamber with the temperature reduced to simulate an altitude of 100,000 feet. The chamber’s internal temperature is reduced to -65 °C and is maintained until the connector temperature stabilizes. An insulation resistance test is performed at the reduced temperature, with the pass/fail criteria identified in […] Read more

Accelerating Aging

Conductor Strand Blocking

Upon completion of a fabricated wire, it is crucial to ensure that each of the wire’s components are suitable for use. Conductor Strand Blocking provides a method to determine if conductor strands of 7-19 count will adhere to each other in the finished wire. This test was developed as a process control test for silver […] Read more

Voltage Drop

DC resistance measurements and voltage drop calculations are conducted on insulated wires to determine the voltage drop across crimp joints and on re-terminated insulated wires. This evaluation is an effective means of determining the electrical efficacy of a crimp. Testing is performed on insulated, wires with crimp terminals attached. A current is applied to the […] Read more

Determination of Temperature Coefficients

A conductor’s resistance varies with temperature and is dependent on the conductor material’s properties. In this test, a wire is submerged in a oil bath with a temperature accuracy of 0.2C. The bath is progressively heated to the target temperature and the change is conductor resistance is captured at multiple temperature during the test. Read more

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