Arc Resistance Tester

Meet the standard:

ASTM D495

IEC 61621

UL 746A

GB/T 1411

Product Introduction:

The Arc Resistance Tester operates by generating a controlled high-voltage, low-current electrical arc across the surface of a solid insulating material specimen placed between two electrodes. The test follows a specific sequence of increasing arc severity (voltage and current steps) as defined by standards like ASTM D495. The instrument precisely measures the time it takes for a continuous, permanent conductive path (often a carbonized track) to form on the surface of the material, leading to the cessation of the arc and a significant increase in current flow through the track. This time, typically measured in seconds, is the material's arc resistance time. A longer arc resistance time indicates better performance and a greater ability to withstand arcing without tracking. The test is performed under dry conditions to isolate the effect of the material's inherent resistance to tracking.

The instrument is used for:

Evaluating and comparing the arc tracking resistance of different solid electrical insulating materials (e.g., thermoset and thermoplastic polymers, ceramics, laminates).

Quality control during the manufacturing of insulating materials and components.

Research and development of new arc-resistant materials.

Screening materials for suitability in high-voltage electrical applications where arcing is a concern.

Assessing the effects of material aging or environmental exposure on arc resistance.

Product Advantages:

Measures Resistance to Arc Tracking: Provides a quantitative assessment of a material's ability to withstand high-voltage, low-current arcs without forming conductive paths.

Predicts Performance in Arcing Environments: Helps engineers select materials that are less likely to fail due to tracking in electrical applications like switches and circuit breakers.

Standard Compliant: Designed to perform tests according to widely recognized standards like ASTM D495. ensuring comparable and reliable results.

Objective Evaluation: Provides a numerical value (arc resistance time) for material performance.

Crucial for Safety and Reliability: Contributes to the design of safer and more reliable electrical equipment by identifying materials prone to tracking failures.

Useful for Material Comparison: Allows for direct comparison of the arc resistance properties of different insulating materials.

Product Features:

Based on typical Arc Resistance Testers performing the ASTM D495 test:

High voltage AC source capable of generating voltages up to the levels specified in the test standard (e.g., up to 15 kV).

Control system for applying the test voltage in a stepped sequence with defined voltage and current levels and durations as per the standard.

Series resistance and inductance components to shape the arc and limit the current according to the test method requirements.

Electrode assembly designed to hold and position two electrodes (typically tungsten or stainless steel) on the surface of the test specimen with specified gap, angle, and contact pressure.

Timer to accurately measure the elapsed time from the start of the test until failure occurs.

Automatic failure detection circuit that senses the formation of a conductive track (indicated by a change in current or arc behavior) and automatically stops the test and records the time.

Safety enclosure with interlocks to protect the operator from high voltage and the intense light/heat of the arc.

Digital display showing the test time, and potentially voltage and current levels.

Provisions for monitoring the test visually or potentially with a recording system (as visual observation of failure mode is important).