What is BS EN IEC 60112 about?
BS EN IEC 60112 specifies testing methods for proof and comparative tracking indices of solid insulating materials on pieces taken from parts of equipment and on plaques of material using alternating voltage.
BS EN IEC 60112 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.
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 that can be used under moist conditions.
Who is BS EN IEC 60112 for?
BS EN IEC 60112 on solid insulating materials is relevant to:
- Construction industries
- Electrical engineers
- Manufacturing industries
Why should you use BS EN IEC 60112?
The proof tracking index (PTI) is defined as the numerical value of the proof voltage at which five test specimens withstand the test period for 50 drops without tracking failure and without a persistent flame occurring. In BS EN IEC 60112, PTI is used as an acceptance criterion as well as a means for the quality control of materials and fabricated parts
The test method described in BS EN IEC 60112 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.
The minimum required creepage distances over an insulating material between electrically conducting parts, especially between parts with a high voltage and parts exposed to individuals, is dependent on the insulator’s PTI value.
Also, for internal distances in an apparatus by maintaining BS EN IEC 60112-based distances, the risk of fire is reduced. The better the insulation, the higher the PTI.
Thus, you will be able to avoid failure of insulation due to tracking between conductive parts.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 1363-1:2020 supersedes BS EN 60112:2003+A1:2009, which is withdrawn. Some of the significant technical changes are:
- Introduction of a new contaminant, solution C with a surfactant aligned with the test method of IEC 60587. The definition of solution B was transferred to Annex B for backward reference
- Introduction of a screening test, because some materials can withstand high test voltages, but fail at lower test voltages
A Commented Version (CMV) of this standard is available here. Please note, the CMV of the standard is not adopted, and therefore doesn’t contain an additional national foreword, or national annex that might be contained in the BS adoption of the standard. However the IEC text that forms the content of the standard is identical to the BS adoption of the standard.
Commented Versions (CMVs) are specialized publications featuring detailed commentary from technical experts on the major changes between the new edition of a standard and the previous one. Comments may include an explanation for the changes as well as information on the impact of these changes on the application and usability of the standard.