5.1 A major factor affecting the life of insulating materials is thermal degradation. It is possible that other factors, such as moisture and vibration, will cause failures after the material has been weakened by thermal degradation.

5.2 Electrical insulation is effective in electrical equipment only as long as it retains its physical and electrical integrity. The following are potential indicators of thermal degradation: weight change, porosity, crazing, and generally a reduction in flexibility. Thermal degradation is usually accompanied by an ultimate reduction in dielectric breakdown.

5.3 This test method is useful in determining the thermal endurance of coating powders applied over a steel substrate material.

1.1 This test method provides a procedure for evaluating thermal endurance of coating powders by determining the length of aging time at selected elevated temperatures required to achieve dielectric breakdown at room temperature at a pre-determined proof voltage. Thermal endurance is expressed in terms of a temperature index.

1.2 This test method is applicable to insulating powders used over a substrate material of steel.

1.3 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems is likely to result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 7.