Evaluation Test of Plastic Materials

Tracking Resistance Test / CTI (ASTM D3638, IEC60112, JIS C2134)

We evaluate tracking resistance under wet and contaminated environments.
The test aims to evaluate the resistance to ignition and smoke caused by dust accumulation in power receptacle.
Fifty drops of electrolyte are dropped between electrodes in order to determine the voltage that does not cause a permanent electrically conductive carbon path.
We conduct the tests based on ASTM D3638, IEC 60112 and JIS C2134 standards.
Passing at 400V is now required by Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act for electronics that incorporate power plug.
cti_a
Flat board samples of 100 mm × 100 mm with a thickness of 3 mm or more are used in the test based on IEC 60112. A total of 20 samples are required.
As shown in the picture, platinum electrodes are set on the surface of the sample, and voltage is applied between the electrodes. While voltage being applied, electrolyte is dropped at specific intervals until an electrically conductive carbon path is generated, or the number of drops reaches 100. The aim of the test is to determine the number of drops of electrolyte for generation of an electrically conductive carbon path. The test must be conducted 5 times for each specific voltage. The pass requirement is to resist the application of 50 drops of electrolyte in each test of each specific voltage.
The test shall be conducted continuously at 25V intervals in order to determine CTI (Comparative Tracking Index). A CTI of 250 or more is required for photovoltaic modules.

In addition to the Tracking Resistance test, we also conduct the Inclined-Plane Tracking Test, Xenon Arc UV Exposure Test, Partial Discharge Test, Radiant Panel, Flammability Test, High Current Arc Ignition Test, Glow Wire Test, HWI Test, and the UL746B Long Term Thermal Aging.

Our testing is internationally accredited, especially by A2LA (The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation) for materials required for photovoltaic modules, and we are certified ISO/IEC17025 (General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories). We are proud to give you reliable testing data, and our A2LA accredited test reports are widely and internationally accepted.

Contact information
PIC: Makoto Horimizu (Mr.)
Phone: +81-551-42-5061

Contact
Evaluation and Business menu