MaTestLab > ASTM Methods > ASTM D149, IEC 60243 Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials
ASTM D149, IEC 60243 Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials
ASTM D149 is a test method that determines the dielectric breakdown voltage and dielectric strength of solid electrical insulating materials through the thickness of the test specimen at commercial power frequencies. ASTM D149 test method is generally applicable to electrical insulating materials and aids in their performance evaluation and reliability assessment. In ASTM D149 test method, the point of failure in a material, i.e., when dielectric breakdown or electric discharge occurs through the material is measured in voltage per unit thickness, as the thickness of the material greatly impacts its strength. Read more about ASTM Dielectric Strength D149, D150, D257 & Piezo below.
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Introduction to ASTM D149
ASTM D149 is a test method designed to measure the electrical strength of materials such as insulators. Dielectric strength is defined as the maximum voltage required to produce a dielectric breakdown through the material and is expressed as Volts per unit thickness. A higher dielectric strength represents a better quality insulator. ASTM D149 measures the durability of insulation materials for electronic devices. The results obtained are specially used for quality control and specification purposes. There are many variables affecting dielectric strength, hence, testing the insulator material’s strength using ASTM D149 is essential. Temperature, mechanical stress, and fabrication details impact dielectric strength of a material. Higher the dielectric strength of a material, better is it as an insulator. Per ASTM D149 test method, dielectric strength of a material is calculated by dividing the breakdown voltage by the thickness of the sample. There are three basic procedures that can be used to determine the dielectric strength of an insulator. The data is expressed in Volts/mil. The location of the failure is also recorded.
ASTM D149 test method is generally applicable to electrical insulating materials and aids in their performance evaluation and reliability assessment per electrical safety testing standards. In this test, the point of failure in a material, i.e., when dielectric breakdown or electric discharge occurs through the material is measured in voltage per unit thickness, as the thickness of the material greatly impacts its strength.
ASTM D149 Dielectric Strength, IEC 60243
ASTM D149 Test Method
This test method utilizes three basic procedures to determine the dielectric strength of an insulator. These procedures are the short-time method, the slow rate-of-rise method, and the step-by-step method. Each of these three methods has the same basic setup. We proceed by placing the test specimen between two electrodes in air or oil.
An example of a typical ASTM D149 sample set up
The short-time method
The most common test is the short-time method. In this method, voltage is applied across the two electrodes and raised from zero to dielectric breakdown at a uniform rate. When an electrical burn-through punctures the sample, or decomposition occurs in the specimen, we assess the breakdown. The time taken by the sample to reach dielectric breakdown determines the rate of voltage rise.
The step-by-step method
The step-by-step method starts at 50% of the short-time test. Later, the voltage is increased at equal increments for a specified time period until breakdown. The test is sometimes performed by using oil as a medium to prevent arcing from the electrode to the ground.
The slow-rate-of-rise method
The slow-rate-of-rise method starts at 50% of the breakdown voltage as determined by the short-time-method. The voltage is increased at a uniform rate.
ASTM D149 Specimens
Specimen details
ASTM D149 Specimens must be solid and uniformly rectangular.
Specimen dimensions
The general sample size for ASTM D149 is a 4-inch plaque. The thickness preferred is 0.8 to 3.2 mm.
Specimen preparation
Specimens are injection molded or cut from molded or extruded sheets or plates.
ASTM D149 Results
This test method evaluates dielectric breakdown voltage and dielectric strength of solid electrical insulating materials. Dielectric strength is computed by dividing the breakdown voltage by the thickness of the sample. The data is expressed in Volts/mil. The location of the failure is also noted. The better quality of the insulator is represented by a higher dielectric strength.
Tests related to ASTM D149 IEC 60243 is similar to ASTM D149. IEC 60243 covers the determination of short-time electric strength of solid insulating materials at power frequencies between 48 Hz and 62 Hz. It includes the methods for the determination of breakdown voltages along the surfaces of solid insulating materials. The liquids and gases are not covered by this standard.
Thickness Measurement: It is important to accurately measure the thickness of test specimen as it will be used to calculate dielectric constant, dielectric breakdown strength, or electrical resistivity.
1. Mitutoyo Electronic Model 293-832-30, accuracy 0.001 mm, flat tip.
2.1 ASTM D257, Standard Test Methods for DC Resistance or Conductance of Insulating Materials. 2.2 ASTM D150, Standard Test Methods for AC Loss Characteristics and Permittivity (Dielectric Constant) of Solid Electrical Insulation. 2.3 ASTM D3755, Standard Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials Under Direct-Voltage Stress. 2.4 ASTM D149, Standard Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials at Commercial Power Frequencies. [Up to 80 kV ac] 2.5 ASTM D5213, Standard Specification for Polymeric Resin Film for Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Applications 2.6 ASTM D924, Standard Test Method for Dissipation Factor (or Power Factor) and Relative Permittivity (Dielectric Constant) of Electrical Insulating Liquids 2.7 ASTM D877, Standard Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage of Insulating Liquids Using Disk Electrodes 2.8 ASTM D3755, Standard Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials Under Direct-Voltage Stress [up to 120 kV]
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