AS/NZS 60112:2003

The objective of this Standard is to provide a test method for manufacturers, designers, testing laboratories and similar organizations in order to indicate the relative resistance to tracking of solid electrical insulating materials when exposed to moisture and surface contamination.

This International standard specifies the method of test for the determination of the proof andcomparative tracking indices of solid insulating materials on pieces taken from parts ofequipment and on plaques of material using alternating voltages.The standard provides 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.Test results cannot be used directly for the evaluation of safe creepage distances whendesigning electrical apparatus.NOTE 2 This test discriminates between materials with relatively poor resistance to tracking, and those with moderate or good resistance, for use in equipment which can be used under moist conditions. More severe tests, of longer duration are required for the assessment of performance of materials for outdoor use, utilizing higher voltages and larger test specimens (see the inclined plane test of IEC 60587). Other test methods such as the inclined method may rank materials in a different order from the drop test given in this standard.

First published in Australia as part of AS 2420-1980.
Second edition 1983.
Third edition 1987.
First published in New Zealand as part of AS 2420-1987.
Jointly revised and redesignated in part as AS/NZS 4695.112:1996.
Jointly revised and redesignated as AS/NZS 60112:2003.