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What is ASTM D2344 Tracking Index Tester?

time:2026-05-15 View:

In modern society, electrical equipment has become an indispensable part of our daily life and work. However, due to the inherent characteristics of electrical devices and the influence of external environmental factors, leakage current issues may occur from time to time, posing potential threats to life and property safety. In order to promptly detect and address leakage problems in electrical equipment, the Tracking Index Testerwas developed.Tracking Index Tester is designed to evaluate the tracking resistance of solid electrical insulating materials under humid conditions. By applying voltage across a specimen and dripping a conductive liquid, the tester simulates the electrical stress and evaluates the material's resistance to surface tracking. The equipment is widely used in electronics, plastics, electrical, and automotive industries for quality control and performance assessment of insulating materials and electrical components.

Application of Tracking Index Tester

The Tracking Tester is suitable for testing the tracking resistance of various solid insulating materials, including:

Electronics Industry: Evaluates tracking performance of electrical components, circuit boards, and insulating materials.

Power Industry: Assessment of electrical insulating materials for cables, switches, transformers, and related equipment.

Plastics: Testing of plastic products, insulating coatings, and electronic plastic housings.

Automotive Industry: Evaluation of tracking resistance of automotive electrical systems, batteries, and electronic components.

Construction Industry: Testing electrical materials for building applications, including cables, distribution boxes, and sockets.

Household Appliances: Insulation performance testing for wires, batteries, plugs, and other electrical components.

R&D and Quality Control: Verification of new materials and ongoing product quality monitoring.

Standard usage of Tracking Index Tester

The tester complies with the following national, industry, and international standards:

GB/T 4207-2003: Determination of comparative and proof tracking indices of solid insulating materials under wet conditions

IEC 60112: Test methods for electric strength and tracking resistance of solid insulating materials

UL 746A: Plastic Materials – Short Term Property Evaluations

IEC 60216: Thermal aging tests for electrical insulating materials

ASTM D2344: Standard methods for insulation material aging tests

IEC 60529: Degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment

GB/T 5169: Safety testing standards for electrical products

Technical parameters of Tracking Index Tester

Parameter Specification
Electrode material Tungsten steel (test electrode), stainless steel (electrode rod)
Electrode size (2 mm ±0.1 mm) × (5 mm ±0.1 mm) × (40 mm ±5 mm)
Electrode slope 30° ±2°
Electrode spacing 4.0 mm ±0.01 mm
Electrode pressure 1.00 N ±0.01 N
Test solution resistance Solution A: 0.1% NH4Cl, 3.95 ±0.05 Ω·m; Solution B: 1.98 ±0.05 Ω·m
Droplet device No manual adjustment required; easy to operate
Droplet height 35 mm ±5 mm (adjustable)
Droplet interval 30 s ±0.01 s (pre-settable); 50 droplets ≈ 24.5 min ±2 min
Number of droplets 1–9999 (pre-settable)
Test wind speed 0.2 m/s
Test voltage 100 V – 600 V (25 V increments, adjustable)
Current limit 1.0 A ±0.1 A (voltage drop ≤10%)
Tracking detection 0.50 A ±10%, 2.00 s ±10%
Exhaust Ø100 mm exhaust port, top anti-backflow silent exhaust device
Working environment 0–40 °C, relative humidity ≤80%
Power supply 220 V 50 Hz, 0.6 kVA
External dimensions 1160 mm × 600 mm × 1310 mm (including feet)

Features of Tracking Index Tester

Fully Automatic Operation: PLC and touch screen control for voltage adjustment, droplet control, and current measurement. Minimizes human error and increases testing efficiency.

Precise Droplet Control: Stepper motor controlled droplet device ensures accurate, adjustable droplet volume, complying with international standards.

Real-time Data Monitoring: Voltage, current, droplet count, and other parameters are displayed in real-time; results are automatically saved and report generation is supported.

Efficient Exhaust System: Silent, anti-backflow exhaust removes fumes quickly, maintaining a safe testing environment.

Multi-functional Settings: Adjustable droplet time, voltage, and current to accommodate various materials and standard requirements.

Safety Features: Overcurrent protection, test door status indicator, and electrical isolation ensure operator safety.

Accessories and Consumables for Tracking Index Tester

Accessory Quantity Description
Electrode assembly 1 Tungsten steel test electrode + stainless steel rod, compliant with specifications
Droplet device 1 Ensures precise droplet application, adjustable droplet volume
Droplet container 1 For test solution, supports accurate droplet control
High-precision flow meter 1 Ensures uniform and precise droplet volume
Gas interface 1 For connection to user-supplied gas source (e.g., LPG)
Specimen holder 1 Supports different shapes and sizes, ensures stability
Temperature sensor 1 Measures and controls temperature during testing

The testing principle of Tracking Index Tester

The Leakage Current / Tracking Tester applies voltage across the surface of solid insulating materials while dripping a defined concentration of liquid (e.g., NH4Cl solution) between electrodes. The combination of electric field, voltage, current, and droplet count simulates surface tracking and erosion phenomena. The tester measures tracking onset time and damage depth, evaluating the material’s durability and safety in humid electrical environments.

Tracking Index Tester Operation Process

Specimen Preparation: Secure the specimen in the holder, ensuring good contact with electrodes.

Parameter Setting: Set droplet interval, voltage, current, and droplet count using the touch screen.

Start Test: Press “Start”; the device automatically initiates droplet application and voltage.

Record Results: The system automatically records all test data during the process.

Test Completion: After testing, the device shuts off voltage, stops droplet application, and exhausts fumes. Results are saved and can be stored for analysis.

Safety Precautions

Ensure the equipment is powered off before cleaning or maintenance.

Avoid touching electrodes and specimen holder during testing to prevent electric shock.

Ensure stable gas connection and shut off gas after testing.

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