Understanding Arc Resistance
When you select a material for electrical insulation, you depend on the protection it provides. You cannot use easily flammable, highly conductive materials to insulate electricity. That is why you must test each material with verifiable scientific methods. Here are the keys to understanding arc resistance.
What Is Arc Resistance?
Electrical insulation does exactly what the name implies—it controls the movement and release of electrical currents generated during industrial processes. This control is only possible when using adequate electrical insulation materials. Arc resistance is one of the ways that manufacturers test and verify the insulating qualities of their fabrications. In essence, arc resistance is the measurement of time necessary for a material to become conductive under controlled high-voltage conditions. The total number of seconds is critical to know when selecting an insulating material since any loose electricity can lead to devastating consequences.
How Is It Measured?
Measuring arc resistance requires careful laboratory conditions. The formal name of this arc resistance procedure is ASTM D495, developed by the non-profit organization ASTM International, which establishes the standards for these manufacturing regulations. For the test, manufacturers set up two electrodes near one another just apart from the surface of the insulating material. Amid a series of high-voltage, low-current electrical arcs, the material slowly becomes conductive of an electrical current. However, the time in seconds that it resists conductivity determines its overall quality as an insulator. Most materials will eventually erode or decompose under electrical and thermal pressure, but the key is to hold out as long as possible.
How Does It Affect Material Applications?
Arc resistance notes the ability of a material to resist conducting electrical currents, thereby acting as a safety measure in many situations. For example, here at Red Seal Electric Company, we fabricate GPO3, a mineral-filled, fiber-glass reinforced, unsaturated polyester material that serves as an excellent electrical insulator. With an arc resistance of 180 seconds, it is one of the best materials of its kind. GPO3 and other electrical insulators have various applications in the transit and marine industries where operators must control smoke generation in switchgear and control panels.
Completely understanding arc resistance may take more time and research, but a knowledge of what the measurement indicates is critical for the safety and efficiency of processes in many industries. If you have any questions about our GPO3 or other electrical insulating materials, reach out to our team at Red Seal Electric Company today!