Tracking Index Tester
Category：Flammability Tester
Introduction
Leakage Current Tracking 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
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.
Standards
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
Specifications
| 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
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
| 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 |
Test Principle
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.
Operating Instructions
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.
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of the leakage current / tracking test?
It evaluates the resistance of insulating materials to surface tracking and electrical erosion under humid conditions.
2. Which liquids are used for droplet testing?
Typically ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) solutions with specified resistances as per the standard.
3. Can voltage and droplet intervals be adjusted?
Yes, voltage, current, droplet height, and droplet interval are fully adjustable to meet different standards.
4. How is safety ensured during the test?
The machine includes overcurrent protection, door status sensors, electrical isolation, and exhaust for fumes.
5. Can this tester evaluate all insulating materials?
It is suitable for solid insulating materials. Liquids or unstable specimens are not suitable for this test.
