This technical specification explains many of the factors involved in voltage endurance tests
on electrical insulating materials and systems. It describes the voltage endurance graph, lists
test methods illustrating their limitations and gives guidance for evaluating the a.c. voltage
endurance of insulating materials and systems from the results of the tests.
The terminology to be used in voltage endurance is defined and explained. It should be
emphasized that where this technical specification is concerned with materials, the results
may not be directly applicable to the performance of insulating systems.
Voltage endurance tests are used to compare and evaluate insulating materials with regard to
their various applications in electrical systems. Determining the ability of electrical insulating
materials and systems to endure a.c. voltage stress is complex. The results of voltage
endurance tests are influenced by many factors so this technical specification should only be
considered as an attempt to present a unified view of voltage endurance for simplified
planning and analysis. Some documents for the various practical cases exist and others are
being developed.