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Tracking Test Apparatus 

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The Dunel Tracking Test Apparatus is a fully automatic test instrument designed for the determination of the Comparative and Proof Tracking Index (CTI/PTI) of solid insulating materials, in accordance with IEC 60112.

The equipment evaluates the ability of an insulating material to resist the formation of conductive tracks (tracking) on its surface when subjected simultaneously to an electric field and a conductive liquid contaminant. This phenomenon is one of the main causes of insulation failure in environments exposed to humidity, conductive dust, or other surface contaminants, and can result in short-circuit, arcing, or fire.

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Test principle

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The test follows the method described in IEC 60112: two platinum electrodes are positioned on the surface of the test specimen, each inclined 30° from vertical, forming an included angle of 60° between them. The inner faces of the tips are straight and parallel to each other, spaced exactly 4 mm apart, defining the window where drops of the test electrolyte (ammonium chloride solution) fall onto the specimen at regular 30-second intervals.

A test voltage is applied between the electrodes. During the addition of drops, the leakage current between the tips is continuously monitored: if the current exceeds 0.5 A (500 mA) for a continuous period longer than 2 seconds, the test is stopped and the specimen is deemed to have failed at that voltage level. The CTI corresponds to the highest voltage, in volts, at which the material withstands 50 drops without failure.

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Equipment features

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  • 100% automatic operation, from test start to cycle completion

  • High-precision electromechanical pipetting system, with accurate control of drop volume and timing

  • 10" colour HMI touch-screen interface for electrical parameter setup

  • Automatic series resistor bank switching

  • Built-in self-calibration function

  • Automatic circuit safety verification (1 A) before each test

  • Electrically assisted sample access door

  • Front door with large safety-glass viewing window

  • Drainage and effluent collection system

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Compliant standards

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  • IEC 60112 — Determination of the proof and comparative tracking indices of solid insulating materials

  • IEC 60587 — Electrical insulating materials used under severe ambient conditions — test methods for evaluating resistance to tracking and erosion

  • IEC 60695-2-1 — Fire hazard testing

  • UL 746A — Short-term property evaluations of polymeric materials

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Applications

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The Tracking Test Apparatus is used for the qualification and quality control of insulating materials employed in:

  • Aerospace and avionics electronic components

  • Electromedical equipment

  • Household appliances and white goods

  • Automotive industry, power generation, telecommunications, and electronic component manufacturing in general

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Interactive simulator

Below, an interactive simulator reproduces the IEC 60112 test cycle — including electrode geometry, voltage application, timed drop delivery, and leakage current monitoring — allowing the operating principle of the equipment to be visualised before the physical test.

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For detailed technical specifications, customisation options, or to schedule a demonstration, please contact the Dunel technical team.

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