DIN EN IEC 60112:2026-03

This document specifies the method of test for the determination of the proof and comparative tracking indices of solid insulating materials on pieces taken from parts of equipment and on plaques of material using alternating voltage. This document provides a procedure for the determination of erosion when required. The proof tracking index is used as an acceptance criterion as well as a means for the quality control of materials and fabricated parts. The comparative tracking index is mainly used for the basic characterization and comparison of the properties of materials. Test results are not directly suitable for the evaluation of safe creepage distances when designing electrical apparatus. This test method makes it possible to distinguish between materials with relatively low resistance to tracking and those with moderate or good resistance, the latter being suitable for use in equipment designed for operation in humid environments. More stringent and longer test procedures involving higher stresses and larger test specimens (see the inclined plane test according to IEC 60587) are required in order to evaluate material behavior in outdoor applications. Other test methods - such as the inclined plane test - may rank materials in a different order than the drop test described in this document. This basic safety publication focusing on a safety test method is primarily intended for use by technical committees in the preparation of safety publications in accordance with the principles laid down in IEC Guide 104 and lSO/lEC Guide 51. It is the responsibility of a technical committee to incorporate the requirements of the basic safety standards whenever possible when preparing standards that fall within its area of responsibility. The standard differs from DIN EN IEC 60112 (VDE 0303-11):2022-11 as follows: a) In 7.3, the term "resistivity" has been replaced by "conductivity". This test method evaluates the composition of the material as well as the surface of the material being evaluated. Both the composition and the surface condition have a direct influence on the evaluation results and are taken into account when using the results in the material selection process. Both the composition and surface condition directly influence the results of the evaluation and are considered when using the results in material selection process.