ASTM F1116-03(2008)

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:F 1116–88(Reapproved 1995) Designation:F 1116–03 (Reapproved 2008)
Standard Test Method for
Determining Dielectric Strength of Overshoe
FootwearDetermining Dielectric Strength of Dielectric
Footwear
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1116; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1This test method covers the determination of the dielectric strength of overshoe footwear. Three procedures are provided, the
use of which depends upon the portion of the footwear that it is desired to test.
1.1.1Procedure A—Withstand voltage proof test of the sole portion of the overshoe footwear.
1.1.2Procedure B—Withstand voltage proof test of the sole and foot portion of the overshoe footwear.
1.1.3Procedure C—Withstand voltage proof test of the maximum possible portion of the overshoe footwear without permitting
flashover between electrodes.
1.2The use and maintenance of this equipment is beyond the scope of this test method.
1.3
1.1 This test method covers testing to determine the “Dielectric Strength” of dielectric overfoot and overshoe footwear. Testing
is done over the maximum possible area of the dielectric footwear without permitting flashover between electrodes.
1.2 The use and maintenance of dielectric footwear is beyond the scope of this test method.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use. Specific hazard statements appear in 5.2.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 149 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials at
Commercial Power Frequencies
F 1117 Specification for Dielectric Footwear
3. Descriptions of Terms Specific to This Standard Terminology
3.1 sole—the underside of the boot or rubber that would be in contact with the ground. In this type footwear it is normally one
piece and constructed of a molded elastomer.
3.2foot portion—the portion of the footwear below the wearer’s ankle bone. Descriptions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 user— as used in 1.3, the entity employing the actual worker utilizing the equipment; if no separate employer, then the
individual.
3.1.2 overfoot footwear—footwear designed to be worn directly over the feet as the only source of foot covering.
3.1.3 overshoe footwear—footwear designed to be worn over existing footwear.
4. Significance and Use
4.1Electrical contact injuries to workers may involve a current path through the feet of the worker. This test method will
determine that overshoe footwear, if provided as additional isolation or insulation, has a particular value of dielectric strength at
the time of the test.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F-18 on Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
F18.15 on Worker Personal Equipment.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 1988. Published May 1988.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F18 on Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
F18.15 on Worker Personal Equipment.
Current edition approved April 1, 2008. Published April 2008. Originally approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 20038 as F 1116–03.
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
, Vol 10.01.volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F 1116–03 (2008)
4.1 Electrical contact injuries to workers may involve a current path through the feet of the worker. The footwear covered by
this specification is dielectrically rated to provide additional insulation and isolation to the wearer.This test method will determine
that dielectric footwear has dielectric integrity at the time of the test.
5. Apparatus
5.1 ElectrodesElectrical Test Criteria:
5.1.1 Procedure A—The footwear shall be filled with water or conductive metal shot so that the inner sole is completely
covered. The footwear shall then be placed in water to such a depth that the under side of the sole is, to the greatest extent
practicable, in contact with the water without the water going above the top of any part of the sole. The water or shot inside the
footwear forms one test electrode and shall be connected to one terminal of the voltage source by means of a chain or sliding rod
that dips into the electrode. The water in the container outside the footwear forms the other electrode and shall be connected
directly to the other terminal of the voltage source (see Figs. 1-Test Procedure—The footwear shall be immersed in water or other
conducting media to a depth where the flashover clearance is consistent with the proof test voltage as listed in Table 1. Since the
water or other conducting media inside the footwear forms one test electrode and the water or the other conducting media in the
container outside the footwear forms the other electrode, 152 mm or 6 in. of clearance between electrodes consists of 76 mm or
3 in. of clearance from the top of the footwear to the top of the water or other conducting media both inside and outside of the
footwear. Water is recommended as the medium for the electrodes to ensure complete coverage of the surfaces of the footwear.
Water may wick up the inner lining on certain brands of footwear. To overcome the wicking effect care needs to be taken to keep
the inner area above the water dry and conduct the tests promptly after placing the water inside the footwear. The water or other
conducting media inside the footwear forms one test electrode and shall be connected to one terminal of the voltage source by
means of a metal chain or sliding rod that dips into the electode. The water or other conducting media in the container outside the
footwear forms the other electrode and shall be connected directly to the other terminal of the voltage source. Due to the weight
of water or other types of electrode media, support racks are needed to secure footwear being tested.The maximum protective area
of the footwear shall be tested. Care must be taken to th
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