ASTM F1116-88(1995)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
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Designation: F 1116 – 88 (Reapproved 1995)
Standard Test Method for
Determining Dielectric Strength of Overshoe 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.
TABLE 1 Flashover Clearances Between Electrodes
1. Scope
A-C Proof Test D-C Proof Test
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the dielec-
Voltage mm (in.) Voltage mm (in.)
tric strength of overshoe footwear. Three procedures are
5 000 76 (3) 20 000 76 (3)
10 000 76 (3) 40 000 102 (4)
provided, the use of which depends upon the portion of the
20 000 127 (5) 50 000 152 (6)
footwear that it is desired to test.
1.1.1 Procedure A—Withstand voltage proof test of the sole
portion of the overshoe footwear.
5. Apparatus
1.1.2 Procedure B—Withstand voltage proof test of the sole
and foot portion of the overshoe footwear. 5.1 Electrodes:
1.1.3 Procedure C—Withstand voltage proof test of the
5.1.1 Procedure A—The footwear shall be filled with water
maximum possible portion of the overshoe footwear without or conductive metal shot so that the inner sole is completely
permitting flashover between electrodes.
covered. The footwear shall then be placed in water to such a
1.2 The use and maintenance of this equipment is beyond depth that the under side of the sole is, to the greatest extent
the scope of this test method.
practicable, in contact with the water without the water going
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the above the top of any part of the sole. The water or shot inside
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
the footwear forms one test electrode and shall be connected to
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- one terminal of the voltage source by means of a chain or
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- sliding rod that dips into the electrode. The water in the
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazard container outside the footwear forms the other electrode and
statements appear in 5.2. shall be connected directly to the other terminal of the voltage
source (see Figs. 1-4).
2. Referenced Documents
5.1.2 Procedures B and C—These procedures differ from
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Procedure A in how much of the overshoe footwear is
D 149 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and subjected to the voltage proof test. In Procedure B, the
Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials
footwear is immersed to a level of the top of the foot, while in
at Commercial Power Frequencies Procedure C the footwear is immersed to a depth where the
flashover clearance is consistent with the proof test voltage as
3. Descriptions of Terms Specific to This Standard
listed in Table 1. In Procedures B and C, the inner electrode
3.1 sole—the underside of the boot or rubber that would be
would preferably be water because of the weight of that
in contact with the ground. In this type footwear it is normally
quantity of shot. Care must therefore be taken to thoroughly
one piece and constructed of a molded elastomer.
dry the inside of the footwear following the proof test and prior
3.2 foot portion—the portion of the footwear below the
to storage or issue.
wearer’s ankle bone.
NOTE 1—Water used as electrodes should have a minimum conduc-
tance of 0.25 mho.
4. Significance and Use
5.2 Precaution—It is recommended that the test apparatus
4.1 Electrical contact injuries to workers may involve a
be designed to afford the operator full protection in perfor-
current path through the feet of the worker. This test method
mance of his duties. Reliable means of deenergizing and
will determine that overshoe footwear, if provided as additional
grounding the high-voltage circuit shall be provided. It is
isolation or insulation, has a particular value of dielectric
particularly important to incorporate a positive means of
strength at the time of the test.
grounding the high-voltage section of the d-c test apparatus due
to the likely presence of high-voltage capacitance charges at
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F-18 on
the conclusion of the test.
Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers and is the direct responsibility of
5.3 Electrical Test Equipment:
Subcommittee F18.15 on Worker Personal Equipment.
5.3.1 The test equipment used in the dielectric strength or
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 1988. Published May 1988.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 10.01. proof tests shall be capable of supplying an essentially stepless
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