ASTM F1895-14

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: F1895 − 14
Standard Test Method for
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Submersion of a Membrane Switch
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1895; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope tance of a Membrane Switch
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2.2 National Electrical Manufacturers Assoc.:
1.1 This test method establishes procedures for the sub-
(NEMA) Publication 250-1991
mergingofamembraneswitchtoverifyresistancetoingressof
a specified liquid.
3. Terminology
1.2 This test method can also be used to verify the ability of
a membrane switch or graphics layer to act as a liquid seal for 3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 membrane switch—A momentary switching device in
a finished product.
which at least one contact is on, or made of, a flexible
1.3 Additional test methods or practices can be incorporated
substrate.
to investigate specific results or capabilities.
3.1.2 specified resistance—maximum allowable resistance
1.4 This test method is a modification of National Electrical
as measured between two terminations whose internal switch
Manufacturers Assoc. (NEMA) Publication 250-1991 Section
contacts, when held closed, complete a circuit.
6.10, which is a test for submersion of a finished product
3.1.3 silver migration—growth of fine crystals between
housing.
silver conductors of a thick film circuit due to an ionic reaction
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
to the presence of water and an applied dc voltage potential.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
4. Significance and Use
and are not considered standard.
4.1 The presence of water inside a membrane switch can
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
affect its mechanical operation or electrical functionality, or
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
both. Electrical failure can result as short circuits due to silver
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
migration or exceeding the specified resistance due to oxida-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
tion.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.2 This test method establishes a procedure to verify the
2. Referenced Documents ability of a membrane switch to resist the entry of liquid in
itself or a finished product, or both. It is useful in identifying
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2.1 ASTM Standards:
design deficiencies.
F1595 Practice forViewing Conditions forVisual Inspection
4.3 Submersion testing may be destructive, therefore any
of Membrane Switches
samples tested should be considered unfit for future use.
F1663 Test Method for Determining the Capacitance of a
Membrane Switch
5. Interferences
F1680 Test Method for Determining Circuit Resistance of a
Membrane Switch
5.1 External Venting—any deliberate external venting of the
F1689 Test Method for Determining the Insulation Resis-
switch will allow liquid to enter.
5.2 Atmospheric Pressure—significant changes in atmo-
spheric pressure during the test or at different facilities may
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This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F01 on
alter the time in which leakage might occur.
Electronics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F01.18 on Membrane
Switches.
5.3 Duration of Test—longer submersion time increases the
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2014. Published January 2014. Originally
possibility of leakage.
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as F1895 - 10a. DOI:
10.1520/F1895-14.
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For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
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Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), 1300
the ASTM website. N. 17th St., Suite 1752, Rosslyn, VA 22209, http://www.nema.org.
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F1895 − 14
5.4 Dye Coloring—chose a dye coloring that will not 9.1.1.4 Visually inspect in accordance with Practice F1595
chemically attack the materials. and note anything that could affect results or of interest to
compare after test. Pictures of UUT may be useful as well but
6. Apparatus not required.
9.1.2 Fill tub with specified liquid to provide a level of
6.1 Tub of sufficient size and depth (w/cover) for the entire
approximately 1 in. (25.4 mm) above the uppermost surface of
switch, including any mounting surface to be s
...