ASTM F1236-96(2012)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: F1236 − 96(Reapproved 2012)
Standard Guide for
Visual Inspection of Electrical Protective Rubber Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1236; 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 with time. It is normally a slow oxidation process caused by
exposure to sunlight and ozone in the atmosphere and starts in
1.1 The purpose of this guide is to present methods and
areas of the rubber that are under stress (see Fig. 3).
techniques for the visual inspection of electrical protective
3.1.3 breakdown—the electrical discharge or arc occurring
rubber products. This guide also includes descriptions and
between the electrodes and through the equipment being tested
photographs of irregularities found in these products.
(see Fig. 4).
NOTE 1—It is not the purpose of this guide to establish the acceptance
3.1.4 chemical bloom—a white or yellowish discoloration
level of any irregularity described herein. That shall be established by the
on the surface of a rubber product caused by the migration to
standard for each product.
the surface of chemical additives used in the manufacture of
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
the finished product (see Fig. 5).
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.1.5 color splash—a spot or blotch on the surface of a
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
rubber product that occurred during the manufacturing process
and are not considered standard.
when a contrasting colored particle of unvulcanized rubber
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
became embedded into the finished product (see Fig. 6).
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.6 cuts— smooth incisions in the surface of the rubber
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
that are usually caused by a sharp-edged object that can
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
increase in size when they are placed under strain (see Fig. 7).
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.7 depressions or indentations —a shallow recess in the
surface of the rubber that exhibits a thinner rubber thickness at
2. Referenced Documents
the bottom of the depression than in the surrounding areas (see
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Fig. 8).
F496 Specification for In-Service Care of Insulating Gloves
3.1.8 detergent cracks —cracks that appear on the inside
and Sleeves
surface of a glove or sleeve that encircle the outline of a spot
F819 Terminology Relating to Electrical Protective Equip-
of detergent residue that was not removed during the cleaning
ment for Workers
and rinsing of the form prior to the dipping process.
3. Terminology
3.1.9 embedded foreign matter—a particle of non-rubber
material that has been molded into the finished product and
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
mayappearasabumpwhentherubberisstretched(seeFig.9).
3.1.1 abrasions and scratches—surface damage that nor-
3.1.10 form marks—a raised or indented section on the
mally occurs when a product makes contact with an abrasive
surface of the rubber that was caused by an irregularity in the
surface. Scuff-like damage can also occur from a brush contact
form.
with a hot object such as a soldering iron. This can sometimes
look like the graining on leather (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2). 3.1.11 hard spot—a hardened area on the rubber surface that
3.1.2 age cracks—surface cracks that may look like the is usually caused by exposure to high heat or chemical attack
crazing of glazed ceramics and become progressively worse (see Figs. 10-13).
3.1.12 mold marks—a raised or indented section on the
1 surface of the rubber that was caused by an irregularity in the
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F18 on Electrical
Protective Equipment for Workersand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
mold (see Figs. 14 and 15).
F18.60 on Terminology.
3.1.13 nicks, snags, or scratches—angular tears, notches, or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2012. Published October 2012. Originally
chip-like injuries in the surface of the rubber that have been
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as F1236 – 96(2007).
DOI: 10.1520/F1236-96R12. caused by barbed wire, sharp pointed tools, staples, splinters or
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
similar sharp edged hazards (see Fig. 2, Fig. 16, and Fig. 17).
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
3.1.14 ozone cracks—a series of interlacing cracks that may
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. start at stress points and quickly worsen as a result of rapid
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1236 − 96 (2012)
FIG. 1 Abrasion
FIG. 3 Age Cracks
FIG. 4 Breakdown (Dielectric Failure)
FIG. 2 Scratches
3.1.20 runs— raised flow marks that may occur on the
fingers of rubber gloves during the dipping process.
oxidation in a highly concentrated ozone atmosphere usually
3.1.21 skin breaks—cavities in the surface of the rubber
produced by electrical arcing (see Fig. 18 and Fig. 19).
with filmy ragged edges and smooth interior surfaces that are
3.1.15 parting line or flash line—a ridge of rubber left on
normally caused by embedded dirt specks during manufacture.
finished products occurring at mold joints during the manufac-
3.1.22 soft spots—surface areas of the rubber that have
turing process.
become soft and sometimes tacky as a result of exposure to
3.1.16 pitting—a pit-like depression in the surface of the
heat, oils, or chemical solvents.
rubber that may have been created by the rupturing of an air
3.1.23 tears— a separation of the rubber through its entire
bubble at or near the surface of the rubber during the
thickness, usually at an edge, that has been created by a
manufacturing process (see Fig. 20).
forceful pulling apart of the rubber (see Fig. 24).
3.1.17 protuberance—bulge or swelling that protrudes
3.1.24 tracking—the formation of a carbonized path on the
above the surface of the rubber that may have occurred during
surface of a solid insulating medium, resulting from excessive
manufacture (see Fig. 21).
current leakage over the surface (see Fig. 25 and Fig. 26).
3.1.18 puncture—penetration by a sharp object through the
entire thickness of the rubber product (see Fig. 22).
4. Significance and Use
3.1.19 repair marks—an area on the surface of the finished
product that has a different texture due to the repair or 4.1 This guide provides inspection techniques that may be
reworking of an irregularity in the mold or form (see Fig. 23). used to examine electrical protective rubber products for
F1236 − 96 (2012)
FIG. 7 Cuts
FIG. 5 Chemical Bloom
FIG. 8 Depr
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