IEC 60454-2:2007

INTERNATIONAL IEC
STANDARD 60454-2
Third edition
2007-06
Pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes
for electrical purposes –
Part 2:
Methods of test
Reference number
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INTERNATIONAL IEC
STANDARD 60454-2
Third edition
2007-06
Pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes
for electrical purposes –
Part 2:
Methods of test
PRICE CODE
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale X
International Electrotechnical Commission
МеждународнаяЭлектротехническаяКомиссия
For price, see current catalogue

– 2 – 60454-2 © IEC:2007(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.5

1 Scope.7
2 Normative references .7
3 Conditioning and specimen preparation .8
4 Determination of thickness .8
4.1 Test apparatus .8
4.2 Test specimens .8
4.3 Procedure .8
4.4 Results.8
5 Determination of width.8
5.1 Method A.8
5.2 Method B.9
5.3 Method C .9
6 Determination of roll length.10
6.1 Principle.10
6.2 Method A – Measurement of turns method .10
6.3 Method B – Length sensor method .11
7 Corrosion-related properties .11
7.1 General .11
7.2 Preparation of water extract for pH and conductivity determinations .11
7.3 Determination of pH value of water extract .12
7.4 Determination of conductivity of water extract .12
7.5 Detection of corrosive sulfur .13
7.6 Insulation resistance method .14
7.7 Visual method .14
7.8 Wire tensile strength method .14
8 Tensile strength and elongation at break .15
8.1 Apparatus.15
8.2 Test specimens .15
8.3 Procedure .15
8.4 Results.15
9 Low-temperature properties.15
9.1 Principle.15
9.2 Test specimen.16
9.3 Procedure .16
9.4 Flexibility.16
9.5 Electric strength .16
9.6 Results.16
10 Resistance to penetration at elevated temperatures .17
10.1 Apparatus.17
10.2 Test specimens .17
10.3 Procedure .17
10.4 Results.17
11 Adhesion .17

60454-2 © IEC:2007(E) – 3 –
11.1 Principle.17
11.2 Materials .18
11.3 Apparatus.18
11.4 Test samples and test pieces .19
11.5 Procedure .20
11.6 Expression of results.20
12 Adhesion to backing at low temperatures.21
12.1 Test specimens .21
12.2 Procedure .21
12.3 Results.21
13 Shear adhesion to backing after liquid immersion .21
13.1 Apparatus.21
13.2 Test specimens .21
13.3 Procedure .22
13.4 Results.22
14 Curing properties of thermosetting adhesive tapes .22
14.1 Bond separation during thermal treatment (adhesive to backing) .22
14.2 Bond separation after thermal treatment (adhesion to backing) .22
15 Flagging tests.23
15.1 Principle.23
15.2 Apparatus.23
15.3 Test specimens .23
15.4 Preparation of specimens for test .24
15.5 Test conditions.24
15.6 Results.24
16 Water vapor permeability.24
16.1 Apparatus.24
16.2 Test specimens .24
16.3 Procedure .25
16.4 Results.25
17 Electric strength .25
17.1 General .25
17.2 Test specimens .25
17.3 Procedure .25
17.4 Results.25
18 Electric strength after humid conditioning .26
19 Resistance to flame propagation .26
19.1 Principle.26
19.2 Apparatus.26
19.3 Test specimen.26
19.4 Procedure .27
19.5 Results.27
20 Flame test .27
20.1 Principle.27
20.2 Apparatus.28
20.3 Preparation of test specimen .28
20.4 Procedure .29
20.5 Results.29

– 4 – 60454-2 © IEC:2007(E)
21 Thermal endurance .29
21.1 Determination of thermal endurance (based on IEC 60216-1 and IEC 60216-2).29
21.2 Voltage breakdown.30
21.3 Loss of mass.31

Annex A (normative) Rollers to be used in various tests.40

Bibliography.41

Figure 1 – Measuring device for determination of roll length of tape (measurement of
turns method) .32
Figure 2 – Measuring device for determination of roll length of tape (length sensor
method) .32
Figure 3 – Sequence of bends .33
Figure 4 – Dielectric strength test in water .33
Figure 5 – Sketch of penetration tester .34
Figure 6 – Steel test plate.35
Figure 7 – Arrangement for stripping the tape from the plate.35
Figure 8 – Flagging test – Preparation of test specimen.36
Figure 9a – Draught protection device .37
Figure 9b – Use of Bunsen burner and sliding plate with draught protection device.37
Figure 9 – Flame test enclosures .37
Figure 10 – Essential dimensions for flame test (proportions exaggerated for clarity of
details) .38
Figure 11 – Dimensions of wedge .39

Table 1 – Conditioning for low temperature properties .16

60454-2 © IEC:2007(E) – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
PRESSURE-SENSITIVE ADHESIVE TAPES
FOR ELECTRICAL PURPOSES –
Part 2: Methods of test
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60454-2 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 15: Solid
electrical insulating materials.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 1994, and constitutes
a technical revision. This revision includes improved text regarding the flame test (Clause 20),
the improved text on adhesion (Clause 11) and a new Figures 9a and 9b.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
15/377/FDIS 15/387/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.

– 6 – 60454-2 © IEC:2007(E)
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 60454 series, under the general title Pressure-sensitive
adhesive tapes for electrical purposes, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in
the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed;
• withdrawn;
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.
The contents of the corrigendum of December 2009 have been included in this copy.

– 6 – 60454-2 © IEC:2007(E)
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 60454 series, under the general title Pressure-sensitive
adhesive tapes for electrical purposes, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in
the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed;
• withdrawn;
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.
The contents of the corrigendum of December 2009 have been included in this copy.

60454-2 © IEC:2007(E) – 7 –
PRESSURE-SENSITIVE ADHESIVE TAPES
FOR ELECTRICAL PURPOSES –
Part 2: Methods of test
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60454 specifies methods of test for pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes for
electrical purposes.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 60216-1:2001, Electrical insulating materials – Properties of thermal endurance – Part 1:
Ageing procedures and evaluation of test results
IEC 60216-2:2005, Electrical insulating materials – Thermal endurance properties – Part 2:
Determination of thermal endurance properties of electrical insulating materials – Choice of
test criteria
IEC 60216-3:2006, Electrical insulating materials – Thermal endurance properties – Part 3:
Instructions for calculating thermal endurance characteristics
IEC 60243-1:1998, Electrical strength of insulating materials – Test methods – Part 1: Tests
at power frequencies
IEC 60426:1973, Test methods for determining electrolytic corrosion with insulating materials
IEC 60454-3 (all parts), Pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes for electrical purposes – Part 3:
Specifications for individual materials
IEC 60589:1977, Methods of test for the determination of ionic impurities in electrical
insulating materials by extraction with liquids
ISO 383: 1976, Laboratory glassware – Interchangeable conical ground joints
ISO 527-3:1995, Plastics – Determination of tensile properties – Part 3: Test conditions for
films and sheets
ISO 2194:1991, Industrial screens – Woven wire cloth, perforated place and electroformed
sheet – Designation and nominal sizes of openings
ISO 3071:2005, Textiles – Determination of pH of the aqueous extract
ISO 3599:1976, Vernier callipers reading to 0,1 and 0,05 mm
ISO 10093:1998, Plastics – Fire tests – Standard ignition sources
EN 1939:2003, Self-adhesive tapes − Determination of peel adhesion properties (The peel
adhesion test method of Clause 11 is based on test method A of EN 1939:2003. This standard
is the result of the harmonisation of AFERA 5001 and PSTC-1,2,3 and 4, ASTM 3330/D,
ASTM 3330/M and agreed by JATMA.)
NOTE EN: European Norm (Europe) − AFERA: Association des fabricants européens de rubans auto-adhésifs −
PSTC: Pressure sensitive tape council (USA) − ASTM: American society for testing and materials (USA) − JATMA:
Japanese adhesive tapes manufacturers association.

– 8 – 60454-2 © IEC:2007(E)
3 Conditioning and specimen preparation
Unless otherwise specified, rolls are to be conditioned for at least 24 h at (23 ± 2) °C and
(50 ± 5) % relative humidity and all test procedures are to be carried out in this atmosphere.
Remove and discard the three outer turns before taking any test specimens from the
conditioned roll. Specimen preparation shall be done with care in a clean environment.
Specific specimen preparation details will be included with the appropriate test method.
Further conditioning of test specimens may be required.
4 Determination of thickness
4.1 Test apparatus
A dead-weight thickness gauge having two ground and concentric circular surfaces, flat within
0,001 mm and parallel to within 0,003 mm. The upper surface shall be 6 mm to 8 mm in
diameter and the lower surface larger than the upper one. The upper surface shall move on
the axis perpendicular to the two faces.
The gauge shall be graduated to read directly to 0,002 mm. The frame of the thickness gauge
shall be of such rigidity that a load of 15 N applied to the gauge housing, out of contact with
either the weight or the pressure foot spindle, will produce a deflection of the frame not
greater than 0,002 mm (as indicated on the thickness gauge). The pressure exerted on the
specimen shall be (50 ± 5) kPa.
The accuracy of the thickness gauge shall be checked frequently by means of a set of steel
gauges; the measuring errors of the thickness gauge shall not exceed 0,005 mm.
4.2 Test specimens
Five specimens, at least 75 mm long, are cut from the roll at intervals not less than 300 mm.
The specimen shall be allowed to relax for at least 5 min.
4.3 Procedure
Place the test specimen between the jaws of the thickness gauge in contact with the fixed
foot. Take care to ensure that no air bubbles are trapped. Lower the moving pressure foot
gently on to the surface of the tape and take the reading on the gauge within 2 s. Read the
measurement to the nearest 0,002 mm on the thickness gauge scale.
4.4 Results
Report the central value as well as the maximum and minimum values of the five readings of
thickness in millimetres.
5 Determination of width
5.1 Method A
5.1.1 Use a steel rule graduated to 0,5 mm. The total measuring error of the rule shall not
exceed 0,1 mm.
5.1.2 A specimen of tape, at least 450 mm long, is removed from the roll and placed
adhesive side up on a smooth flat surface. The specimen shall be allowed to relax for at least
5 min.
60454-2 © IEC:2007(E) – 9 –
The width of the relaxed specimen is measured with the adhesive side down to the nearest
0,5 mm using the rule. Ten measurements shall be made, uniformly distributed along the
length of the specimen. The width shall be the mean value of the ten measurements.
5.2 Method B
5.2.1 Principle
The adhesive tape roll is placed between the jaws of a pair of calipers.
The width is the perpendicular distance, expressed in millimetres, between the opposite cut
edges of the test specimen of adhesive tape. This method may not be suitable for slit or
rewound rolls if the turns are not exactly coincident.
5.2.2 Apparatus
Vernier calipers with a scale length not less than the roll width according to ISO 3599.
5.2.3 Test specimen
One roll of tape.
5.2.4 Conditioning
Conditioning shall conform to Clause 3 with the exception that it is not necessary to remove
any layers unless damaged.
5.2.5 Procedure
Hold the roll so that the cut edges are in a vertical plane. If the outer turns of the tape on the
roll have crushed or damaged cut edges, these should be discarded prior to measurement.
Hold the calipers so that the scale shaft is in the horizontal plane.
Carefully close the caliper jaws so as to just touch the cut edges of the outer turns of the roll
of tape, taking the following precautions:
a) do not crush the roll edges;
b) ensure that calliper jaws are perpendicular to cut edges.
Measure the roll width in millimetres to the nearest 0,1 mm.
Carry out two further measurements at equally spaced intervals around the circumference.
5.2.6 Results
Report the mean value as the width of tape in millimetres.
5.3 Method C
This method will only be used where a very high degree of accuracy is required.
Use a travelling microscope with a vernier control on one axis which has an accuracy
of 0,001 mm. Using the specimen obtained and relaxed as in 5.1.2, measure the width to the
nearest 0,01 mm, taking ten measurements. The width of the tape is taken as the mean value
in milimetres.
– 10 – 60454-2 © IEC:2007(E)
6 Determination of roll length
6.1 Principle
The length can be calculated from a measurement of the number of turns of tape on the reel
and a measurement of the outer circumference of the tape and the outer circumference of the
core. Alternatively, length can be measured directly by using a length sensor that includes a
rotating wheel that revolves on the roll of tape as it is being unwound.
For non-extensible tapes the length measured by these methods will be the same as the
length after unrolling.
For extensible tapes the length after unrolling will be greater if the tape is stretched
irreversibly by unrolling.
6.2 Method A – Measurement of turns method
6.2.1 Apparatus (see Figure 1)
a) A measuring device capable of counting both whole revolutions and part revolutions,
continuously driven by a spindle. The spindle has a suitable locking device by means of
which a conical shaft can be quickly fitted to suit the internal diameters of cores for the
rolls of tape. (For example, for a nominal 25 mm internal diameter core the conical shaft
will give a 24,5 mm diameter to 26,5 mm diameter over a shaft length of 50 mm.
Alternative size conical shafts would be needed for tapes on a core with significantly
different nominal diameters, such as 76 mm.)
b) Measuring tape. A narrow, flexible, steel tape (6 mm or narrower) calibrated in milimetres.
6.2.2 Test specimen
One roll of tape.
6.2.3 Procedure
Measure the circumference of the roll C in milimetres by means of a steel tape. Apply the
r
tape to the roll like a belt.
Mount the roll on the conical shaft of the counter. Set the counter to zero and pull the tape
from the roll in a direction perpendicular to the spindle. Remove all the tape from the core and
record the number of revolutions (to the nearest tenth of a revolution) as read from the
counter when the last turn of tape has left the core: N turns.
Measure the circumference of the core: C mm.
o
6.2.4 Results
Calculate the length (L) of the tape as follows:
C + C
r o
L (metres) = N
2 000
If the length of tape in contact with the core is not to be included in the total length, then
C + C C
r o o
L (metres) = N −
2 000 1 000
60454-2 © IEC:2007(E) – 11 –
6.3 Method B – Length sensor method
6.3.1 Apparatus (see Figure 2)
A measuring device capable of measuring the length of a roll of tape in metres by using a
calibrated rotating wheel which rolls, with low torque and contact pressure, against the
circumference of the tape as it unwinds. The apparatus includes a spindle for mounting the
tape, a length sensor, a read-out system and a rotating wind-up roll that can be used to
unwind, either manually or automatically, the roll of tape.
6.3.2 Test specimen
One roll of tape.
6.3.3 Procedure
Mount the roll on the shaft adjacent to the sensor. Position the roll and length sensor so that
the sensor is in contact with the circumference of roll and the leading end of the roll is directly
under the sensor. Set the sensor to zero and manually pull the leading edge of the tape and
fix it to the wind-up roll. At the start of unwinding, ensure that the length sensor maintains
good contact with the roll and does not slip or bind. On completion of unwinding, take the
reading of the length sensor.
6.3.4 Results
Report the length in metres as recorded on the read-out.
7 Corrosion-related properties
7.1 General
The requirements for individual products are given in IEC 60454-3. The test methods will be
selected from those given in this part. When electrolytic corrosion is of significance, i.e. when
fine wire approximately 1 mm in diameter or finer is used, the determination is carried out
according to IEC 60426.
Where required by IEC 60454-3, the test methods for the determination of conductivity, pH
and corrosive sulphur shall be used.
7.2 Preparation of water extract for pH and conductivity determinations
7.2.1 Precautions
Avoid contamination of the material during storage, sampling, preparation of test pieces and
testing.
– 12 – 60454-2 © IEC:2007(E)
Ensure that the sample roll and the material taken therefrom are not contaminated by the
atmosphere, particularly the atmosphere of a chemical laboratory, or by contact with bare
hands, and that the implements used for cutting or handling the test piece are chemically
clean.
7.2.2 Test piece
Cut strips of tape, each approximately 25 mm × 6 mm, from the sample roll.
If a strip is folded, it shall be folded adhesive surface outwards.
7.2.3 Method
Use water having a conductivity not greater than 0,2 mS/m. Make a blank test of the
extraction vessel before each extraction, and if the resultant conductivity exceeds 0,2 mS/m
repeat the test with the same extraction vessel. Change the vessel if the second result also
exceeds this value.
Prepare the extract by putting a ratio of 1 g of tape to 100 ml of water into a borosilicate glass
(high chemical resistance glass) or quartz flask fitted with a reflux condenser of the same
quality glass or quartz. Use an apparatus with interchangeable conical ground-glass joints
complying with the requirements of ISO 383.
Boil the water gently for 60 min, except in the case of cellulose acetate film tape for which the
period should be 10 min, taking care that the material is not charred. Allow it to cool as rapidly
as possible, taking precautions against admission of carbon dioxide (e.g. CO trap).
7.2.4 Quantity
Sufficient quantity of extracts should be prepared so that pH and conductivity are measured
on separate portions of the extracts.
7.3 Determination of pH value of water extract
Determine the pH value at a temperature of (23 ± 2) °C according to 8.2 of ISO 3071.
7.4 Determination of conductivity of water extract
7.4.1 Apparatus
The following apparatus is required.
7.4.1.1 A suitable conductivity cell which may consist of two inert electrodes, e.g., platinized
platinum maintained at a fixed distance apart and adequately insulated from each other.
7.4.1.2 A measuring instrument capable of measuring conductance or admittance with an
accuracy of 5 % and a minimum reading of 1 μS in the frequency range 50 Hz to 3 000 Hz at
a voltage not exceeding 100 V; alternatively, resistance may be measured to the same
accuracy.
NOTE 1 It is important that any insulation immersed in the test liquid should not be water absorbent or subject to
contamination by aqueous electrolytes.
NOTE 2 The conductivity cell should be easy to clean and free from recesses where impurities can be retained.
NOTE 3 Care should be taken to ensure that the electrodes do not become polarized.
NOTE 4 Platinized platinum electrodes are platinum-coated with platinum black.

60454-2 © IEC:2007(E) – 13 –
7.4.2 Determination of electrical conductivity
7.4.2.1 General
Determination of the conductivity cell constant. If not known, determine the conductivity cell
–1
constant K (m ) using the method specified in IEC 60589.
NOTE For test apparatus, where the cell constant is calibrated into the apparatus electronics, this step is not
necessary.
7.4.2.2 Determination of the conductivity of the blank
After thoroughly cleaning the conductivity cell with water as specified in 7.2.3, fill it with water
obtained as a result of the blank extraction test, and measure its conductivity G in mS/m at
(23 ± 2) °C. The conductivity of the blank in mS/m is then KG .
7.4.2.3 Determination of the conductivity of the water extract
Thoroughly rinse the conductivity cell with the extract to be tested, and then fill with the
extract. Adjust the temperature to (23 ± 2) °C, maintain for 15 min and then measure the
conductivity G in mS/m at that temperature.
The conductivity of the water extract in mS/m is then calculated as K(G – G ).
2 1
NOTE For most purposes, where it is not convenient to test the water extract at (23 ± 2) °C, it is sufficiently
accurate to apply the following correction:
G
Conductivity at 23 °C =
1+ 0,02 (t − 23)
where G is the conductivity obtained when the measurement is made at t °C.
7.4.3 Results
Express the conductivity in mS/m at a temperature of 23 °C.
7.5 Detection of corrosive sulfur
7.5.1 Test specimens
Cut two test specimens, each 100 mm long, from the sample roll.
7.5.2 Apparatus
Three smooth copper rods are required, each approximately 6 mm in diameter and 75 mm
long, cleaned and polished with water and silicon carbide powder size 90 μm to 125 μm and
wiped clean and dried with cotton wool or filter paper. Finally the rods are washed with a
volatile sulfur-free solvent, such as diethyl ether, and allowed to dry.
7.5.3 Method
Handle the copper rods with clean, dry metal forceps. Wind two of the copper rods centrally
with approximately 100 mm of tape so that succeeding layers are superimposed one on
another. Leave at least 12 mm at each end of the copper rods clear of tape.
NOTE Tapes above 50 mm in width should be slit to allow the copper rods to be bare at each end for the required
12 mm.
Apply the tape to the first rod, adhesive side downwards in contact with the copper, and to the
second rod, adhesive side upwards with the tape backing in contact with the copper. Leave
the third rod bare to act as a control.

– 14 – 60454-2 © IEC:2007(E)
Place each rod in a separate glass-stoppered, chemically cleaned glass tube and maintain
them at a temperature of (100 ± 2) °C for 16 h. Take the rods out of the tubes after they have
cooled to room temperature.
Remove the tapes, together with any exudations that may have occurred, from the rods.
Removal of exudation may be assisted by the use of a solvent but no mechanical abrasive
aids shall be employed.
Visually examine the copper rods for signs of blue-black staining, characteristic of copper
sulfide. If blue-black staining of the test rods is more intense or extensive than that of the
control rod, such staining is an indication of the presence of corrosive sulfur.
7.5.4 Report
Report whether blue-black staining of the test rods is greater than that of the control rod.
7.6 Insulation resistance method
7.6.1 General
The test shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of Clause 14 of IEC 60426
with the following exceptions.
7.6.2 Test specimens
Samples shall be taken from the roll at intervals of not less than 300 mm.
7.6.3 Electrodes
The electrodes shall have corners rounded to 1 mm radius and shall be constructed from an
inert high conductivity metal, e.g. nickel-plated brass.
7.6.4 Equipment
A means for measuring resistance up to 10 MΩ (1 TΩ) to an accuracy of ±20 % shall be
used. Screened leads, with the screens connected to the guard circuit, should be used for all
connecting purposes.
7.6.5 Results
For tapes less than 25 mm in width, calculate the resistance in Ω/25 mm assuming that
resistance is inversely proportional to width.
7.7 Visual method
The test shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of Clause 3 of IEC 60426.
7.8 Wire tensile strength method
7.8.1 General
The test shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of Clause 9 of IEC 60426
with the following exception.
7.8.2 Test specimens
At least ten specimens shall be tested.

60454-2 © IEC:2007(E) – 15 –
7.8.3 Tensile strength of test wire
The mean value of the breaking load for unexposed wire must be in the range of 7 N to 9 N.
7.8.4 Cleaning of apparatus
Metal parts shall be cleaned with pure, clean methanol followed by distilled water.
7.8.5 Tensile test equipment
The rate of grip separation shall be the same for the test on exposed and unexposed wires.
8 Tensile strength and elongation at break
8.1 Apparatus
As described in Clause 5 of ISO 527-3.
8.2 Test specimens
Cut five strips of tape, each of sufficient length to give the required initial test length, from the
sample roll at intervals of not less than 300 mm. For tapes having an elongation at break of
50 % or less, the initial test length shall be 200 mm. For tapes having an elongation >50 %,
the test length shall be 100 mm.
The width of the test piece shall be equal to or less than 50 mm.
In the case of tapes wider than 50 mm, cut the test pieces out of the middle of the tape to a
width of 25 mm, using a sharp tool to produce clean-cut edges. For tapes less than 6 mm
wide, edge effects can have a significant effect on these determinations. For tapes below this
width the results should not be used for specification purposes.
8.3 Procedure
Insert the test specimens into the equipment so that the load is applied evenly across the
width of the tape. The test shall be carried out at (300 ± 30) mm/min, unless otherwise
specified in IEC 60454-3. Different speeds of separation shall be selected from Clause 9 of
ISO 527-3. Make five valid determinations, disregarding any test in which the break occurs
within 10 mm of either grip (or jaw). During the test ensure that the tape does not slip in the
grips of the testing equipment.
8.4 Results
Report the breaking strength measurements as the central value of the five determinations in
N/10 mm width and the elongation at break as the central value of increase in distance
between the grips at the moment of break as a percentage of the original distance between
the grips. Where a tape has been cut down from a large width, this shall be reported.
9 Low-temperature properties
9.1 Principle
A copper conductor is covered by the tape under test and then subjected to a flexing
procedure after conditioning at low temperature. The specimen is tested for the presence of
cracking or unwinding.
– 16 – 60454-2 © IEC:2007(E)
9.2 Test specimen
The copper conductor of a 300 mm length of thermoplastic insulated cable (of a type suitable
for exposed wiring in wet locations) with a solid conductor approximately 1,6 mm in diameter
(giving maximum allowable conductor temperature of 75 °C) shall be bared for 50 mm at the
middle. The bared portion shall then be wrapped with 3 layers of tape (using one piece of
tape), half-lapped, with the layers extending a minimum of a full lap beyond the bared portion
at each end so that the insulation is covered. The tape shall be applied smoothly with a
minimum tension in a manner so as to conform to the splice area.
9.3 Procedure
The prepared specimen shall be placed in a cold chamber and condition
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