Arc resistance - Thermoplastic polymers, elastomers and additives

With the arc resistance test, the formation of a surface conduction path is tested when subjected to an arc that occurs intermittently with characteristics of high voltage and low current. The amount of seconds a material resists this will define the PLC category for the test result. This test is performed on a sample of 3 mm thickness, which is considered representative of the performance of the material in any thickness. The test is intended for approximate service conditions in alternating current circuits operating at high voltage with generally limited currents to less than 0.1 amps.