IEC 60112 Tracking Index Test Apparatus
The tracking test instrument is a special testing equipment designed according to standards such as IEC 60112 and GB/T 4207. It is used to evaluate the tracking resistance performance of solid insulating materials under the combined action of an electric field and wet/polluted media, and to measure CTI (Comparative Tracking Index) and PTI (Proof Tracking Index). It is commonly used in safety certifications and material selection in industries such as home appliances, new energy, and electronic components.
IEC 60112 CTI Test Machine | High Precision Tracking Tester for Insulating Materials
Product Overview
The Top Test TT-01 Tracking Index Test Apparatus is a professional-grade instrument designed to evaluate the resistance of solid insulating materials against electrical tracking under wet and contaminated conditions. Fully compliant with IEC 60112:2020, GB/T 4207-2022, UL 746A, and ASTM D3638, it delivers accurate, repeatable results for determining the Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) and Proof Tracking Index (PTI)—critical safety metrics for electrical components and materials.
Ideal for quality control laboratories, R&D centers, and manufacturing facilities across the electrical, electronics, and automotive industries, this unit ensures your products meet global safety standards and mitigate risks of insulation failure, arc tracking, and fire hazards.
Core Working Principle
The instrument simulates real-world environmental stress by combining high-voltage electric fields with contaminated electrolyte droplets on the surface of insulating material specimens. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Electrode Application: A pair of precision-machined platinum electrodes (2mm×5mm) is pressed onto the specimen surface at a standardized 60° angle with a contact force of 1.0N±0.05N and a spacing of 4.0mm±0.01mm.
- Voltage Supply: An adjustable AC voltage (100V~600V, 25V step) is applied between the electrodes to create a controlled electric field.
- Contaminant Drip System: The unit automatically dispenses 0.1% ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) solution (simulating moisture/dust contamination) at a rate of 1 drop per 30 seconds from a height of 35mm±5mm, with a droplet volume of 20–23mm³.
- Tracking & Failure Detection: As the conductive solution wets the surface, the material’s resistance drops, causing localized heating, arcing, and potential carbonization. The system continuously monitors leakage current; if current exceeds 0.50A±10% for 2.00s±10%, the test aborts automatically.
- Index Calculation: CTI is defined as the highest voltage the specimen withstands for 50 drops; PTI is the highest voltage for 100 drops.
Key Features & Advantages
Precision & Compliance
Full Standard Compliance: Meets the latest IEC 60112:2020, GB/T 4207-2022, UL 746A, and ASTM D3638 standards, ensuring global market access for your products.
High-Accuracy Components: 99.9% pure platinum electrodes for long-term stability and precise test results; digital display for voltage, current, drip count, and test time.
Intelligent Control System
PLC + Touch Screen Interface: Intuitive operation with one-key start/stop, parameter presetting, and real-time data monitoring. Automatically records test results and supports data retrieval for quality traceability.
Advanced Drip System: Precision peristaltic pump ensures consistent droplet timing (30s±0.1s) and volume; drip count is programmable (1~9999), with 50 drops completing in 24.5min±2min.
Safety & Durability
Comprehensive Safety Protection: Equipped with over-voltage/over-current protection, interlocked safety door, and emergency stop button to ensure operator safety during high-voltage tests.
Robust Construction: Stainless steel test chamber and components resist corrosion and wear; built-in exhaust system (ø100mm) removes arc-generated fumes for a safe working environment.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Compliant Standards | IEC 60112:2020, GB/T 4207-2022, UL 746A, ASTM D3638 |
| Test Voltage | 100V~600V (25V step, adjustable) |
| Electrode Parameters | 2mm×5mm platinum, 60° angle, 4.0mm spacing, 1.0N±0.05N force |
| Drip System | 30s±0.1s interval, 35mm±5mm height, 0.1% NH₄Cl solution |
| Failure Criterion | Leakage current ≥0.50A for ≥2.00s (auto-shutdown) |
| Drip Count | 1~9999 (programmable), 50 drops / 100 drops test modes |
| Power Supply | 220V/50-60Hz, 0.6kVA |
| Exhaust System | ø100mm ventilation hole |
| Overall Dimensions | 1200mm (L) × 600mm (W) × 950mm (H) |
| Material Compatibility | Engineering plastics, ceramics, PCB substrates, insulation components |
Typical Applications
This CTI Test Machine is indispensable for ensuring product safety in the following sectors:
- Electrical & Electronics: Household appliances, low-voltage switchgear, sockets, plugs, and connectors.
- Automotive & Electronics: Automotive wiring insulation, ECU casings, and charging components.
- Materials Industry: Engineering plastics (PA66, PC, PBT), epoxy resins, and composite insulation materials.
- Certification & Testing: Third-party testing institutions, certification bodies, and R&D centers.
Why Choose Top Test?
- Professional Manufacturing: Specialized in high-precision electrical testing equipment with years of R&D experience.
- Customizable Solutions: Supports extended voltage range, multi-specimen fixtures and other custom configurations.
- Global After-Sales Service: 1-year warranty, on-site installation, technical training and long-term support.
FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between CTI and PTI?
A: CTI (Comparative Tracking Index) is the highest voltage a specimen withstands for 50 drops of electrolyte, while PTI (Proof Tracking Index) is the highest voltage for 100 drops. Both evaluate a material’s resistance to tracking under contaminated conditions.
Q2: Can this machine test multiple specimens simultaneously?
A: Yes, the unit is equipped with a multi-specimen stage for parallel testing to improve efficiency.
Q3: Does the equipment come with pre-installed standard test programs?
A: Absolutely. It is preloaded with IEC 60112 standard procedures, and users can customize voltage, drip count and other parameters via the touch screen.