IEC 60216-6:2022 specifies the experimental and calculation procedures for deriving the thermal endurance characteristics, temperature index (TI) and relative temperature index (RTI) of an electrical insulating material (EIM) using the "fixed time frame method (FTFM)". In this protocol, the ageing takes place for a small number of fixed times, using the appro­priate number of ageing temperatures throughout each time, the properties of the specimens being measured at the end of the relevant time interval. This differs from the procedure of IEC 60216-1, where ageing is conducted at a small number of fixed temperatures, property measurement taking place after ageing times dependent on the progress of ageing. The diagnostic tests employed in the fixed time frame method are restricted to destructive tests. The method has not yet been applied to non-destructive or proof test procedures. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- clarification of definition of index properties vs. endurance properties;
- complete rework of Annex G and the corresponding program.