Principles of a new arc-tracking test of cables and wires for spacecraft

A detailed comparison and review of the available methods for testing the arcing failure characteristics of wire insulation materials has been made, and their applicability to the testing of spacecraft wires has been assessed. The available test methods fall into two general classifications, namely, wet and dry tests. These were developed mainly for the testing of aircraft cable for which normal atmosphere and generally alternating current were considered. Test equipment has been designed to closely simulate the conditions experienced by spacecraft electrical wiring. It is hoped that the results obtained using this equipment will allow one to accurately classify wire insulations with respect to their arc tracking characteristics.<
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