ANSI/EIA-364-20C

Approved: June 3, 2004

EIA
STANDARD
TP-20C

WITHSTANDING VOLTAGE TEST

PROCEDURE FOR ELECTRICAL
EIA-
364- CONNECTORS, SOCKETS AND
20C
COAXIAL CONTACTS

EIA-364-20C
(Revision of EIA-364-20B)

June 2004

ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS, ASSEMBLIES & MATERIALS

ASSOCIATION
THE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS SECTOR OF THE ELECTRONIC INDUSTRIES ALLIANCE
 NOTICE

EIA Engineering Standards and Publications are designed to serve the public interest
through eliminating misunderstandings between manufacturers and purchasers,
facilitating interchangeability and improvement of products, and assisting the purchaser
in selecting and obtaining with minimum delay the proper product for his particular
need. Existence of such Standards and Publications shall not in any respect preclude
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conforming to such Standards and Publications, nor shall the existence of such
Standards and Publications preclude their voluntary use by those other than EIA
members, whether the standard is to be used either domestically or internationally.

Standards and Publications are adopted by EIA in accordance with the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) patent policy. By such action, EIA does not
assume any liability to any patent owner, nor does it assume any obligation whatever to
parties adopting the Standard or Publication.

This standard is based upon the major technical content of International

Electrotechnical Commission standard 512-2, test 4a, voltage proof, 1985. It conforms
in all essential respects this IEC standard.

This Standard does not purport to address all safety problems associated with its use or
all applicable regulatory requirements. It is the responsibility of the user of this
Standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations before its use.

Published by

©ELECTRONIC INDUSTRIES ALLIANCE 2004

Engineering Department
2500 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22201
 CONTENTS

Clause Page

1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Scope ......................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Object ........................................................................................................................ 1

2 Test resources ............................................................................................................ 1

2.1 Equipment ................................................................................................................. 1

3 Test specimen ............................................................................................................ 2

3.1 Description ................................................................................................................ 2

3.2 Preparation ................................................................................................................ 2

4 Test procedure ........................................................................................................... 3

4.1 Points of application ................................................................................................. 3

4.2 Barometric pressure .................................................................................................. 3
4.3 Test voltage ............................................................................................................... 4
4.4 Rate of application ..................................................................................................... 4
4.5 Duration of application ............................................................................................. 4
4.6 Examination and measurement of specimen ............................................................. 5

5 Details to be specified ............................................................................................... 5

6 Test documentation ................................................................................................... 6

Table

1 Test conditions .......................................................................................................... 4

Annex

A Normative ................................................................................................................. A-1

B Informative ................................................................................................................ B-1

i
 EIA-364-20C
Page 1

TEST PROCEDURE No. 20C

WITHSTANDING VOLTAGE TEST PROCEDURE

FOR
ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS, SOCKETS AND COAXIAL CONTACTS

(From EIA Standards Proposal No. 5051 formulated under the cognizance EIA CE-2.0
Committee on National Connector Standards, and previously published in EIA-364-20B.)

1 Introduction

1.1 Scope

This standard applies to electrical connectors, sockets and coaxial contacts.

1.2 Object

The object of this test is to describe a method for measuring the withstanding voltage.

2 Test Resources

2.1 Equipment

2.1.1 High voltage source

The nature of the potential (ac or dc) shall be as specified. When an alternating potential is
specified, the test voltage provided by the high-voltage source shall be nominally 60 Hz in
frequency and shall approximate, as closely as possible, a true sine wave in form. Other
commercial power frequencies may be used for inplant quality conformance testing, when
specified. All alternating potentials shall be expressed as root-mean-square values, unless
otherwise specified. The kVa rating and impedance of the source shall be such as to permit
operation at all testing loads without serious distortion of the waveform and without serious
change in voltage for any setting. When the test specimen demands substantial test source power
capacity, the regulation of the source shall be specified. When a minimum kVa rating is
required, it shall be specified. When a direct potential is specified, the ripple content shall not
exceed 5% rms of the test potential. When required, a suitable current-limiting device shall be
used to limit current surges to the value specified.
EIA-364-20C
Page 2

2.1.2 Voltage measuring device

A voltmeter shall be used to measure the applied voltage to an accuracy of ± 5%, unless
otherwise specified. When a transformer is used as a high-voltage source of alternating potential,
a voltmeter connected across the primary side or across a secondary or tertiary winding may be
used provided it is previously determined that the actual voltage across the test specimen will be
within the allowable tolerance under any normal load condition.

2.1.3 Reduced pressure chamber

A chamber with a viewing window capable of providing the barometric pressures specified;
see 2.1.2, shall be used. Means shall be provided to apply the test voltage to the connector while
the connector is at reduced pressure in the chamber. A pressure reading device with an accuracy
of ± 5%, unless otherwise specified, shall be used to monitor the pressure in the chamber
throughout the test.

2.1.4 Fault indicator

Suitable means shall be provided to indicate the occurrence of disruptive discharge and leakage
current in case it is not visually evident in the specimen. The voltage measuring device of 2.1.2,
the leakage current measuring device of 2.1.5, an appropriate indicator light, or an overload
protective device may be used for this purpose.

2.1.5 Leakage indicator

When any leakage current requirement is specified, a suitable method shall be used to measure
the leakage current to an accuracy of at least 5 % of the specified requirement. Unless otherwise
specified, the leakage current shall not exceed 5 mA.

3 Test specimen

3.1 Description

A test specimen shall consist of a plug, a receptacle, a mated plug and receptacle, or a coaxial pin
and socket contact as specified in the referencing document.

3.2 Preparation

When special preparations or conditions such as special test fixtures, reconnections, grounding,
isolation, or immersion in water, are required, they shall be specified in referencing document.

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 EIA-364-20C
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4 Test procedure

4.1 Points of application

4.1.1 Method A

The test voltage shall be applied between the most closely spaced contacts and between
connector shell and the contacts closest to the shell.

4.1.2 Method B

The test voltage shall be applied between adjacent contacts as specified in the referencing
document.

4.1.3 Method C

The test voltage shall be applied between each contact in turn, and all other contacts and shell
connected together.

4.1.4 Method D

The test voltage for coaxial contacts shall be applied between the inner and outer conductors.

4.2 Barometric pressure (at sea level)

Since the barometric pressure greatly affects the withstanding voltage characteristics of the
connector or coaxial contacts between the terminals through air, this pressure shall be specified
as a requirement of the test. Test voltages shall be specified that allow for the decrease in
withstanding voltage capability that occurs at reduced barometric pressures. A basic
withstanding voltage requirement should be specified in every case for sea level applications. If
required, depending on the connector or coaxial contacts application, a basic withstanding
voltage requirement shall be given for a reduced pressure that approximates the reduced pressure
under that the connector or coaxial contacts are expected to operate.

4.2.1 Reduced barometric pressure

The connectors or coaxial contacts shall be mounted in the test chamber as specified and the
pressure reduced to the value indicated in one of the test conditions in table 1, as specified.
While the connectors or coaxial contacts are maintained at the specified pressure, and after
sufficient time has been allowed for all entrapped air in the chamber to escape, the connectors or
the coaxial contacts shall be subjected to the specified tests.
EIA-364-20C
Page 4

Table 1 - Test conditions

Test Barometric pressure Altitude 1)
conditions
Inches of mercury mm of mercury Feet Meters
I 27 to 31 685 to 785 Sea level Sea level
II 8.90 maximum 226 maximum 30,000 9,144
III 3.44 maximum 87 maximum 50,000 15,240
IV 1.31 maximum 33 maximum 70,000 21,336
V 0.315 maximum 8 maximum 100,000 30,480
VI 5.11 x 10-8 maximum 1.3 x 10 -6 maximum 656,000 199,949
VII 17.3 maximum 439 maximum 15,000 4,572
VIII 0.043 maximum 1.09 maximum 150,000 45,720
NOTE

1) Altitude is given as a reference only and should not be specified without barometric
pressure as a test requirement.

4.3 Test voltage

Specimens shall be subjected to a test voltage of the magnitude and nature (ac or dc) specified.

4.4 Rate of application

The test voltage shall be raised from zero to the specified value as uniformly as possible, at a rate
of approximately 500 volts (rms or dc) per second, unless otherwise specified. At the option of
the manufacturer, the test voltage may be applied instantaneously during inplant quality
conformance testing.

4.5 Duration of application

Unless otherwise specified, the test voltage shall be maintained at the specified value for a period
of 60 seconds. Unless otherwise specified, for inplant quality conformance testing the time may
be reduced to 5 seconds minimum. Upon completion of the test, the test voltage shall be
gradually reduced to avoid voltage surges. At the option of the manufacturer, the test voltage
may be removed instantaneously during inplant conformance testing.

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 EIA-364-20C
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4.6 Examination and measurement of specimen

During the withstanding voltage test, the fault and leakage indicators shall be monitored for
evidence of disruptive discharge and leakage. Following this, the specimens shall be examined
and measurements shall be performed to determine the effect of the dielectric withstanding
voltage test on specific operating characteristics, when specified. A failure is the occurrence of a
disruptive discharge as evidenced by flashover (surface discharge), sparkover (air discharge),
breakdown (puncture discharge) or leakage in excess of the maximum specified; see 2.1.5.

5 Details to be specified

The following details shall be specified in the referencing document:

5.1 Special high voltage source, if applicable; see 2.1.1

5.2 Minimum kilovoltampere rating, if applicable; see 2.1.1

5.3 Current surge limits, and limiting device, if applicable; see 2.1.1

5.4 Voltmeter accuracy, if other than at least 5 %; see 2.1.2

5.5 Leakage current if other than specified in 2.1.5

5.6 Define test specimen (mated or unmated); see 3.1

5.7 Special preparations or conditions, if required; see 3.2

5.8 Method of connection of test voltage to specimen, if significant; see 3.2

5.9 Points of application of test voltage; see 4.1

5.10 Barometric pressure; see 4.2

5.10.1 Dielectric withstanding voltage requirements at sea level; see 4.2

5.10.2 Dielectric withstanding voltage requirements at reduced pressure, if applicable; see 4.2

5.10.3 Test during and after subjection to reduced pressure; see 4.2.1
EIA-364-20C
Page 6

5.10.4 Method of mounting in test chamber; see 4.2.1

5.11 Magnitude of test voltage; see 4.3

5.12 Nature of potential (ac or dc); see 4.3

5.13 Test voltage and duration for implant quality conformance testing; see 4.5

5.14 Duration of application of test voltage for qualification testing if other than 60 seconds;
see 4.5

5.15 Examination and measurement of specimen, detail requirements (if required) ; see 4.6

5.16 Number of specimens to be tested.

6 Test documentation

Documentation shall contain the details specified in clause 5, with any exceptions, and the
following:

6.1 Title of test

6.2 Specimen description include fixturing

6.3 Test equipment used, and date of last and next calibration

6.4 Test procedure

6.5 Values and observations

6.6 Date of test and name of operator

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 EIA-364-20C
Page A-1

Annex A
A Normative

A.1 The test consists of the application of a voltage higher than rated voltage for a specific time
between mutually insulated portions of a connector or between insulated portions and ground.
For purposes of standardization, the withstanding voltage shall be established as 75% of the
minimum breakdown voltage of the connector, and it is suggested that the operating rated voltage
of the connector be established as 1/3 of the withstanding voltage.
 EIA-364-20C
Page B-1

Annex B

B Informative

B.1 This test is often erroneously termed a voltage breakdown or dielectric strength test. It is not
intended that this test cause insulation breakdown or that it be used for detecting corona. It
serves to determine whether insulating materials and spacings in the component parts are
adequate. When a connector is faulty in these respects, application of the test voltage will result
in either disruptive discharge or deterioration. Disruptive discharge is evidenced by flashover
(surface discharge), sparkover (air discharge), or breakdown (puncture discharge).

B.2 Dielectric behavior of gases and solids is affected in various degrees by many factors, such
as atmosphere temperature, humidity, and pressure; condition and form of electrodes; frequency,
waveform, rate of application, and duration of test voltage; geometry of the specimens; rate of
application, and duration of test voltage; geometry of the specimens; mechanical stresses; and
previous test history. Unless these factors are properly selected as required by the type of
dielectric, or suitable correction factors can be applied, comparison of the results of individual
dielectric withstanding voltage test may be extremely difficult.

B.3 The withstanding voltage shall never be used as the operating rated voltage of the connector.
The withstanding voltage test should be used with caution particularly in implant quality
conformance testing, as even an overpotential less than a breakdown voltage may injure the
insulation and thereby reduce its safety factor. Therefore, repeated application of the test voltage
on the same specimen is not recommended. In cases when subsequent application of the test
potential is specified in the test routine, it is recommended that the succeeding tests be made at
reduced potential. When either alternating-current (AC) or direct-current (dc) test voltage is free
of recurring transients or high peaks. Direct potentials are less damaging than alternating
potentials that are equivalent in ability to detect flaws in design and construction. However, the
latter are usually specified because high alternating potentials are more readily obtainable. Since
deterioration due to excessive leakage currents may have an adverse effect on the electrical
parameters or physical characteristics of the connector, the leakage current during the
withstanding voltage test shall be limited to a maximum of 5 mA. Suitable precautions shall be
taken to protect test personnel and apparatus because of the high potentials used.