5.1 This test method is useful in determining the thermal endurance characteristics and thermal indices of film-insulated round magnet wire in air (see 1.3) (see Test Method D3251). This test method is used as a screening test before making tests of more complex systems or functional evaluation. It is also used where complete functional systems testing is not feasible.
5.2 Experience has shown that film-insulated wire and electrical insulating varnishes or resins can affect one another during the thermal exposure process. Test Method D3251 provides indications on the thermal endurance for a combination of insulating varnish or resin and film insulated wire. It is possible that interaction between varnish or resin and film insulation will increase or decrease the relative thermal life of the varnish and film insulated wire combination compared with the life of the film insulated wire tested without varnish.
5.3 The conductor type or the surface condition of the conductor will affect the thermal endurance of film-insulated magnet wire. This test method is used to determine the thermal endurance characteristics of film insulation on various kinds of conductors. The use of sizes other than those specified in 7.1.1 is permissible but is not recommended for determining thermal endurance characteristics.
5.4 The temperature index determined by this test method is a nominal or relative value expressed in degrees Celsius at 208201;000 h. It is to be used for comparison purposes only and is not intended to represent the temperature at which the film insulated wire could be operated.
5.5 There are many factors that influence the results obtained with this test method. Among the more obvious are the following:
5.5.4 In most laboratories, the number of thermal endurance ovens is limited and, therefore, many different sets of specimens are thermally exposed in the same oven. All specimens are not necessarily removed each time the oven is opened. This extra temperature cycling will possibly have a degrading influence.