Electrical insulation testing
Since 1987, ELTEK has tested the insulation inside motors, generators and transformers for manufacturers around the world. One accredited lab, from materials to finished systems.
One lab for the whole insulation system
Our customers range from makers of individual materials to builders of complex machinery, large and small, domestic and international. We work with them to produce the data that supports sound technical decisions.
The facility is seven linked laboratories covering short-term performance, long-term thermal aging, compatibility, EIS thermal life, special projects, fabrication, and calibration verification.
248 Hughes Lane, St. Charles, MO. 12 minutes from STL Lambert Airport.
What we test
Electrical
Up to 150 kV AC and 100 kV DC. Dissipation factor, dielectric breakdown, insulation resistance, impulse, voltage endurance and surface tracking.
Thermal
More than 100 calibrated ovens to 350 °C and cold chambers to −30 °C, in three oven sizes to suit large and small test objects.
Physical
Tensile, flexural, compressive and impact strength, deformation under load, water absorption and hardness, per ASTM and ISO.
Compatibility
CCT and sealed-tube testing, plus immersion in oils, water, refrigerants, gases and vapor. More CCT has been run here than at all other labs combined.
Flammability
Open-flame (vertical, horizontal, needle) and non-flame (hot wire, glow wire) sources, tested to ASTM, IEC, ISO, NEMA and UL.
Humidity
Five chambers to 100% RH with visible condensation. The largest has an interior 1500 mm wide for large test objects.
Motors, generators, transformers
An electrical insulation system is every material between the copper and the frame. ELTEK evaluates how those materials behave together, for thermal life, compatibility and electrical endurance, so the finished machine lasts.
ISO/IEC 17025 accredited
ELTEK complies with ISO/IEC 17025 as the foundation of its quality management system and laboratory operations. The laboratory is accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS) as Testing Laboratory TL-457.
ELTEK is a third-party testing laboratory for internationally recognized certifying bodies, and takes an active part in the technical committees writing new safety and performance requirements.
Have a material or system to test?
Lab capabilities
ELTEK can evaluate materials, insulation systems and end products for mechanical, electrical and compatibility properties across a wide range of environments. If you don't see what you need, contact us.
Electrical testing
High-voltage capability from low AC/DC up to 150 kV, plus impulse and endurance testing.
| Maximum AC voltage | 150 kV |
| Maximum DC voltage | 100 kV |
| Impulse, 1.2/50 µs | up to 48 kV |
- Dissipation factor / capacitance
- Dielectric breakdown
- Insulation resistance (surface / volume)
- Voltage endurance / corona resistance
- Surface tracking & CTI
- Dust-fog / inclined plane tracking
- Testing in water, oils, refrigerants, gases
Thermal exposures
Short-term and long-term thermal conditioning with 100+ calibrated ovens and cold chambers.
| Laboratory ovens | 100+ |
| Maximum temperature | 350 °C |
| Cold exposure | −30 °C |
| Oven interior, smallest | 380 × 400 × 450 mm |
| Oven interior, largest | 740 × 1500 × 1300 mm |
All ovens comply with IEC 60216-4-1, IEC 60216-4-2, ASTM D5374 and ASTM D5423. Three oven sizes accommodate a wide range of test object dimensions.
Physical properties
Mechanical testing of materials and assemblies per ASTM and ISO.
- Tensile, flexural, compressive strength
- Impact strength
- Deformation under load
- Water absorption
- Hardness
Compatibility testing
CCT / sealed tube evaluations plus immersion in various environments:
- Water (tap, salt, or contaminated)
- Oils, liquid and vapor
- Refrigerants / gases / vapors
- Water mists (fog)
Flammability testing
Both flame and non-flame heat sources per ASTM, IEC, ISO and UL:
- Vertical, horizontal, needle flame
- Hot wire & glow wire ignition
- Surface flammability, radiant heat
Humidity & condensation
- 5 chambers, up to 100% RH
- Visible condensation capability
- Largest chamber: 1500 mm wide
Need something that isn't listed?
Tests
More than 500 individual tests drawn from ASTM, IEC, ISO, NEMA, IEEE and UL, among others. The overview below shows the range of evaluations within ELTEK's capabilities.
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Looking for a specific standard?
Training
Training from the world experts in electrical insulation, tailored to you. Each session agenda is developed per request: your topics, our expertise. Offered through the TEKtrack program.
In-person workshop
Hands-on coverage with live demonstrations at the ELTEK facility. A comprehensive discussion of your chosen topics over one or two days, including a one-hour catered lunch each day.
Live virtual workshop
In-depth exploration of multiple topics online. Thorough discussion, with limited pre-recorded demonstrations available on request.
Virtual focused seminar
A 45-minute presentation on one topic followed by 15 minutes of open Q&A. Suited to targeted knowledge on a single subject.
Tell us what your team needs to learn.
Contact
To request a quote or discuss a project, call us or send a message.
248 Hughes Lane
St. Charles, MO 63301
ISO/IEC 17025
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