ELTEK Labs conducts ALL of the tests covered by UL 1446. This page provides all appropriate UL 1446 sections and individual test methods.
Note: UL 1446 is better understood if viewed as an administrative document; it is NOT a test standard in the usual meaning of the term test standard. UL 1446 refers to actual test methods by ASTM, IEEE and IEC.
Being number one in the world for the testing of all types of Electrical Insulation Systems (EIS), ELTEK Labs can conduct your testing needs for any EIS covered by the scope of UL 1446. We can also conduct all of the testing for the Electrical Insulating Materials (EIM) that are within the scope of this standard.
Electrical Insulation Systems
EIS – Sections 7 and 11 are full test programs for assignment of a thermal classification rating.
Section 11 is tested in accordance with IEEE 117 and IEC 61857 and its parts
- IEEE 117 for full evaluation of random-wound systems
- IEC 61857 Part 1 with Part 21 for full evaluation of random-wound systems
- IEC 61857 Part 1 with Part 22 for encapsulated systems
- IEEE 259 for Dry-type Specialty and General-Purpose Transformers
EIS – Sections 12 and 13 are for 1-temperature and 2-temperature evaluations for insulation thickness reduction
- IEEE 117 and IEC 61857 and its parts as above
Components / Materials
Magnet wire [Winding wire]
Sections 5 and 9 are tested in accordance with
- ASTM D2307 for Long Term Thermal Aging [LTTA]
- Test methods for ASTM D1676 for general property evaluation
- Specifications are in accordance with NEMA MW1000
Magnet wire coatings
Sections 5 and 9 are tested in accordance with ASTM D2307
- It is common for companies manufacturing the liquid coatings on wires to work in partnership with a magnet wire manufacturing company for this type of project.
Varnishes and Impregnating resins (for products which are non-flexible after curing)
Sections 6 and 10 are tested in accordance with ASTM D3251 using the Twisted Pair (TP) test specimens
- This is very similar to ASTM-D2307 with the TP specimens having the varnish/impregnating resins applied to the TP specimens
- The TP test evaluates retention of electrical insulation characteristics
- This test establishes a thermal class rating for the specific combination of the type/grade of magnet wire with the specific varnish/impregnating resin
- Each varnish/impregnating resin can have multiple thermal class ratings; one for each combination tested to completion
Sections 6 and 10 are tested in accordance with ASTM D3145 using the Helical Coil (HC) test specimens
- The HC test evaluates the retention of physical strength
- The HC specimens are made in accordance with ASTM D2519
- This test establishes a thermal class rating for the specific combination of the type/grade of magnet wire with the specific varnish/impregnating resin
- Each varnish/impregnating resin can have multiple thermal class ratings; one for each combination tested to completion
Varnishes and Impregnating resins (for products which are flexible after curing)
Sections 6 and 10 are tested in accordance with ASTM D1932 using the curved electrode apparatus for dielectric breakdown
Sealed tube Component Compatibility Testing (CCT)
Sections 8 and 14 are tested in accordance with ASTM D5642
- Section 8: Substitutions into established or Recognized EIS are presented in Section 8 and relate to all possible types of materials/components. Each type or category has its own policies.
- Section 14 relates to evaluation of “minor” components. The CCT Sealed Tube Test evaluates materials needed for manufacturing to establish the concept that the list of materials is compatible for use with the EIS selected.
General Information
- For applications at operating voltages above the scope of UL 1446, please refer to the respective EIS and IEC pages on our website.
- UL 1446 is better understood if viewed as an administrative document; it is not a test standard in the usual meaning of the term test standard. UL 1446 refers to actual test methods by ASTM, IEEE and IEC.
- Substitutions into established EIS are covered in UL 1446; the policies are very similar to IEC 61858 Part 1. For international markets, your selections may be in reference to the IEC Standards.
- With our international accreditation, an EIS Test Report from ELTEK Labs can be submitted to Certifying Body (CB) globally.
- All Laboratory ovens used for LTTA projects are in compliance with ASTM D5374 and ASTM D5423.
- All Laboratory ovens used for LTTA project are capable of operating under the conditions of Type I or Type II ovens in accordance with ASTM D5423.
To arrange EIS testing covered by UL 1446, request a quote online now or call 636-949-5835.
