Chemical Contamination as Causes of Electrical-Insulation Failure

Electrical-insulation failures were investigated and found to be due to chemical contamination with ionizable materials. Examples of such contamination are certain types of hand creams, soldering fluxes, and germicides in lubricating oils. Contamination mechanisms often involve operations which are otherwise insignificant in manufacturing processes. The effect of these materials on the electrical characteristics of the insulation is reported. The need for close correlation of industrial-hygiene manufacturing processes, insulation design, and quality control is emphasized.