The case for magnet wire aging tests and its thermal classification as a material

Much has been said in the past year and a half concerning the limited usefulness of materials thermal aging tests as compared with the apparent utility of systems tests. In addition, many systems people have strongly opposed any attempt at thermal classification of materials as was once thought possible with the standardized test procedures being brought out by a number of working groups within the Committee on Electrical Insulation of the AIEE. This panel discussion will take the position that, with full cognizance of the value of the systems test, there is still a need for: (1) materials testing in certain types and (2) a limited thermal rating framework for these material types.