Service experience as a basis for evaluation of insulating materials and insulation systems

Satisfactory service life under specified service conditions is the main criterion for evaluation and classification of insulating material and insulation systems. The ultimate proof of service life is provided on the basis of service experience. This is reflected by existing standards, guides and recommendations which use or claim for (service-) experience and accepted tests as a basis for evaluation and classification. Definitions of service experience and accepted tests aye available in existing standards. But rules are still missed how to present service experience data and where to get them. Such rules are urgently needed, if tests for comparative functional evaluation shall be prepared for practical application. Considerations about available service experience are tentatively presented. Possible ways are discussed how to handle future rules for evaluation by service experience.