WATER ABSORPTION TESTS UNE-EN 60811-402
Test methods
Water absorption tests permit assessing the performance of cables when submerged in water for prolonged periods of time.
Water absorption electrical test UNE-EN 60811-402
During this test, insulated conductor samples are submerged in a receptacle with water for a set time at a set temperature according to the specific product standard. During this period, the samples are subjected to direct current voltage in accordance with the insulation thickness.
The test is considered to be successful if no perforations of the insulated conductors occur.
Water absorption gravimetric method UNE-EN 60811-402
Depending on the type of cable, the test samples can either be complete cable samples for cables with conductors of a nominal thickness equal to or less than 25 mm2, and nominal voltage rating equal to or less than 0.6/1kV. Or smooth, parallel strips for all other cable types.
When testing complete cables, the initial mass of the sample is measured after drying, M1, to ensure a constant mass. The samples are then placed in a “U” shape over a variable sized mandrel depending on the diameter of the sample, in a receptacle with water, without submerging the ends.
The sample must remain submerged in the receptacle for the set period of time and at the temperature according to the specific product standard. The assembly is then allowed to cool down to ambient temperature, and after the surface is dried, the sample is weighed again, M2.
Finally, the sample is dried using the same method as used prior to submerging it, and it is weighed for a third time M3.
The test is considered to be successful when the variation in mass is less than the amount established in the specific product standard.
In the case of samples in the form of strips, after prior drying, the initial mass is measured, M1. The sample is then submerged in water for a set time at a set temperature according to the specific product standard . After this period, and drying the surface, the sample is weighed again, M2.
Finally, the sample is subjected to the same drying process as prior to submerging it in water to measure the mass for a third time, M3.
The test result is considered to be satisfactory when the variation in mass is less than the amount established in the specific product standard.