Overview
IEC 60674-2:2016 - Specification for plastic films for electrical purposes (Part 2: Methods of test) defines standardized test methods for plastic films used as electrical insulating materials. Edition 2.0 (2016) is a technical revision that replaces the first edition (1988) and Amendment 1 (2001), incorporates the December 2017 corrigendum, modernizes test procedures, and adds a DC electric strength method referenced to IEC 60243-2. This part is intended to ensure reproducible, state-of-the-art testing for manufacturers, test laboratories and specifiers of electrical insulating films.
Key Topics
The standard provides detailed methods of test covering a broad range of physical, electrical and thermal properties of plastic films for electrical purposes, including:
- Dimensional and physical tests: thickness (mechanical scanning and gravimetric), width, density, surface roughness, space factor, windability (bias/camber and sag), and coat/roll measurements.
- Mechanical tests: tensile properties, stiffness, tear and edge-tearing resistance, dimensional change and stability under temperature/tension/pressure.
- Surface and handling properties: coefficient of friction, wetting tension (polyolefin films), and surface roughness.
- Electrical tests: surface resistivity, volume resistivity (electrode and wound-capacitor methods), dissipation factor and permittivity (contacting and non-contacting electrodes), electric strength (AC and DC methods), resistance to breakdown by surface discharges, and detection of electrical weak spots.
- Thermal and ageing tests: melting point, volatile content (loss on heating), thermal endurance, resistance to penetration at elevated temperature.
- Fire and environmental tests: burning characteristics, electrolytic corrosion, water absorption in damp atmosphere.
- Inclusion of a specified method to obtain DC electric strength in accordance with IEC 60243-2.
Applications
IEC 60674-2 is applied where consistent, reproducible testing of electrical insulating films is required:
- Quality control and incoming inspection in film manufacturing and film-converting plants
- Type testing and R&D for insulating materials used in capacitors, cables, transformers, switchgear and flexible electrical components
- Independent test laboratories and certification bodies performing electrical and thermal safety assessments
- Procurement and specification authors who require objective test methods for compliance and material acceptance
Who should use this standard
- Film manufacturers and converters
- Electrical component OEMs (capacitors, cables, insulation systems)
- Independent testing laboratories and compliance engineers
- Standards writers and procurement/specification teams
Related Standards
- Other parts of the IEC 60674 series (specifications for plastic films for electrical purposes)
- IEC 60243-2 - referenced for the DC electric strength method
By using IEC 60674-2:2016 test methods, stakeholders ensure consistent measurement of critical material properties-such as permittivity, resistivity and electric strength-supporting safer, higher‑quality electrical insulation products.
