Overview
IEC 61196-1-303:2018 specifies a standardized test method for measuring silver and tin plating thickness on conductors used in coaxial communication cables (analogue and digital systems). The method uses galvanic removal (coulometric method) with an electronic thickness tester that measures the time/current required to remove the coating and converts that reading to an average plating thickness. The standard is part of the IEC 61196 series for coaxial communication cables.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope: Measurement of silver and tin coating thickness on cable conductors using a coulometric (galvanic removal) technique.
- Test equipment: Use an electronic thickness tester; allow a 15-minute warm-up and perform calibration per manufacturer instructions. Ensure the selector is set to “Silver” or “Tin” and correct units (µm or inch).
- Test solutions:
- Silver: potassium thiocyanate solution (180 g/1 000 ml distilled water) - if manufacturer solution unavailable.
- Tin: 37% hydrochloric acid (100 ml) - if manufacturer solution unavailable.
- Maintain solution temperature at 20 °C to 25 °C and follow safety/health procedures.
- Test samples: Cut straight conductor lengths (~200 mm), mark and bend to submerge without touching the beaker. Sample length depends on conductor diameter (e.g., 0.050–0.140 mm → 100 ±5 mm; 0.141–0.290 mm → 50 ±5 mm; 0.291–0.700 mm → 25 ±2 mm; >0.700 mm → 12 ±2 mm).
- Procedure: Insert conductor, lower to the mark, start measurement. If plating is not fully removed, repeat or add counts per guidance. After test, measure the length of removed plating and compute thickness.
- Calculation: Thickness T (µm) = (C · CF) / (l · d), where C = counter reading, CF = correction factor, l = removed length (mm), d = conductor diameter (mm).
- Accuracy & reporting: Average plating thickness measurable to ±5% with conventional apparatus. Test report must include the measured silver/tin plating thickness. Final compliance is checked against the relevant detailed specification.
Applications and Users
- Cable manufacturers and quality laboratories performing plating thickness verification on coaxial cable conductors.
- R&D and production engineers verifying electroplating quality for RF and communications cables.
- Test labs performing conformity assessments, failure analysis, and incoming material inspection.
- Useful for procurement/specification writers who need objective, repeatable plating-thickness test data for supplier specifications.
Related Standards
- IEC 61196-1:2005 (generic specification, definitions and requirements)
- Other parts of the IEC 61196 series covering coaxial cable mechanical, electrical and environmental tests.
Keywords: IEC 61196-1-303, coaxial communication cables, plating thickness measurement, silver plating, tin plating, coulometric method, galvanic removal, electronic thickness tester.
Open preview (PDF)Coaxial communication cables - Part 1-303: Mechanical test methods - Test for silver and tin plating thickness
