ASTM D202-23 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D202-23 — Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Untreated Paper Used for Electrical Insulation. This compilation specifies procedures for sampling and performing a range of physical, chemical, and electrical tests on untreated cellulosic papers and paperboards intended for use as electrical insulation or as components of insulating composites.

Abstract

This standard is a compilation of test methods used to assess the suitability of untreated papers for electrical insulating applications. It covers sampling procedures and test methods including dimensional measurements, mechanical properties, electrical/dielectric tests, chemical analyses (pH, ash, chloride), and conditioning requirements. The compilation is intended to support quality control, specification verification, and material development for uses such as transformer and capacitor insulation and other dielectric applications.

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: May 1, 2023.
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 29.035.10 (Paper and board; insulating materials).
• Edition / version: D202-23 (current revision).
• Number of pages: 35 pages (typical published PDF length).

Scope

These test methods cover procedures for sampling and testing untreated paper intended for electrical insulation or as constituents of insulating composites. The methods are generally applicable to thin fibrous papers formed from cellulosic suspensions (thicknesses typically ≤ 0.75 mm), and include conditioning, dimensional and mechanical tests, electrical/dielectric measurements, and selected chemical analyses. The standard is intended for use where untreated paper is employed prior to any impregnation or varnish treatment.

Key topics and requirements

• Sampling procedures and specimen preparation, including conditioning before testing.
• Dimensional measurements: thickness, basis weight (grammage), density.
• Mechanical properties: tensile strength, folding endurance, internal-tearing and edge-tearing resistance, bursting strength.
• Surface properties: surface friction/coefficient of friction where applicable.
• Chemical analyses: moisture content, pH/aqueous extract conductivity, ash content, chloride and metal particulate limits.
• Electrical/dielectric tests: dielectric strength, dissipation factor, permittivity (relative permittivity), resistivity/insulation resistance.
• Notes on equivalence and relation to IEC test procedures (users should compare procedures if cross-referencing IEC methods).

These topics reflect the principal test families compiled in the standard; users should consult the full text for detailed apparatus, specimen dimensions, test speeds, and acceptance criteria.

Typical use and users

Common users include manufacturers of electrical insulating paper and paperboard, transformer and capacitor manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, utilities and OEMs responsible for specification and quality assurance, and materials researchers developing insulating papers or evaluating substitutes. The standard is used for incoming raw-material inspection, specification compliance, R&D validation, and comparative testing.

Related standards

The compilation is closely related to IEC procedures for insulating paper (for example IEC 60554 series / IEC 60554-2 equivalence is discussed in the standard). It also references other ASTM test methods and withdrawn specifications that historically applied to capacitor papers (for example references to former Specification D1930 and related ASTM/TAPPI procedures). Users frequently consult companion ASTM test methods referenced within D202 for single-test details.

Keywords

untreated paper, electrical insulation, dielectric strength, basis weight, thickness, moisture content, pH, ash content, dissipation factor, permittivity, tensile strength, folding endurance, sampling, conditioning.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D202-23 is a compilation of standard test methods for sampling and testing untreated paper used for electrical insulation, published by ASTM International on May 1, 2023. It organizes a set of physical, chemical, and electrical test procedures relevant to insulating papers.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sampling, specimen preparation and conditioning, dimensional and mechanical tests (thickness, basis weight, tensile, folding endurance, bursting), chemical analyses (moisture, pH, ash), and electrical/dielectric tests (dielectric strength, dissipation factor, permittivity, resistivity), plus guidance on applicability to various paper types used as electrical insulators.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Material suppliers, component manufacturers (transformers, capacitors), independent test labs, utilities, OEMs, and researchers involved in specification compliance, incoming inspection, QA, and material development.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — ASTM D202-23 is the active revision published in 2023 and supersedes earlier editions (for example D202-17). Users should verify edition requirements in procurement or regulatory documents.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: D202 is a compilation of individual test methods and sits within ASTM's electrical insulation publications (book volume grouping). It cross-references and aligns with various ASTM/TAPPI single-method standards and is often used alongside IEC insulation test publications for international comparison.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Untreated paper, electrical insulation, dielectric strength, dissipation factor, permittivity, basis weight, moisture content, pH, ash content, tensile, folding endurance.