The main purpose of UV aging test for wire and cable is to evaluate its weather resistance and durability to determine its service life and performance stability in outdoor environment. Ultraviolet radiation, temperature change and humidity change in outdoor environment will have a negative impact on the material of wire and cable, such as causing material deterioration, color change, hardening, cracking and other problems.

The UV aging test enables a more accurate prediction of the performance of wires and cables in outdoor environments by simulating their exposure under actual conditions of use. The UV radiation source in the experiment can simulate the ultraviolet rays in sunlight, while the temperature and humidity changes simulate the temperature difference between day and night and the humid environment.

Through UV aging test, the anti-UV performance, weather resistance, heat resistance, oxidation resistance of wire and cable materials can be evaluated to determine their reliability and service life in outdoor environment. This is of great significance to ensure that wire and cable can work safely and reliably under various climatic conditions, and also helps to formulate suitable product specifications and ensure product quality.

Application of UV weathering test box in wire and cable

Standard of reference
When conducting the UV aging test of wire and cable, the following relevant standards can be referred to:

IEC 60216-2: Electrical insulating materials – Thermal endurance properties – Part 2: Determination of thermal endurance properties of electrical insulating materials – Ageing ovens and lines

Thermal resistance of electrical insulating materials: Part 2 – Determination of thermal resistance of electrical insulating materials – aging chambers and aging devices

ASTM G155: Standard Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials

Standard Practice for Operating Xenon Arc light Equipment for exposure to nonmetallic materials

ASTM D2565: Standard Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics Intended for Outdoor Applications

Application of UV weathering test box in wire and cable

Standard method for xenon arc exposure of plastic materials for outdoor applications

These standards provide guidance and specifications for UV aging tests, including requirements for equipment operation, sample preparation, test conditions and duration. Depending on the specific application and requirements, it can also refer to the specific standards of the country or region or industry standards.

In practice, it is important to ensure the correct selection and application of standards, as well as following the correct test procedures and conditions. In this way, the accuracy and comparability of the tests can be ensured, and reliable conclusions and evaluation results can be drawn.

Application of UV weathering test box in wire and cable

Specific application cases
The following are some specific application cases of UV aging test for wires and cables:

Building wires and cables: For outdoor installed building wires and cables, performing UV aging tests can evaluate their durability and stability under environmental conditions such as sunlight, high temperature, and humidity changes.

Solar cable: The cable used in solar power generation system needs to have good weather resistance and durability, UV aging test can evaluate its performance under sun exposure, such as UV resistance, heat resistance, etc.

Automotive wires and cables: In the automotive industry, wires and cables need to withstand extreme environmental conditions such as temperature changes, UV radiation, and humidity, and their durability and reliability under these conditions can be evaluated through UV aging tests.

Communication cables: For outdoor installed communication cables, UV aging tests can evaluate the stability of their performance during long-term exposure to sunlight, including UV resistance, electrical insulation, and mechanical strength.

These cases are only part of the application scenarios of UV aging test of wire and cable, and the practical application can be more customized and expanded according to different industries and specific needs. In a variety of applications, UV aging tests help evaluate the durability and reliability of wire and cable materials and structures in outdoor environments.

Application of UV weathering test box in wire and cable

Method of operation
The following are the steps and precautions for testing the aging resistance of wire and cable using UV aging test chamber in general:

Sample preparation: According to the standards or requirements, select the appropriate size of wire and cable samples for testing. Ensure samples comply with relevant specifications and requirements.

Test condition setting: according to the required test conditions and standard requirements, set the parameters of the UV aging test chamber, including radiation intensity, temperature, humidity, etc. Be careful to set correctly according to standards or requirements.

Sample placement: Place the wire and cable samples on the sample rack in the test chamber to ensure that the samples are in the right position and to avoid mutual interference between the samples.

Test run: Start the UV aging test chamber and expose the sample to UV radiation under the set conditions. According to the standard requirements, set the appropriate test time, usually hundreds to thousands of hours.

Regular observation: regularly observe the changes of the sample, including appearance, color, surface quality, etc. Record any visible changes or damage.

End of test and evaluation: After completion of the test, samples were taken out for evaluation and testing. The physical and electrical properties of wires and cables can be tested to determine their aging resistance.

When conducting UV aging test, the following matters should also be noted:

Ensure that the equipment of the UV aging test chamber is working properly, and operate according to the operation manual and safety requirements.

Application of UV weathering test box in wire and cable

Check and record the temperature, humidity, radiation intensity and other parameters of the test chamber to ensure its stability and accuracy.

Ensure sample selection, preparation and placement in accordance with standards and requirements.

Check and maintain test chamber equipment regularly to ensure its normal operation and accuracy.

Take care to observe and record any changes in the sample during the test for subsequent evaluation and analysis.

The above are general operation instructions and precautions. For specific test procedures and requirements, please refer to relevant standards, methods or regulations, and follow the correct test procedures.