Test Principle
The ozone resistance test evaluates cable material performance under accelerated ozone exposure.
A prepared specimen from the insulation or sheath material is mechanically stressed by stretching or bending around a specified mandrel. The stressed sample is then placed inside an ozone test chamber.
During the test, the chamber maintains controlled ozone concentration, temperature and airflow conditions. The specimen is exposed for the specified test duration before being inspected for ozone-related deterioration.
IEC 60811-403 specifies the test method, including requirements for ozone generation, ozone concentration control, sample preparation and conditioning procedures for cross-linked compounds.
Sample Preparation and Exposure Process
Before ozone exposure, cable samples undergo controlled preparation:
Sample Selection
Test specimens are taken from the cable insulation or sheath material according to the applicable test procedure.
Mechanical Stress Application
The specimen is positioned on a suitable mandrel or testing fixture to create controlled tensile strain.
Ozone Conditioning
The stressed specimen is placed inside an ozone chamber where temperature and ozone concentration are maintained at controlled levels.
Surface Inspection
After exposure, the specimen surface is examined for cracks or visible deterioration.
Evaluation of Ozone Resistance
The main evaluation criterion is the condition of the cable material surface after ozone exposure.
No Visible Cracking
The insulation or sheath surface remains intact without visible ozone-induced cracks.
Surface Damage
Cracking or deterioration indicates reduced resistance of the tested polymer compound to ozone ageing.
The test result provides information about the environmental durability of the material formulation and cross-linking quality.
FRCABLE Material Reliability Testing
Ozone resistance testing is part of FRCABLE's broader cable reliability verification program.
Together with UV ageing, thermal ageing, cold impact and mechanical testing, ozone testing helps evaluate whether solar cable materials can maintain stable performance throughout their expected service life.
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