Beiguang BDH-20KV Arc Resistance Tester

Overview

The Beiguang BDH-20KV Arc Resistance Tester is a precision-engineered instrument designed to quantify the ability of solid insulating materials—including plastics, laminates, resins, ceramics, glass, mica, paperboard, and insulating varnishes—to withstand high-voltage electric arcing without carbonization or tracking failure. It operates on the principle of controlled surface arcing under standardized voltage stress, where repeated or continuous arcs generate localized thermal degradation; resistance is measured as time-to-failure (in seconds) or as comparative arc resistance index (ARI) per ASTM D495 and IEC 61621. The system integrates a 20 kV high-voltage generator with real-time current monitoring, programmable arc timing sequences, and fully automated test execution under either IEC or ASTM protocols. Its embedded Siemens CPU-based control architecture ensures deterministic timing response (<10 ms arc switching accuracy), eliminating latency-induced measurement drift common in legacy RS232-controlled systems. All test parameters—including voltage ramp rate, current threshold, arc on/off duration, and dwell intervals—are digitally defined and reproducibly executed, supporting compliance-driven laboratories requiring traceable, auditable test records.

Key Features

• Full PC-integrated control via high-speed USB 3.0 interface (data throughput up to 3 MB/s), enabling real-time acquisition of leakage current and voltage waveforms without buffer delay
• Dual-standard programmability: preconfigured test sequences for IEC 61621 (7-step variable duty cycle) and ASTM D495 (7-step escalating current protocol), including 10–40 mA continuous and pulsed modes
• High-fidelity electro-mechanical actuation: tungsten electrodes with precision-ground tips, pneumatically regulated contact force (0.5 ± 0.05 N), and micron-level spacing repeatability (±0.1 mm)
• Comprehensive safety architecture: redundant hardware interlocks including door-safety cutoff, zero-voltage reset, overcurrent trip, short-circuit protection, ground-fault detection, and post-test automatic discharge
• Real-time graphical visualization: dynamic plotting of arc current vs. time during test execution, with overlay capability for up to five comparative curves using color-coded data series
• Multi-user software environment with role-based access control: configurable operator profiles, password-protected parameter modification, and audit-trail logging of all user actions and test events

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BDH-20KV accommodates flat, rigid specimens up to 150 mm × 150 mm × 12 mm (L × W × H), with standardized mounting fixtures ensuring consistent electrode alignment and pressure distribution. It supports both sheet and molded samples per GB/T 1411–2002, ASTM D495–2022, and IEC 61621:1997. All electrical and mechanical subsystems conform to IEC 61010–1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and EN 61326–1 (EMC for Laboratory Instruments). Data integrity meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements through electronic signature support, immutable result archiving, and timestamped audit logs. The system is routinely validated for GLP/GMP environments and supports IQ/OQ documentation packages upon request.

Software & Data Management

The proprietary Beiguang ArcTest Suite provides a Windows-based GUI developed in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 traceability principles. It features hierarchical data management: raw waveform files (.bin), structured test reports (.pdf/.xlsx), and metadata-rich project databases (.sqlite). Users may retrieve historical results by operator ID, material batch number, or test date; apply statistical filters; generate comparative trend charts; and export calibrated datasets for third-party analysis. Report templates comply with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.8.2 and include instrument calibration status, environmental condition stamps, uncertainty statements, and digital signatures. Software updates are delivered via secure HTTPS channel with SHA-256 hash verification.

Applications

This tester serves critical quality assurance functions across aerospace composites (e.g., phenolic laminates for radomes), automotive EV battery enclosures (polyamide and PPS housings), medical device insulation (silicone encapsulants), and power transmission components (epoxy bushings, porcelain insulators). It is routinely deployed in R&D labs evaluating halogen-free flame-retardant additives, nanofiller dispersion effects on tracking resistance, and long-term aging behavior under partial discharge conditions. End users include Tier-1 suppliers certified to IATF 16949, ISO 9001–certified QC departments, and accredited testing laboratories pursuing CNAS or A2LA accreditation.

FAQ

What standards does the BDH-20KV support?

It natively implements GB/T 1411–2002, ASTM D495–2022, and IEC 61621:1997, with customizable sequence definitions for internal or customer-specific protocols.

Can the system be integrated into a LIMS or MES environment?

Yes—via optional OPC UA server module or CSV/JSON API interface, supporting bidirectional data exchange with LabWare, Thermo Fisher SampleManager, or Siemens Opcenter.

Is calibration certification included with delivery?

Each unit ships with a factory-issued calibration certificate traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China), covering HV output, current sensing, and timing subsystems.

What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?

Annual verification of electrode wear, HV transformer insulation resistance (>100 MΩ @ 1 kV DC), and optical isolation integrity is recommended; full service kits and OEM technician support are available globally.

Does the software support multi-language UI?

English and Simplified Chinese interfaces are standard; additional languages (German, Japanese, Korean) are available as licensed add-ons.