Electrical Tests

MÜKI LABOR Ltd.'s high-precision measuring systems and experienced professionals enable the tests to provide reliable results suitable for industrial application in every case. Electrical tests are not only essential during development and quality assurance processes, but also play an important role in the early detection of manufacturing fluctuations, material defects and structural problems.

The results are particularly important in areas where electrical insulation failure can pose a safety risk, such as battery housings, electric vehicles, control modules, high-frequency components or engine compartment plastic elements.

Electrical resistance properties and their industrial significance

Determining the electrical insulation capacity basically determines which materials can be used in electrical equipment. Testing the volume and surface resistivity answers whether a given plastic or coating:

– how well it conducts or insulates electricity,
– how it behaves in different environmental conditions,
– how sensitive it is to moisture, heat or dirt,
– whether it is suitable for long-term, safe use.

Electrical properties can also change due to filler content, processing parameters, structural defects or environmental aging. Therefore, testing is essential not only when developing new materials, but also during in-process and final inspection processes.

The role of testing in the automotive and electronics industries

The automotive industry has the most stringent requirements for interior and engine compartment insulation, especially with the rapid development of electric vehicles. Lack of appropriate electrical resistance parameters:

– overheating,
– short circuit,
– voltage surge,
– malfunction,
– or even a safety risk.

In the electronics sector, stable insulation of sensitive panel, housing and connector materials is essential for trouble-free operation. Electrical tests also play a role in the packaging industry, as the electrostatic behavior of plastic packaging materials can affect, for example, charging processes or the operation of automated systems.

What do we test during electrical measurements?

During tests carried out with special measuring equipment, it is possible to determine, among other things:

– the specific volume resistivity of the material,
– the value of the surface resistance,
– the conductivity of the material,
– the change in resistance due to temperature or humidity,
– the stability and change over time of the insulating properties.

Precise measurement results provide an important basis for decision-making:

– for the introduction of new materials,
– for development projects,
– for standard compliance tests,
– for supplier audits,
– for the accurate investigation of complaints.

Volume and surface resistivity – the most important electrical measurement

One of the most commonly used testing methods is the determination of volume and surface resistivity. The measurement determines how well a material can prevent the passage of current through it or on its surface under the influence of a direct voltage. The test is especially important for products where:

– plastic casing protects electronic components,
– plastic components operate in high-voltage units,
– electromagnetic compatibility of automotive modules is the goal,
– long-term stability of insulating properties is critical.

Measurements are carried out under strictly defined, standardized conditions, so the results can be interpreted and compared worldwide.

The role of standards in electrical testing

The tests are carried out in accordance with the following internationally accepted standards:

MSZ EN 62631-3-1
MSZ EN 62631-3-2

The standards precisely define the measurement conditions that ensure:

– reproducibility,
– authentic comparability,
– quality assurance compliance.