Datasheet

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621PHOENIX CONTACT
Thermoplastics
The majority of our insulating housing is
made from thermoplastic materials. Roughly
speaking, these can be divided into
amorphous and semi-crystalline substances.
Thermoplastics are processed using the
efficient and environmentally-friendly
injection molding process. They have good
recycling properties and can be re-used. We
use many materials that are modified in
different ways to meet the demanding
requirements of electrical and electronic
modules, devices, and systems with regard
to their mechanical, thermal, and electrical
properties. The thermoplastic is halogen
free, i.e., there are no combustion fumes
that can lead to corrosive condensation
alone or in conjunction with humidity. It
also contains no silicone compounds,
formaldehyde, PCB or PCT.
Behavior of plastics under the
influence of temperature (operating
temperatures)
All plastics undergo a process referred
to as thermal aging when they are subjected
to heat over long periods. This process
causes changes in the mechanical and
electrical properties of the material.
External influences, e.g., radiation,
additional mechanical, chemical or electrical
stresses, amplify this effect. Special tests on
samples can yield characteristic data which
provides a good means of drawing
comparisons between different plastics.
However, applying these characteristics to
an evaluation of molded plastic parts is only
possible to a limited extent, and can only
give the designer a rough guide when it
comes to selecting a plastic material.
IEC 60947-7-1/EN 60947-7-1 specifies a
permissible temperature increase of 45 K
for terminal blocks under nominal load.
Phoenix Contact terminal blocks meet this
requirement.
Inflammability characteristics of
plastics (UL 94)
Inflammability tests for plastics have
been defined by Underwriters Laboratories
(USA) in regulation UL 94. This applies to all
areas of application, but in particular to
electrical engineering. A horizontal or
vertical test is carried out at the test
laboratory to determine the inflammability
of the plastic material with a naked flame. In
order of increasing resistance to
combustion, the evaluation classes are HB,
V1, V2, V0. Test results are recorded on
“yellow cards” and are published annually in
the Recognized Component
Directory.
Thermoplastics: non-reinforced
polyamide, PA
We use the modern, semi-crystalline
polyamide insulation material, which has
now become an essential component in
electrical engineering and electronics. It has
long occupied a leading position and is
authorized for use by the relevant approval
authorities such as the CSA, KEMA, PTB,
SEV, UL, VDE, etc.
Polyamide also has excellent electrical ,
mechanical, chemical, and other properties,
even at high operating temperatures. Brief
peak temperatures of up to approximately
200°C are permitted as a result of heat
aging stabilization. Depending on the type
(PA 4.6, 6.6, 6.10, etc.), its melting point is
in the region of 215°C to 295°C.
Polyamide absorbs moisture from its
surroundings, on average 2.8%. However,
this moisture is not in the form of
crystallization water in the plastic itself, but
chemically bonded H
2
O groups in the
molecular structure. This makes the plastic
flexible and resistant to breakage, even at
temperatures as low as -40°C. As per
UL 94, PA belongs to inflammability class V2
to V0.
Thermoplastics: fiberglass-reinforced
polyamide, PA-F
Fiber-reinforced polyamides feature
greater rigidity and hardness as well as
operating temperatures higher than those
of non-reinforced materials. This means
that they are also suitable for use in
applications such as surge protection.
Reinforced polyamide absorbs less
moisture than the non-reinforced material.
Otherwise, the properties are largely the
same. As per UL 94, fiber-reinforced
polyamide belongs to inflammability class
HB to V0, although V0 materials are usually
only available in black.
Thermoplastics: ABS
We use the thermoplastic molding
compound ABS for products which must
have good impact and notched impact
properties in addition to high mechanical
stability and rigidity. The products are
resistant to chemicals and stress cracking
due to their special surface quality and
hardness.
The characteristic thermal properties
provide good dimensional stability at both
low and high temperatures. Products made
of ABS can be coated with metallic surfaces,
e.g., nickel.
As per UL 94, the molding compound
used belongs to inflammability class HB to
V0.
Thermoplastics: polyvinyl chloride,
PVC
PVC is resistant to salt solutions, diluted
and concentrated lyes and to most diluted
and concentrated acids except for fuming
sulfuric acid and concentrated nitric acid.
PVC is flame-retardant even without fire
protection equipment (B1 according to
DIN 4102 to UL 94 V0).
Properties
Unit/
level
Polyamide
PA
Polyamide
PA
Polyamide
PA-GF
Polyamide
PA-GF
Polycarbonate
PC-GF
Continuous temperature, DIN IEC 60216 °C 130 125 120 120 130
Minimum temperature for use (without mechanical load) °C -60 -60 -60 -60 -60
Electric strength, IEC 60243-1/DIN VDE 0303-21 kV/cm 600 600 330 400 300
Resistance to creepage, IEC 60112/DIN VDE 0303-1 CTI... 600 600 550 475 175
Tropical and termite resistance Good Good Good Good Good
Specific contact resistance
IEC 60093/VDE 0303-30; IEC 60167/VDE 0303-31
 cm 10
12
10
12
10
12
10
12
 10
14
Surface resistance
IEC 60093/VDE 0303-30; IEC 60167/VDE 0303-31
W 10
10
10
10
10
12
10
12
 10
14
Inflammability class according to UL 94 V0 V2 V0 HB V0
Quality features of insulation material
Technical information
Quality tests