Introduction
We are frequently approached by clients
with queries about the durability of PAT (Portable
Appliance Testing) labels. This is most often a result
of labels peeling off themselves when wrapped around
cables.
The purpose of this experiment was
to examine the durability of PAT test self adhesive
labels wrapped around cables made from the following
materials:
The experiment commenced on 15 March 2006 and it
is planned to record the results throughout the year.
The experiment is only resigned to test the effect
of labels peeling off themselves.
Method
2 strips of each of the 5 test materials
(above) were obtained, 1 was 60mm long, and the other
120mm long. The width of the material was c.35mm.
The mid point of the labels was applied to a new,
clean and untreated 7mm diameter plastic 240v cable
commonly used to power office electrical equipment.
The labels were wrapped around the cable in dry room
temperatures and finger pressure was applied to seal
the adhesive layer together. The cable was then hung
from the ceiling in a drafty location, being subject
to regular movement to replicate a worst case environment.
At appropriate intervals the cable
was photographed by a digital camera in indoor light
conditions. The purpose of this was to allow a direct
comparison with an undamaged version of the label
over time.
The same digital camera and lighting
conditions were used throughout, and the images were
not manipulated in any way apart from cropping and
rotating using basic image manipulation software.
Results
(All results and images ©
Mercian Labels 2006 )
Original PAT labels photos -week
0- (0 days)(15/3/06)
120mm
labels - 60mm
labels-
PAT labels photos -week 2- (14
days)
120mm
labels - 60mm
labels-
PAT labels photos -week 6- (28/5/06)
120mm
labels - 60mm
labels-
After 6 weeks there is no significant
difference between the different materials in their
performance, apart from the PVC materials appear
to show slightly more adhesive separation that all
the other materials
Conclusion
After 6 weeks there are no early
conclusions apart from all materials look acceptable.
Discussion - our opinion (to date)
on the comparative properties of different self adhesive
label materials used fro PAT testing
| material |
|
|
|
|
gloss clear permanent vinyl (PVC)
|
|
|
|
| gloss clear 23µm polyester
(PET) |
|
|
|
| matt white computer imprintable
polyester (PET) |
|
|
|
| matt white vinyl (PVC) |
|
|
|
| matt silver computer imprintable
polyester (PET) |
|
|
|
