An experiment to test self adhesive portable appliance testing labels on electric cables for durability by Mercian Labels UK. |
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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:
Gloss clear permanent vinyl (PVC) 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. |
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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 Original PAT labels photos -week 0- (0 days)(15/3/06)
PAT labels photos -week 2- (14 days)
PAT labels photos -week 6- (28/5/06)
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 |
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| Results
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
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