Information on the most widely used ASTM standards within the materials testing industry
EN 61386-1 is the European standard titled "Conduit systems for cable management - Part 1: General requirements." It specifies general requirements and tests for conduit systems (rigid and flexible) used for protecting and managing electrical cables and cords. The standard ensures these systems provide adequate mechanical, electrical, and environmental protection.
Core Mechanical Test Methods and Testing equipment recommend of EN 61386-1:
| Compression (Crushing) Test | Test sample: Sample Length: 200 ± 5 mm. Quantity: Minimum 3 samples. |
Test procedure: Measure initial outer diameter (D₀) of the specimen. Place specimen centrally between compression plates; apply force at a certain speed that reaching the classification‑specific load in 30 ± 3 seconds. Hold load for 60 s, then release. Measure final outer diameter (D₁) and inspect for cracks, splits, or perforations. | |
Testing Machine: Universal testing machine (UTM) with compression plates (top platen 50*50mm).
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| Impact Test | Drop a standardized mass (hammer/ball) from a specified height onto conditioned specimens to deliver a defined impact energy; evaluate damage. |
| Sample info: Length: 200 ± 5 mm (straight sections). Quantity: 12 samples per type/size | |
| Test procedure: Mount specimen horizontally in the fixture; align impact point at the mid‑length crown (top of conduit). Drop hammer from calibrated height to deliver classification‑specific energy (see table). Perform 1 impact per specimen; test all 12 samples. Inspect each specimen for cracks, breaks, or perforations. | |
EN 61386-1 Impact Test equipment for conduit: Electrical conduit impact testing machine is suitable for the impact test of a variety of plastic pipes and plastic corrugated pipes, to determine the stamping energy value required for pipe damage.
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| Tensile test | Conduit systems tensile strength shall be tested as follows: A sample of conduit and two conduit fittings or terminating conduit fittings are assembled in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions so that the overall length is approximately 300 mm. The assembly is subjected to a uniformly increasing tensile force reaching the certain value in (30 ± 3) s. This tensile force is then applied for 2 min ±10 s. Where elongation occurs, the manufacturer shall be responsible for providing guidelines to assist the safe installation of the conduit system. After the test, the conduit fittings or terminating conduit fittings shall remain properly assembled to the conduit, and there shall be no damage visible to normal or corrected vision without magnification. |
| Testing Machine: UnitedTest Universal testing machine (UTM) with compression plates (top platen 50*50mm). |
Test Applications
EN 61386‑1 mechanical tests apply to:
Rigid metallic conduits (steel, stainless steel).
Rigid non‑metallic conduits (PVC, fiberglass, PE).
Flexible/semi‑rigid conduits (corrugated PVC, metal‑clad, liquid‑tight).
Conduit fittings (couplings, elbows, adapters, boxes) used with the above.
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