How long does it typically take for wire insulation to degrade at elevated temperatures?

Wire insulation can degrade significantly at elevated temperatures, and the time it takes for this degradation to occur depends on various factors such as the type of insulation material, the specific temperature, and the environmental conditions.

Typically, insulation materials are assessed for their thermal endurance, which is defined in terms of time under certain temperature conditions. For many common insulation materials, significant degradation can begin within a short timeframe.

Choosing the shortest duration—one hour—aligns with the understanding that at elevated temperatures, the integrity of wire insulation is compromised relatively quickly. In harsher thermal conditions, physical and chemical changes can start to manifest within this period, resulting in reduced dielectric properties and increased risk of failure.

Longer durations, such as 5, 10, or 15 hours, suggest a more gradual degradation process that may be applicable to less severe conditions or less vulnerable insulation types. However, the most immediate and significant risks are typically observed within the first hour of exposure to elevated temperatures.