Rosslyn, VA, December 3, 2004 -- NEMA, The National Electrical Manufacturers Association, has released ANSI/NEMA FI 3-2004, Calendered Aramid Papers Used for Electrical Insulation, revised for the first time since 1999 and now ANSI-approved. It references standard industry test methods, as well as tolerances, classifications, and methods of measurements, and it includes now-mandatory repairs for detectable holes, fractures, and blisters.

FI 3-2004 is applicable to qualification and testing of calendered aramid papers in thicknesses up to 30 mils (0.76 mm) for use as electrical insulation. An aramid is a long-chain synthetic polyamide in which at least 85% of the amide linkages are attached directly to two aromatic rings. Aramid polymers can be processed into various forms, including resin, fiber, film, paper, or pressboard, but this standard applies only to a nonwoven sheet made of 100% meta-aramid fibers, formed on wet-process paper machines, and calendered between rolls at high temperatures and pressures. Aramid paper covered by this standard is manufactured from a blend of two forms of fiber: (1) floc, which is short fiber cut from continuous filaments of drawn (stretched) aramid fiber, and (2) fibrids, which are microscopic particles of amorphous polymer. Up to 8% nonaramid additives are permitted, so long as such additives have a thermal capability at least equal to meta-aramid fiber.

"There is an advantage that it's now approved as an American National standard, adding to its credibility," explains Roger Wicks of DuPont. "In absence of that, many companies today are turning to IEC documents. Having an American National standard is advantageous to the U.S. manufacturing community, because it was created with U.S. test methods in mind."

FI 3-2004 may be viewed or purchased for $42 by visiting www.nema.org/r/std/fi3/, or by contacting Global Engineering Documents at 800-854-7179 (within the U.S.), 303-397-7956 (international), or 303-397-2740 (fax).