Rich Nute wrote: "While we are on the topic of component insulation, the spacings must be measured AFTER the component is bent to its worst-case position. Somewhere, in some safety standard, there exists a requirement to verify internal spacings after the component has been subjected to a specific force. Sorry, but I can't cite the standard. " -------------------
One place is IEC 1010-1 clause 6.7 third paragraph: "To simulate a possible reduction in clearance or creepage distance, the rigid test finger is used during measurement to apply a force of 10 N [2.25 lb F] to any point on bare conductors conducted to terminals and a force of 30 N to the outside of the enclosure." It's scope of applicability is not clear. I've used as a guide for internal components, but maybe it's clearer somewhere else. -Heber Farnsworth
