Series Availability
EA , ED , EK , EP

General Description
Option E consists of a protective encapsulation of polyimide film approximately 1 mil [0.001 in (0.025 mm)] thick. This provides ruggedness and excellent grid protection, with little sacrifice in flexibility. Soldering is greatly simplified since the solder is prevented from tinning any more of the gage tab than is deliberately exposed for lead attachment. Option E protects the grid from fingerprints and other contaminating agents during installation and, therefore, contributes significantly to long-term gage stability. Heavier leads may be attached directly to the gage tabs for simple static load tests. Supplementary protective coatings should still be applied after lead attachment in most cases.

Temperature Limit
No degradation.

Grid Protection
Entire grid and part of tabs are encapsulated.

Fatigue Life
When gages are properly wired with small jumpers, maximum endurance is easily obtained.

Size
Gage size is not affected.

Strain Range
Strain range of gages will be reduced because the additional reinforcement of the polyimide encapsulation can cause bond failure before the gage reaches its full strain capability.

Flexibility
Option E gages are almost as conformable on curved surfaces as open-faced gages, since no internal leads or solder are present at the time of installation.

Resistance Tolerance
Resistance tolerance is normally doubled when Option E is selected.

Reference Table