This technical report is applicable to polymeric insulators whose insulating body consists of one or various organic materials. Polymeric insulators covered by this technical report include both solid core and hollow insulators. They are intended for use on overhead lines and in indoor and outdoor equipment with a rated voltage greater than 1 000 V. The object of this technical report is: – to define the common terms used; – to give the background behind the development and use of the 5 000 h multiple stress test and the tracking wheel test; – to describe the test methods for the 5 000 h multiple stress test and the tracking wheel tests on polymeric insulators; – to describe possible acceptance or failure criteria, if applicable; These tests, criteria and recommendations are intended to give a common basis for the 5 000h multiple stress test and the tracking wheel test when they are used for research or required as a supplementary design test. These tests are not mandatory and their use is subject to prior agreement between the interested parties.