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As aircraft move to using higher voltages, there is an increased risk of electrical failure if clearance and creepage distances of electrical apparatus, especially printed circuit boards (PCBs) are not appropriately maintained. However, conservatism can lead to dimensions being artificially enlarged leading to significant penalties in terms of weight / volume. One failure mode that can exist on insulation of PCBs is electrical tracking across surfaces, particularly those that are contaminated (this mode of failure being distinct to arc tracking in cables). This can eventually lead to electrical failure in the form of a short circuit and could pose a fire risk in some systems. For precise dimensioning of insulation within equipment, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms of electrical tracking as influenced by different environmental conditions.