What does the term "mechanical strength" in insulation refer to?

The term "mechanical strength" in insulation specifically refers to its ability to withstand physical stress. This encompasses a variety of conditions such as tensile strength, which measures how much force the insulation can tolerate without breaking, and impact resistance, which assesses its durability against sudden forces or shocks. Insulation with high mechanical strength is crucial in electrical applications because it helps prevent damage during installation, operation, and potential external impacts that may occur during the life of the electrical system.

In contrast, other aspects mentioned in the choices, such as resistance to thermal effects and flexibility at high temperatures, relate to thermal properties rather than mechanical properties. The ability to bind wires together would pertain more to adhesive qualities or the properties of a composite material rather than the mechanical strength of the insulation itself.