Abstract: The phenolic molding compound described herein is improved in arc resistance, arc track voltage and flame or fire retardance by the presence of 10.5-20, preferably 11-16 percent by weight, of melamine based on the total composition, The fillers and modifiers used in such resin compositions are those normally used for molding purposes. Based on the starting Novolac used, the effective amount of melamine for these improvements is found to be 30-60 parts, preferably 32-50 parts by weight per 100 parts of Novolac resin. These amounts are found to have effective results for thicknesses as low as 0.020 inch.