Significance and Use

These test methods include most of the important tests used to characterize heat-shrinkable tubing. They are intended primarily for, but not limited to, extruded heat-shrinkable tubing.

Variations in these test methods or alternate contemporary methods of measurement may be used to determine the values for the properties in this standard provided such methods ensure quality levels and measurement accuracy equal to or better than those prescribed herein. It is the responsibility of the organizations using alternate test methods to be able to demonstrate this condition. In cases of dispute, the methods specified herein shall be used.

Note 2Provision for alternate methods is necessary because of (1) the desire to simplify procedures for specific applications without altering the result, and (2) the desire to eliminate redundant testing and use data generated during manufacturing process control, including that generated under Statistical Process Control (SPC) conditions, using equipment and methods other than those specified herein. An example would be the use of laser micrometers or optical comparators to measure dimensions.

1. Scope

1.1 These test methods cover the testing of heat-shrinkable tubing used for electrical insulation. Materials used include poly(vinyl chloride), polyolefins, fluorocarbon polymers, silicone rubber, and other plastic or elastomeric compounds.

1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard, except for temperature, which shall be expressed in degrees Celsius. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.3 The procedures appear in the following sections:

1.4 This is a fire-test-response standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Sections 5 and 68.2.

Note 1These test methods are similar, but not identical to, those in IEC 60684 2 (see also Note 9).

68.1 This is a fire-test-response standard. The test procedures measure the resistance of the tubing to ignition and propagation of flame after ignition under prescribed conditions of test.

68.2 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.

68.3 Fire testing is inherently dangerous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D149 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials at Commercial Power Frequencies

D257 Test Methods for DC Resistance or Conductance of Insulating Materials

D412 Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers--Tension

D570 Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics

D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing

D746 Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastics and Elastomers by Impact

D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Plastics by Displacement

D876 Test Methods for Nonrigid Vinyl Chloride Polymer Tubing Used for Electrical Insulation

D882 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting

D1535 Practice for Specifying Color by the Munsell System

D1711 Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation

D3418 Test Method for Transition Temperatures and Enthalpies of Fusion and Crystallization of Polymers by Differential Scanning Calorimetry

E176 Terminology of Fire Standards

Keywords

adhesive peel strength; brittleness temperature; color; color stability; copper corrosion; dielectric breakdown voltage; dielectric strength; flame resistance; fluid resistance; fungus resistance; heat resistance; heat shock; heat shrinkable tubing; inside diameter; length; low temperature; melting point; restricted shrinkage; secant modulus; specific gravity; storage life; stress modulus; temperature index; tensile strength; test methods; thermal endurance; thermal endurance graph; tubing; heat-shrinkable; ultimate elongation; volume resistivity; wall concentricity; wall thickness; water absorption; Color--electrical materials/applications; Color stability; Corrosivity; Diameter--electrical materials/applications; Dielectric breakdown voltage; Dimensions; Eccentricity; Elastomeric materials/applications; Electrical insulating plastics; Electrical insulating rubber; Elongation--electrical insulating materials; Fire testing--electrical insulating materials; Flammability--electrical insulating materials; Poly(vinyl chloride)(PVC) electrical insulation; Fungal influence/resistance; Heating tests--electrical insulating materials; Heat resistance; Shelf life; Heat-shrinkable tubing (electrical insulating); Ignition--electrical insulating materials; Shrinkage; Silicone--electrical insulating materials; Solvent resistance; Temperature tests--electrical insulation; Tensile properties/testing--electrical insulating materials; Thermal endurance--electrical insulating materials; Thickness--electrical insulating materials; Tubes (electrical insulating);

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 29.120.99 (Other electrical accessories)

DOI: 10.1520/D2671-09

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM D2671