This specification covers a crosslinked polyethylene insulation for electrical wires and cables for conductor sizes 8 AWG (8.37 mm2) and larger. The base polymer of this insulation consists substantially of polyethylene. The partial discharge, ac voltage, insulation resistance, and dc voltage shall be tested to meet the requirements prescribed. The accelerated water absorption, permittivity and dissipation factor, U-bend discharge, and surface resistivity shall be tested to meet the requirements prescribed. The heat distortion, and percent hot creep and percent hot set shall be tested to meet the requirements prescribed.

This abstract is a brief summary of the referenced standard. It is informational only and not an official part of the standard; the full text of the standard itself must be referred to for its use and application. ASTM does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents of this abstract are accurate, complete or up to date.

1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers a crosslinked polyethylene insulation for electrical wires and cables for conductor sizes 8 AWG (8.37 mm²) and larger. The base polymer of this insulation consists substantially of polyethylene.

1.2 This type of insulation is suitable for use on power cables in wet and dry locations at conductor temperatures not exceeding 90°C for continuous operation, 130°C for emergency overload conditions, and 250°C for short-circuit conditions. It is considered suitable for all sizes and voltage classifications of single- and multiple-conductor power cables at voltage ratings of 2001 to 35000 V phase-to-phase at the 100 % insulation level and at voltage ratings of 2001 to 25000 V at the 133 % insulation level as listed in Table 1C of Test Methods D 470.

1.3 Materials covered by this specification are not sunlight- and weather-resistant unless they are carbon black pigmented or contain an additive system designed for this protection.

1.4 In many instances the insulation cannot be tested unless it has been formed around a conductor. Therefore, tests are done on insulated wire in this standard solely to determine the relevant property of the insulation and not to test the conductor or completed cable.

1.5 Whenever two sets of values are presented, in different units, the values in the first set are the standard, while those in parentheses are for information only.

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

D470 Test Methods for Crosslinked Insulations and Jackets for Wire and Cable

D1248 Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Extrusion Materials for Wire and Cable

D1711 Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation

D2765 Test Methods for Determination of Gel Content and Swell Ratio of Crosslinked Ethylene Plastics

ICEA Standard

Keywords

ac voltage; crosslinked polyethylene; dc voltage; heat distortion; hot creep; hot set; insulation resistance; water absorption; weather resistant;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 29.035.20 (Plastic and rubber insulating materials)

Citing ASTM Standards

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