4.1 The electrical behavior of semiconducting extruded shielding materials is important for a variety of reasons, such as safety, static charges, and current transmission. This test method is useful in predicting the behavior of such semiconducting compounds. Also see Test Method D4496.

1.1 This test method covers the procedure for determining the volume resistivity, measured longitudinally, of extruded crosslinked and thermoplastic semiconducting, conductor and insulation shields for wire and cable.

1.2 In common practice the conductor shield is often referred to as the strand shield.

1.3 Technically, this test method is the measurement of a resistance between two electrodes on a single surface and modifying that value using dimensions of the specimen geometry to calculate a resistivity. However, the geometry of the specimen is such as to support the assumption of a current path primarily throughout the volume of the material between the electrodes, thus justifying the use of the term “longitudinal volume resistivity.” (See 3.1.2.1)

1.4 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.

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 a specific hazard statement, see 7.1.