ASTM D4872-99

Standard Test Method for Dielectric Testing of Wire and Cable Filling Compounds

SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of dissipation factor, permittivity (dielectric constant) and ac volume resistivity of wire and cable filling compounds and related materials that are solid at room temperature, but capable of being melted at elevated temperature.
1.2 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. Specific hazard statements are given in Section 9.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are the standard, except in certain instances where SI units are more appropriate. The values in parentheses are for information only.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Apr-1999
• ICS: 29.035.01 - Insulating materials in general
• Technical Committee: D09 - Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM D4872-99(2004)e1 - Standard Test Method for Dielectric Testing of Wire and Cable Filling Compounds
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1999
• Referred By: ASTM D4732-13(2020) - Standard Specification for Cool-Application Filling Compounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1999
• Referred By: ASTM D4731-13(2020) - Standard Specification for Hot-Application Filling Compounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1999

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
An American National Standard
Designation: D 4872 – 99
Standard Test Method for
1
Dielectric Testing of Wire and Cable Filling Compounds
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4872; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope specimen to cool and place primary and secondary electrodes
in uniform contact with the specimen surface. Connect test
1.1 This test method covers the determination of dissipation
leads to the specimen dish and the cover plate electrode; make
factor, permittivity (dielectric constant) and ac volume resis-
measurements to obtain values from which dissipation factor,
tivity of wire and cable filling compounds and related materials
permittivity, and dc volume resistivity are calculated.
that are solid at room temperature, but capable of being melted
at elevated temperature.
5. Significance and Use
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.1 Dissipation factor, permittivity and dc volume resistivity
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
are properties of communication cable fillers and filler com-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ponents that are controlled in order that the cable’s electrical
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
performance falls within its design limits. Relatively small
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazard
amounts of contaminants, such as polar compounds, water or
statements are given in Section 7.
salts, degrade the cable’s electrical properties. Limits on the
1.3 Whenever two sets of values are presented, in different
dielectric properties of the cable filling compound are usually
units, the values in the first set are the standard, while those in
specified by the cable manufacturer, by industry standards or
parentheses are for information only.
both.
2. Referenced Documents
6. Apparatus
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.1 Specimen Dish and Cover Electrode as shown in Fig. 1.
D 150 Test Methods for A-C Loss Characteristics and
Use a gold- or nickel-plated specimen dish and cover electrode
Permittivity (Dielectric Constant) of Solid Electrical Insu-
2
plate to ensure a corrosion resistant, high conductivity surface.
lating Materials
6.1.1 Clean the specimen dish and electrode plate of oxida-
D 257 Test Methods for D-C Resistance or Conductance of
2
tion by rinsing in a 5 % hydrochloric acid solution for a
Insulating Materials
maximum of 5 s, followed by distilled water, isopropyl alcohol
D 1321 Test Method for Needle Penetration of Petroleum
3 and, finally, by a low boiling petroleum distillate (naphtha) (see
Waxes
2 Section 7). Alternatively, use an ultrasonic cleansing bath.
D 1711 Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
Store the dish and cover, wrapped in paper towels, in a
D 6054 Practice for Conditioning Electrical Insulating Ma-
4 desiccator or in an oven maintained at 50°C.
terials for Testing
5
6.2 Dial Comparator having a minimum travel of 0.4 in.
3. Terminology (10.2 mm) or equivalent.
6.3 Leveling Table, adjustable to 61 min of arc. The base
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test
from a Test Method D 1321 penetrometer is satisfactory.
method, refer to Terminology D 1711.
6.4 Glass Syringe, 10.0-mL capacity.
4. Summary of Test Method
6.5 Oven capable of maintaining the temperature used to
determine viscosity for the particular compound under test.
4.1 Place a measured volume of melted sample, free of
6
6.6 Q-Meter, or equivalent.
entrapped air, into a level preheated specimen dish. Allow the
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-9 on
Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D09.18 on Solid Insulations, Nonmetallic Shieldings, and Coverings
for Electrical and Telecommunications Wires and Cables.
Current edition approved April 10, 1999. Published June 1999. Originally
published as D 4872 – 88. Last previous edition D 4872 – 94.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 10.01.
3 5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.01. Starrett Model 656-617 has been found satisfactory.
4 6
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 10.02. Hewlett-Packard 4342A has been found satisfactory.
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D 4872
10. Conditioning
10.1 Condition the sample in an atmosphere of 23 6 3°C
and 50 6 5 % relative humidity in accordance with Practice
D 6054.
11. Procedure
11.1 Heat the sample, specime
...