ASTM D4246-14(2020)

Standard Specification for Ozone-Resistant Thermoplastic Elastomer Insulation for Wire and Cable, 90 °C Operation

ABSTRACT
This specification covers an ozone-resistant thermoplastic elastomer insulation for electrical wire and cables. This type of insulation is considered to be suitable for continuous operation at the specified conductor temperatures and operating voltages in dry locations. The minimum installation temperature is specified. Tests shall be done on insulated wire or cable solely to determine the relevant property of the insulation material and not to test the conductor or completed cable. The insulation shall conform to the prescribed physical property requirements such as (1) tensile strength and elongation at rupture before and after air oven aging test, (2) heat distortion, and (3) thickness. AC voltage, insulation resistance, and DC voltage tests shall be performed in that order when any of these tests are specified for electrical requirements. The insulation shall not show any cracks when tested by cold bend test and shall show no cracking or surface checking after exposure to the prescribed ozone concentration.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers an ozone-resistant insulating compound for electrical wire and cables 14 AWG and larger. This compound consists substantially of a thermoplastic elastomer.  
1.2 This type of insulation is considered suitable for continuous operation at conductor temperatures not exceeding 90 °C in dry locations. Operating voltages are not to exceed 2000 V. The minimum installation temperature is –40 °C.  
1.3 In many instances the insulation material cannot be tested unless it has been formed around a conductor or cable. Therefore, tests are done on insulated wire or cable in this specification solely to determine the relevant property of the insulation material and not to test the conductor or completed cable.  
1.4 Whenever two sets of values are presented, in different units, the values in the first set are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jul-2020
• ICS: 29.035.20 - Plastics and rubber insulating materials
• Technical Committee: D09 - Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials
• Drafting Committee: D09.07 - Electrical Insulating Materials

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4246-14 - Standard Specification for Ozone-Resistant Thermoplastic Elastomer Insulation For Wire and Cable, 90°C Operation
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1711-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM D1711-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1711-14a - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM D1711-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM D1711-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM D1711-11a - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2011
• Refers: ASTM D1711-08 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-May-2008
• Refers: ASTM D470-05 - Standard Test Methods for Crosslinked Insulations and Jackets for Wire and Cable
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2005
• Refers: ASTM D1711-02 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-2002
• Refers: ASTM D1711-99 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1999
• Refers: ASTM D470-99 - Standard Test Methods for Crosslinked Insulations and Jackets for Wire and Cable
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1999
• Referred By: ASTM D4967-21 - Standard Guide for Selecting Materials to Be Used for Insulation, Jacketing, and Strength Components in Fiber-Optic Cables
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2020

Overview

ASTM D4246-14(2020): Standard Specification for Ozone-Resistant Thermoplastic Elastomer Insulation for Wire and Cable, 90 °C Operation defines the requirements for thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) insulation designed for electrical wire and cable. This insulation is specially formulated to resist ozone degradation and is suitable for continuous operation at conductor temperatures up to 90 °C in dry environments, for voltages not exceeding 2000 V. The standard ensures that wire and cable insulation meets strict criteria for durability, electrical performance, and installation conditions, providing guidance for manufacturers, suppliers, and end users.

Key Topics

• Ozone Resistance: The specification addresses the resistance of TPE insulation to ozone, a critical factor for preventing cracking or deterioration in harsh environments.
• Physical Properties: Insulation must demonstrate minimum requirements for tensile strength and elongation both before and after aging (air oven exposure at 121 °C for 168 hours), as well as resistance to heat distortion and cold bending.
• Electrical Performance: The insulation is required to pass AC and DC voltage tests, as well as insulation resistance tests. The specified sequence of electrical tests ensures consistent measurement and verification.
• Installation and Usage Range: The specification confirms suitability for use at conductor temperatures up to 90 °C, with a minimum installation temperature of –40 °C, making the product versatile for various climates.
• Testing Protocols: All required tests (mechanical and electrical) are performed on insulated wire or cable sections to evaluate the insulation material itself, separate from the conductor.
• Compliance and International Considerations: Developed following internationally recognized standardization principles, this standard supports global trade and compatibility.

Applications

• Electrical Wiring in Industrial and Commercial Settings: The robust ozone-resistant TPE insulation is ideal for environments where exposure to ozone and variable temperatures is common, such as manufacturing facilities, chemical plants, and commercial buildings.
• Harsh and Outdoor Environments: With a minimum installation temperature of –40 °C, this insulation can be used in cold weather installations and regions prone to ozone-rich atmospheres.
• Power Distribution and Control Cables: Suitable for cables rated up to 2000 V and 14 AWG and larger, making it applicable in low- to medium-voltage electrical systems.
• Maintenance and Upgrades: Facilities requiring enhanced wire and cable reliability for long-term safety and reduced maintenance benefit from this high-performance insulation standard.
• OEM Wire and Cable Manufacturing: Wire and cable producers must ensure compliance with this specification for products intended for stringent operational requirements and regulatory certifications.

Related Standards

• ASTM D1711: Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation - Provides definitions for terms used in insulation specifications.
• ASTM D2633: Test Methods for Thermoplastic Insulations and Jackets for Wire and Cable - Specifies testing protocols for evaluating key properties of thermoplastic insulations.
• ASTM D470: Test Methods for Crosslinked Insulations and Jackets for Wire and Cable - Referenced for thickness, electrical testing, and measurement correction factors.
• Other International Standards: Complies with principles established by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee for the development of international standards.

Keywords: ozone-resistant insulation, thermoplastic elastomer, ASTM D4246, electrical wire and cable insulation, 90°C operation, insulation testing, TPE cable insulation, industrial wire standards, electrical insulation specification

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D4246 −14 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Specification for
Ozone-Resistant Thermoplastic Elastomer Insulation for
Wire and Cable, 90 °C Operation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4246; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D1711 Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
D2633 Test Methods for Thermoplastic Insulations and
1.1 This specification covers an ozone-resistant insulating
Jackets for Wire and Cable
compound for electrical wire and cables 14 AWG and larger.
This compound consists substantially of a thermoplastic elas-
3. Terminology
tomer.
3.1 Definitions:
1.2 This type of insulation is considered suitable for con-
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this specification refer
tinuous operation at conductor temperatures not exceeding
to Terminology D1711.
90 °C in dry locations. Operating voltages are not to exceed
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2000 V. The minimum installation temperature is –40 °C.
3.2.1 aging (act of), n—the exposure of materials to air at
1.3 In many instances the insulation material cannot be
121 °C for 168 h.
tested unless it has been formed around a conductor or cable.
Therefore, tests are done on insulated wire or cable in this
4. Physical Properties
specification solely to determine the relevant property of the
4.1 Requirements for physical properties are listed in Table
insulation material and not to test the conductor or completed
1.
cable.
4.2 Thickness of Insulation—Table 1(a) (Conductor Sizes,
1.4 Whenever two sets of values are presented, in different
Insulation Thicknesses, and AC Test Voltages for Rubber
units, the values in the first set are to be regarded as standard.
Insulations) of Test Methods D470 lists the minimum average
The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions
thickness for the insulation. The required minimum thickness
that are provided for information only and are not considered
is 90 % of the specified average thickness.
standard.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
5. Electrical Requirements
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.1 Order of Testing—Perform the ac voltage, insulation
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
resistance, and dc voltage tests in that order when any of these
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
tests are specified. The sequence of other testing is not
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
specified.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.2 AC Voltage Test—Unless otherwise specified, omit this
2. Referenced Documents test if the dc voltage test described in 5.4 is to be performed.
Test each insulated conductor for 5 min at the ac voltage given
2.1 ASTM Standards:
in Table 1(a) (Conductor Sizes, Insulation Thicknesses, and
D470 Test Methods for Crosslinked Insulations and Jackets
AC Test Voltages for Rubber Insulations) of Test Methods
for Wire and Cable
D470, under the columns labeled “Ozone-resisting Insula-
tions.”
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D09 on
5.3 Insulation Resistance—The insulated conductor shall
Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials and is the direct responsibility of
have an insulation resistance value of at least that correspond-
Subcommittee D09.07 on Electrical Insulating Materials.
ing to a constant of 10 000 at 60 °F (15.6 °C).
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2020. Published September 2020. Originally
5.3.1 If the water temperature at the time measurement was
approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D4246 – 14. DOI:
10.1520/D4246-14R20.
made differs from 60 °F (15.6 °C), correct the insulation
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
resistance to 60 °F. Table 2 (Temperature Correction Factors
contac
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