IEC 60684-2:2011

Flexible insulating sleeving - Part 2: Methods of test

IEC 60684-2:2011 gives methods of test for flexible insulating sleeving, including heat-shrinkable sleeving, intended primarily for insulating electrical conductors and connections of electrical apparatus, although they may be used for other purposes. The tests specified are designed to control the quality of the sleeving but it is recognized that they do not completely establish the suitability of sleeving for impregnation or encapsulation processes or for other specialized applications. Where necessary, the test methods in this part will need to be supplemented by appropriate impregnation or compatibility tests to suit the individual circumstances. The main changes from the previous edition are as follows: three additional methods for circumferential extension, voltage proof and thermal shock and alignment with North American methods.

Gaines isolantes souples - Partie 2: Méthodes d'essai

La CEI 60684-2:2011 donne les méthodes d'essai pour les gaines isolantes souples, y compris les gaines thermorétractables, initialement conçues pour isoler les conducteurs électriques et les connexions des appareils électriques, même si elles peuvent être utilisées pour d'autres usages. Les essais spécifiés sont conçus pour contrôler la qualité des gaines, mais il reste entendu qu'ils ne permettent pas d'établir entièrement l'aptitude de celles-ci à l'imprégnation ou à l'enrobage, pas plus que leur aptitude à être utilisées pour d'autres applications spécialisées. S'il y a lieu, il sera nécessaire de compléter les méthodes d'essai spécifiées dans cette partie par des essais appropriés d'imprégnation ou de compatibilité en fonction des cas particuliers. Les principales modifications par rapport à l'édition précédente sont les suivantes: trois méthodes supplémentaires pour l'allongement circonférentiel, l'essai en tension et le choc thermique ainsi qu'un alignement avec les méthodes nord-américaines.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 09-Aug-2011
• ICS: 17.220.99 - Other standards related to electricity and magnetism
• Technical Committee: TC 15 - Solid electrical insulating materials
• Drafting Committee: WG 5 - TC 15/WG 5
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 10-Aug-2011
• Completion Date: 31-Aug-2011

Relations

• Revised: IEC 60684-2:2025 - Flexible insulating sleeving - Part 2: Methods of test
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 60684-2:1997/AMD1:2003 - Amendment 1 - Flexible insulating sleeving - Part 2: Methods of test
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 60684-2:1997/AMD2:2005 - Amendment 2 - Flexible insulating sleeving - Part 2: Methods of test
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 60684-2:1997 - Flexible insulating sleeving - Part 2: Methods of test
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 60684-2 ®
Edition 3.0 2011-08
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Flexible insulating sleeving –
Part 2: Methods of test
Gaines isolantes souples –
Partie 2: Méthodes d’essai
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IEC 60684-2 ®
Edition 3.0 2011-08
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Flexible insulating sleeving –
Part 2: Methods of test
Gaines isolantes souples –
Partie 2: Méthodes d’essai
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX XC
ICS 17.220.99 ISBN 978-2-88912-618-7

– 2 – 60684-2 © IEC:2011
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION . 7
1 General . 8
2 Test conditions . 10
3 Measurements of bore, wall thickness and concentricity . 10
4 Density . 12
5 Resistance to splitting after heating . 13
6 Heat shock (resistance to heat) . 13
7 Resistance to soldering heat . 14
8 Loss in mass on heating of uncoated textile glass sleeving . 14
9 Longitudinal change . 15
10 Deformation under load (resistance to pressure at elevated temperature) . 16
11 Thermal stability of PVC sleeving . 18
12 Volatile content of silicone sleeving . 19
13 Bending after heating . 19
14 Bending at low temperature . 20
15 Brittleness temperature . 20
16 Dimensional stability on storage (applicable to heat-shrinkable sleeving only) . 21
17 Hydrolysis of coating . 21
18 Flexibility (extruded sleeving only) . 22
19 Tensile strength, tensile stress at 100 % elongation, elongation at break and secant
modulus at 2 % elongation . 22
20 Fraying resistance test . 26
21 Breakdown voltage . 27
22 Insulation resistance . 29
23 Volume resistivity . 30
24 Permittivity and dissipation factor . 31
25 Resistance to tracking . 32
26 Flame propagation tests. 32
27 Oxygen index . 35
28 Transparency . 35
29 Ionic impurities test . 35
30 Silver staining test . 36
31 Electrolytic corrosion resistance . 36
32 Corrosion resistance (tensile and elongation) . 37
33 Copper corrosion (presence of corrosive volatiles) . 37
34 Colour fastness to light . 38
35 Resistance to ozone . 39
36 Resistance to selected fluids . 39
37 Thermal endurance . 40
38 Mass per unit length . 40
39 Heat ageing . 41

60684-2 © IEC:2011 – 3 –
40 Water absorption . 42
41 Restricted shrinkage (applicable to heat-shrinkable sleeving only) . 42
42 Colour stability to heat . 43
43 Smoke index . 43
44 Toxicity index . 48
45 Halogen content. 53
46 Acid gas generation . 55
47 Hot elongation and hot set . 55
48 Tension set (applicable to elastomeric sleeving only) . 56
49 Tear propagation (applicable to elastomeric sleeving only) . 56
50 Long term heat ageing (3 000 h) . 57
51 Dynamic shear at ambient temperature . 57
52 Dynamic shear at elevated temperature . 58
53 Dynamic shear after heat shock and heat ageing . 58
54 Rolling drum peel to aluminium . 59
55 Aluminium rod dynamic shear . 59
56 Sealing . 60
57 Adhesive T peel strength of two bonded heat-shrinkable substrates . 61
58 Circumferential extension . 62
59 Voltage proof . 63
60 Thermal shock . 63
Bibliography . 82

Figure 1 – Specimen for test resistance to soldering heat . 64
Figure 2 – Examples of sleeving after being subjected to test for resistance to soldering
heat . 65
Figure 3 – Arrangement for the test for resistance to pressure at elevated temperature
(Method A) . 65
Figure 4 – Arrangement for deformation under load (Method B) . 66
Figure 5 – Dumb-bell specimen for tensile strength test (ISO 37 Type2) . 67
Figure 6 – Dumb-bell specimen for tensile strength test (ISO 37 Type 1) . 67
Figure 7 – Sketch of fray test arrangement . 68
Figure 8 – Specimen for insulation resistance test . 69
Figure 9 – Standard propane burner for flame propagation test (sectional view) . 70
Figure 10 – Flame propagation test – Method A . 71
Figure 11 – Flame propagation test – Method B . 72
Figure 12 – Flame propagation test – Method C . 73
Figure 13 – Mandrel for restricted shrinkage test . 74
Figure 14 – Schematic details of burner for smoke index test. 75
Figure 15 – Schematic front view of smoke test sample holder, showing vertically
mounted sleeving samples . 76
Figure 16 – Assembly and fixture for dynamic shear at ambient temperature. 77
Figure 17 – Assembly for heat shock and heat ageing . 78
Figure 18 – Schematic arrangement of rolling drum peel. 78

– 4 – 60684-2 © IEC:2011
Figure 19 – Assembly preparation for aluminium rod dynamic shear . 79
Figure 20 – Test specimen for aluminium rod dynamic shear . 79
Figure 21 – Assembly for sealing test . 80
Figure 22 – Mandrel assembly . 80
Figure 23 – Slab specimen . 81
Figure 24 – T peel strength specimen . 81

60684-2 © IEC:2011 – 5 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
FLEXIBLE INSULATING SLEEVING –

Part 2: Methods of test
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60684-2 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 15: Solid
electrical insulating materials.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 1997, and constitutes a
minor revision and technical updating. The main changes from the previous edition are as
follows: three additional methods for circumferential extension, voltage proof and thermal
shock and alignment with North American methods.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
15/634/FDIS 15/644/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

– 6 – 60684-2 © IEC:2011
A list of all the parts in the IEC 60684 series, under the general title Flexible insulating
sleeving, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding
of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.

60684-2 © IEC:2011 – 7 –
INTRODUCTION
This International Standard is one of a series which deals with flexible insulating sleeving. The
series consists of three parts:
Part 1: Definitions and general requirements (IEC 60684-1)
Part 2: Methods of test (IEC 60684-2)
Part 3: Specifications for individual types of sleeving (IEC 60684-3)

– 8 – 60684-2 © IEC:2011
FLEXIBLE INSULATING SLEEVING –

Part 2: Methods of test
1 General
1.1 Scope
This part of IEC 60684 gives methods of test for flexible insulating sleeving, including heat-
shrinkable sleeving, intended primarily for insulating electrical conductors and connections of
electrical apparatus, although they may be used for other purposes.
The tests specified are designed to control the quality of the sleeving but it is recognized that
they do not completely establish the suitability of sleeving for impregnation or encapsulation
processes or for other specialized applications. Where necessary, the test methods in this part
will need to be supplemented by appropriate impregnation or compatibility tests to suit the
individual circumstances.
1.2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of
the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 60068-2-20:2008, Environmental testing – Part 2-20: Tests – Test T: Test methods for
solderability and resistance to soldering heat of devices with leads
IEC 60093:1980, Methods of test for volume resistivity and surface resistivity of solid electrical
insulating materials
IEC 60212:2010, Standard conditions for use prior to and during the testing of solid electrical
insulating materials
IEC 60216 (all parts), Electrical insulating materials – Thermal endurance properties
IEC 60216-4-1:2006, Electrical insulating materials – Thermal endurance properties – Part 4-1:
Ageing ovens – Single-chamber ovens
IEC 60216-4-2:2000, Electrical insulating materials – Thermal endurance properties – Part 4-2:
Ageing ovens – Precision ovens for use up to 300 °C
IEC 60243-1:1998, Electrical strength of insulating materials – Test methods – Part 1: Tests at
power frequencies
IEC 60250:1969, Recommended methods for the determination of the permittivity and dielectric
dissipation factor of electrical insulating materials at power, audio and radio frequencies
including metre wavelengths
60684-2 © IEC:2011 – 9 –
IEC 60426:2007, Electrical insulating materials – Determination of electrolytic corrosion caused
by insulating materials – Test methods
IEC 60587:2007, Electrical insulating materials used under severe ambient conditions – Test
methods for evaluating resistance to tracking and erosion
IEC 60589:1977, Methods of test for the determination of ionic impurities in electrical insulating
materials by extraction with liquids
IEC 60684-3 (all parts), Flexible insulating sleeving – Part 3: Specifications for individual types
of sleeving
IEC 60695-6-30:1996, Fire hazard testing – Part 6: Guidance and test methods on the
assessment of obscuration hazards of vision caused by smoke opacity from electrotechnical
products involved in fires – Section 30: Small scale static method – Determination of smoke
opacity – Description of the apparatus
IEC/TS 60695-11-21, Fire hazard testing - Part 11-21: Test flames - 500 W vertical flame test
method for tubular polymeric materials
IEC 60754-1:1994, Tests on gases evolved during combustion of materials from cables –
Part 1: Determination of the amount of halogen acid gas
IEC 60754-2:1991, Test on gases evolved during combustion of electric cables – Part 2:
Determination of degree of acidity of gases evolved during the combustion of materials taken
from electric cables by measuring pH and conductivity
Amendment 1 (1997)
ISO 5-1:2009, Photography and graphic technology – Density measurements – Part 1:
Geometry and functional notation
ISO 5-2:2009, Photography and graphic technology – Density measurements – Part 2:
Geometric conditions for transmittance density
ISO 5-3:2009, Photography and graphic technology – Density measurements – Part 3: Spectral
conditions
ISO 5-4:2009, Photography and graphic technology – Density measurements – Part 4:
Geometric conditions for reflection density
ISO 37:2005, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic – Determination of tensile stress-strain
properties
ISO 62:2008, Plastics – Determination of water absorption
ISO 105-A02, Textiles – Tests for colour fastness – Part A02: Grey scale for assessing change
in colour
ISO 105-B01, Textiles – Tests for colour fastness – Part B01: Colour fastness to light: Daylight
ISO 182-1:1990, Plastics – Determination of the tendency of compounds and products based
on vinyl chloride homopolymers and copolymers to evolve hydrogen chloride and any other
acidic products at elevated temperature – Part 1: Congo red method

– 10 – 60684-2 © IEC:2011
ISO 182-2:1990, Plastics – Determination of the tendency of compounds and products based
on vinyl chloride homopolymers and copolymers to evolve hydrogen chloride and any other
acidic products at elevated temperature – Part 2: pH method
ISO 974:2000, Plastics – Determination of the brittleness temperature by impact
ISO 1431-1:2004, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic – Resistance to ozone cracking –
Part 1: Static and dynamic strain test
ISO 13943: 2008, Fire safety – Vocabulary
ISO 4589-2:1996, Plastics – Determination of burning behaviour by oxygen index – Part 2:
Ambient-temperature test
ISO 4589-3:1996, Plastics – Determination of burning behaviour by oxygen index – Part 3:
Elevated-temperature test
2 Test conditions
2.1 Unless otherwise specified, all tests shall be made under standard ambient conditions
according to IEC 60212; i.e., at a temperature between 15 °C and 35 °C and at ambient relative
humidity.
In cases of dispute, the tests shall be carried out at a temperature of 23 °C ± 2 K and at
(50 ± 5) % relative humidity.
2.2 When heating at elevated temperature is specified for a test procedure, the specimen
shall be maintained for the prescribed period in a uniformly heated oven complying with
IEC 60216-4-1.
2.3 Where a test at low temperature is specified, the specification sheets of IEC 60684-3 may
require it to be carried out at –t °C or lower. In such cases the operator may carry out the test
at the specified temperature or any lower temperature which is convenient. If, however, at a
temperature below that specified the specimen fails to meet the requirements, the test shall be
repeated at the specified temperature, subject to a tolerance of ± 3 K as specified in
IEC 60212. If the specimen then passes, it shall be considered to have met the requirements.
3 Measurements of bore, wall thickness and concentricity
NOTE Within this standard, the terms "bore" and "internal diameter" are interchangeable.
3.1 Bore
3.1.1 Number of test specimens
Three specimens shall be tested.
3.1.2 General method
Plug or taper gauges of appropriate diameter shall be used to establish that the bore lies
between the maximum and minimum specified values. The gauge shall enter the bore without
causing expansion of the sleeving. A lubricant in powder form will assist when some types of
sleeving are being measured. For small bore sizes a micrometer microscope may be used and
measurements shall be made to the nearest 0,05 mm.

60684-2 © IEC:2011 – 11 –
3.1.3 Relaxed bore of expandable braided sleeving
Select a 250 mm long steel mandrel of the same diameter as the specified minimum relaxed
bore of the sleeving.
Insert the mandrel completely into the sleeving so that 50 mm of sleeving projects beyond the
mandrel at the cut end.
At the opposite end, wrap wire around the sleeving just beyond the end of the mandrel to
prevent the mandrel penetrating further into the sleeving.
Smooth the sleeving firmly onto the mandrel from the secured end towards the cut end and
twist the sleeving so that it traps the end of the mandrel. Secure by wrapping with wire.
Mark 200 mm gauge lines centrally on the sleeving using a marking medium which does not
degrade the sleeving, e.g., typewriter correction fluid.
Release the cut end and allow sleeving to relax.
Measure the distance between gauge lines in millimetres.
If this measurement is 195 mm or greater, then the sleeving is of the maximum relaxed bore
diameter.
If this measurement is less than 195 mm, repeat the determination with progressively larger
mandrels until the measurement is equal to or larger than 195 mm.
3.1.4 Expanded bore of expandable braided sleeving
Select a plug gauge of the same diameter as the specified minimum expanded bore.
Grip the sleeving 50 mm below the cut end.
Open the cut end of the sleeving for 10 mm and insert the plug gauge.
Attempt to push the plug gauge further into the undisturbed gripped sleeving.
If the plug gauge enters further without undue force, the sleeving is of the minimum expanded
bore.
If the plug gauge does not enter further without undue force, repeat the determination with
progressively smaller mandrels.
3.1.5 Result
Report all measured values as the result.
3.2 Wall thickness for textile sleeving
3.2.1 Number of test specimens
Three specimens shall be tested.

– 12 – 60684-2 © IEC:2011
3.2.2 Procedure
A plug gauge or mandrel shall be inserted so that it enters freely but has a diameter not less
than 80 % of the bore. The overall dimension shall then be measured using a micrometer
having flat anvils of approximately 6 mm in diameter. In making this measurement, the
pressure applied by the micrometer shall be just sufficient to close the sleeving on to the
inserted plug gauge or mandrel. The wall thickness shall be calculated by halving the
difference between the overall dimension and the plug gauge or mandrel diameter.
3.2.3 Result
Report all measured values for wall thickness as the result.
3.3 Minimum/maximum wall thickness and concentricity for extruded sleeving
3.3.1 Number of test specimens
Three specimens shall be tested.
3.3.2 Wall thickness
This standard does not give mandatory methods for making this measurement. By means of a
suitable number of tests, locate the points on the wall corresponding to the minimum and
maximum wall thickness. All measurements shall be measured to the nearest 0,01 mm. In
cases of dispute a calibrated micrometer microscope shall be used capable of measuring to
the nearest 0,001 mm.
NOTE The following methods of measurement have proved suitable: optical profile projector, optical comparator, a
suitable micrometer. In the event of a dispute, use one of the optical methods. A microscope micrometer has been
found suitable for measuring small bore sizes and for determining the inner and outer wall thicknesses of dual wall
sleeving.
3.3.3 Concentricity
Calculate the concentricity of each specimen of the sleeving by use of the following equation:
minimum wall thickness
concentricity (%) =
maximum wall thickness
3.3.4 Result
Report all values for minimum and maximum wall thickness and concentricity as the result.
4 Density
4.1 Number of test specimens
At least three specimens shall be tested.
4.2 Procedure
Any method for the determination of the density may be used which can ensure an accuracy
of 0,01 g/cm .
NOTE Small bore sleeving specimens should be cut longitudinally and opened out to avoid air entrapment during
the determination.
60684-2 © IEC:2011 – 13 –
4.3 Result
Identify the method selected for the determination and report all measured values for density;
the result is the mean unless specified otherwise in the specification sheets of IEC 60684-3.
5 Resistance to splitting after heating
5.1 Number of test specimens
Three specimens shall be tested.
5.2 Form of test specimen
The specimens shall be produced by cutting rings whose cut length equals the wall thickness.
Precautions shall be taken to ensure that the cut is clean since imperfections can affect the
result.
NOTE Where practical difficulties do not permit a square section ring to be cut, the length may be increased to not
more than 2,5 mm.
5.3 Procedure
The specimens shall be tested using a tapered mandrel which has an inclined angle of
(15 ± 1)°. The specimens shall be maintained for a period of (168 ± 2) h at a temperature of
70 °C ± 2 K unless another temperature is specified in IEC 60684-3, and then allowed to cool
to 23 °C ± 5 K. They shall then be rolled up the mandrel so that they are extended by an
amount equal to the percentage of nominal bore specified in IEC 60684-3. The specimens shall
be kept in that position and at a temperature of 23 °C ± 5 K for (24 ± 1) h and then examined
for splitting.
5.4 Result
Report whether there is any splitting.
6 Heat shock (resistance to heat)
6.1 Number of test specimens
Five specimens shall be tested.
6.2 Form of test specimens
Lengths of approximately 75 mm of sleeving, or specimens in accordance with Clause 19 shall
be prepared where tensile strength or elongation at break are to be measured. Where cut
pieces of sleeving are used the length shall be measured to the nearest 0,5 mm.
6.3 Procedure
The specimens shall be suspended vertically in an oven conforming to IEC 60216-4-1 or
IEC 60216-4-2 for 4 h ± 10 min at the temperature specified in IEC 60684-3.
The specimens shall be removed and allowed to cool to room temperature. They shall then be
examined for any signs of dripping or cracking. Measure the length and calculate the
percentage change. In addition, when so specified in IEC 60684-3, the specimens shall be
tested for tensile strength and/or elongation at break. Also, when so specified in IEC 60684-3,
the specimen shall be wound 360 degrees around a mandrel of diameter specified in
IEC 60684-3 at a uniform rate and within 2 s to 4 s. The specimens shall then be examined for
any signs of cracks. Side cracking of the flattened tubing shall not be cause for rejection.

– 14 – 60684-2 © IEC:2011
6.4 Result
Report all results from the visual examination. Report all values of change in length. Report all
measured values for tensile strength and/or elongation at break. The result is the central value
unless otherwise specified in the specification sheets of IEC 60684-3. Report any cracks after
the mandrel bend test.
7 Resistance to soldering heat
7.1 Number of test specimens
Three specimens shall be tested.
7.2 Form of test specimen
60 mm lengths of sleeving shall be used and approximately 150 mm of tinned copper wire, of a
diameter which permits a sliding fit in the sleeving.
The wire shall be bent through 90° at its middle point round a mandrel of diameter three times
the nominal bore of the sleeving.
The sleeving shall be slipped over the wire and worked round the bend so that it covers a
length of the straight part of the wire which will be vertical during the test, equal to 1,5 times
the nominal bore of the sleeving but with a minimum length of 1 mm (see Figure 1). The wire
shall be cut off on the part to be vertical during the test 20 mm beyond the sleeving.
The wire shall be cut off on the part to be horizontal during the test at the end of the sleeving.
Not less than 5 min after the wire has been bent, a high grade flux consisting of 25 % by mass
of colophony in 75 % by mass of 2-propanol (isopropanol) or of ethanol (ethyl alcohol), shall be
applied to the lower 6 mm of the protruding part of the wire. (Only non-activated colophony
shall be used, the acid value of which is not less than 155 mg KOH/g. A full specification is
given in Annex C of IEC 60068-2-20.)
7.3 Procedure
With the sleeving at a temperature of 23 °C ± 5 K, the test shall be started within 60 min of the
application of the flux. The wire is supported on its horizontal part at least 25 mm from the
bend. The vertical portion shall be immersed in the centre of a bath of molten solder so that
6 mm of the wire is immersed; a convenient way to achieve this is to mark the wire beforehand.
The wire shall be held in this position for (15 ± 1) s or as specified in IEC 60684-3. The solder
bath shall be not less than 25 mm in diameter and 12 mm deep and the temperature of the
solder shall be maintained at 260 °C ± 5 K during the test. To pass the test, no specimen shall
split or widen considerably, slight melting being permissible (see Figure 2).
7.4 Result
Report whether there is any splitting, widening or excessive melting.
8 Loss in mass on heating of uncoated textile glass sleeving
8.1 Number and mass of test specimens
Three specimens shall be tested, each consisting of a sufficient length to provide (5 ± 1) g.

60684-2 © IEC:2011 – 15 –
8.2 Procedure
The specimens shall be conditioned by heating at 105 °C ± 2 K for 1 h and then allowed to cool
in a desiccator to room temperature. They shall then be weighed to the nearest 0,0002 g (m )
and then heated in a ventilated furnace at 600 °C ± 10 K for 60 min to 75 min. After cooling to
room temperature in a desiccator, the specimens shall be re-weighed (m ).
8.3 Calculation
The percentage loss in mass of each test shall be calculated as follows:
m − m
1 2
m
8.4 Result
Report all calculated values for the percentage loss in mass. The result is the central value
unless otherwise specified in the specification sheets of IEC 60684-3.
9 Longitudinal change
9.1 Number of test specimens
Three specimens shall be tested.
9.2 Form of test specimen
Each specimen of sleeving approximately 150 mm long is cut cleanly and marked with two
gauge marks, nominally 100 mm apart and approximately centrally placed on the specimen,
using a marking medium that is not detrimental to the material. The distance between gauge
marks shall be measured to an accuracy of 0,5 mm (L ).
9.3 Procedure
The specimens shall be supported horizontally on a medium on which they can recover freely.
The supported specimens shall be maintained in an oven for the time and at the temperature
specified in IEC 60684-3.
The sleeving shall be allowed to cool to room temperature and the distance between the gauge
marks re-measured to an accuracy of 0,5 mm (L ).
9.4 Calculation
Calculate the percentage longitudinal change (LC) from the formula
−
L L
2 1
LC = 100
L
where
L is the original length;
L is the length after unrestricted shrinkage.
– 16 – 60684-2 © IEC:2011
9.5 Result
Report all values for longitudinal change as the result.
10 Deformation under load (resistance to pressure at elevated temperature)
10.1 Method A
10.1.1 Number of test specimens
Three specimens shall be tested.
The tests shall be carried out not less than 16 h after the extrusion of the sleeving.
10.1.2 Form of test specimen
Each test specimen shall be formed by slitting the sleeving along its length and then cutting
from the sleeving a section approximately 10 mm × 5 mm (or the full circumference of the
sleeving if this is less than 5 mm), so that the long axis of the specimen is parallel to the length
of the sleeving.
10.1.3 Apparatus
The apparatus consists of an instrument capable of measurement to ± 0,01 mm with a
rectangular indentor blade with an edge (0,70 ± 0,01) mm which applies a load to the specimen
of (1,2 ± 0,05) N, unless otherwise specified in IEC 60684-3. The specimen is placed on a
metal mandrel (6,00 ± 0,1) mm in diameter which is supported on a V block. The essential
features of this arrangement are shown in Figure 3.
The assembly shall be placed in an oven maintained at 110 °C ± 2 K during the heating period,
unless another temperature is specified in IEC 60684-3. To minimize vibration, a gravity-
circulated oven, mounted on suitable damping pads, shall be used.
10.1.4 Procedure
The wall thickness of the test specimen shall be measured by the method of 3.2, except that
the plug gauge and the sleeving sample therein shall be replaced by the test specimen resting
on the mandrel. The wall thickness shall be the measured difference between the overall
dimensions and the mandrel diameter.
The assembly with mandrel but without the test specimen shall be conditioned for at least 2 h
before the test in the oven at 110 °C ± 2 K, unless another temperature is specified in
IEC 60684-3.
The indentor blade shall be raised, the test specimen placed on the mandrel with its long axis
parallel to the mandrel and the indentor gently lowered on to the surface of the test specimen.
NOTE With small bore sleevings the manipulation of the test specimen may cause difficulty. In such cases it is
recommended that the test specimen be flattened under a 1 kg weight for approximately 10 min at room
temperature before placing it on the mandrel.
The assembly and test specimen shall then remain in the oven at the specified temperature for
(60 ± 5) min.
The position of the indentor blade shall then be recorded. Remove the specimen, allow the
indentor to rest directly on the mandrel and again record the position. Subtract the difference
between these two readings from the original measured wall thickness to give the indentation.

60684-2 © IEC:2011 – 17 –
Differences between any two of the three values for the position of the indentor resting directly
on the mandrel shall be not more than 0,02 mm.
10.1.5 Result
The indentation of the specimen shall be expressed as a percentage of the initial wall
thickness.
The percentage indentation shall be taken as the central value of the three determinations; the
other two values are also reported.
10.2 Method B
10.2.1 Number of test specimen
As method A.
10.2.2 Form of test specimen
For sleeving with an inside diameter (fully recovered for heat-shrinkable sleeving) of 4,22 mm,
lengths of full section sleeving shall be used. A solid metal conductor having a diameter
approximately equal to, but not greater than the inside diameter of the sleeving, shall be
inserted into each specimen.
For larger sleeving, rectangular specimens (25 ± 1 mm) long and a maximum width of 14 mm
shall be cut from the sleeving.
10.2.3 Apparatus
Apparatus of the type shown in Figure 4 shall be used.
Air circulating oven.
Weights as follows, mounted in the metal frame, so as to provide free vertical movement, as
illustrated in Figur
...