An American National Standard

Designation: D 350 – 01

Standard Test Methods for

Flexible Treated Sleeving Used for Electrical Insulation1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 350; 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.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard

1.1 These test methods cover procedures for testing electri- statements, see 45.2 and 63.1.1.
cal insulating sleeving comprising a flexible tubular product NOTE 1—This standard resembles IEC 60684-2, Specification for
made from a woven textile fibre base, such as cotton, rayon, Flexible Insulating Sleeving—Part 2 Methods of Test, in a number of
nylon, or glass, thereafter impregnated, or coated, or impreg- ways, but is not consistently similar throughout. The data obtained using
nated and coated, with a suitable dielectric material. either standard may not be technically equivalent.
1.2 The procedures appear in the following sections: 2. Referenced Documents
Procedures Sections
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Brittleness Temperature 18 to 21 D 149 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and
Compatibility of Sleeving with Magnet Wire Insulation 45 to 59
Conditioning 6
Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials
Dielectric Breakdown Voltage 12 to 17 at Commercial Power Frequencies2
Dielectric Breakdown Voltage After Short-Time Aging 29 to 33 D 374 Test Methods for Thickness of Solid Electrical Insu-
Dimensions 7 to 11
Effect of Push-Back After Heat Aging 73 to 78
lation2
Flammability 22 to 28 D 471 Test Method for Rubber Property—Effect of Liq-
Hydrolytic Stability 66 to 72 uids3
Oil Resistance 34 to 37
Selection of Test Material 5
D 746 Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastics
Solvent Resistance 60 to 65 and Elastomers by Impact4
Thermal Endurance 38 to 44 D 876 Test Methods for Nonrigid Vinyl Chloride Polymer
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units, except for °C, are Tubing Used for Electrical Insulation2
to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are D 2307 Test Method for Relative Thermal Endurance of
provided for information only. Film-Insulated Round Magnet Wire2
1.4 This is a fire-test-response standard. See Sections 22 D 3487 Specification for Mineral Insulating Oil Used in
through 28, which are the procedures for flammability tests. Electrical Apparatus5
1.5 These test methods can be used to measure and describe D 3636 Practice for Sampling and Judging Quality of Solid
the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response Electrical Insulating Materials6
to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions, but D 5423 Specification for Forced-Convection Laboratory
should not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire Ovens for Evaluation of Electrical Insulation6
risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire D 6054 Practice for Conditioning Electrical Insulating Ma-
conditions. However, results of this test may be used as terials for Testing6
elements of a fire risk assessment which take into account all E 145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-
of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire Ventilation Ovens7
hazard of a particular end use. 2.2 IEEE Standard:
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the IEEE 101 Guide for the Statistical Analysis of Thermal Life
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Test Data8
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 10.01.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 09.01.
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
1 5
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D09 on Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 10.03.
6
Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials and are the direct responsibility of Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 10.02.
7
Subcommittee D09.07 on Flexible and Rigid Insulating Materials. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.04.
8
Current edition approved Sept. 10, 2001. Published November 2001. Originally Available from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., 1828
published as D 350 – 32T. Last previous edition D 350 – 96. L St., NW, Suite 1202, Washington, DC 20036–5104..

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 D 350
2.3 IEC Standard: 5.2 In the case of sleeving offered in cut lengths, test
IEC 60684-2 Specification for Flexible Insulating specimens shall not be prepared from material closer than 1 in.
Sleeving—Part 2 Methods of Test9 (25 mm) from each end.
5.3 Specimens for test shall not show obvious defects unless
3. Terminology
the purpose of the test is to determine the effect of such defects.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 5.4 Specimens shall be prepared from samples selected in
3.1.1 flammability, n—a measure of the rate of travel of a accordance with Practice D 3636. The sampling plan and
flame down a specimen when ignited and held in a vertical acceptance quality level shall be as agreed upon between the
position. user and the producer.
3.1.2 size, n—a numerical designation which indicates that
the inside diameter of the sleeving lies within the limits 6. Conditioning
prescribed in Table 1. 6.1 Unless otherwise specified, a standard laboratory atmo-
3.1.3 wall thickness, n—one half the difference between the sphere of 50 6 5 % relative humidity and 23 6 2°C (73.4 6
outside diameter of the sleeving mounted on a loosely fitting 3.6°F) shall be used in conducting all tests and for conditioning
gage rod and the diameter of the gage rod when measured in specimens for a period of at least 18 h prior to testing.
accordance with 9.2. 6.2 In the case of dielectric breakdown voltage tests after
4. Apparatus and Materials humidity conditioning, specimens shall be conditioned for 96 h
in an atmosphere of 93 6 3 % relative humidity and 23 6 2°C
4.1 Ovens used in these test methods shall meet the require- (73.4 6 3.6°F) before testing. If a conditioning cabinet is used,
ments of Specification D 5423. specimens shall be tested for dielectric breakdown voltage
5. Selection of Test Material within 1 min after removal from the cabinet.
6.3 For details regarding conditioning, refer to Practice
5.1 In the case of sleeving on spools or in coils, not less than
D 6054.
three turns of the product shall be removed before the selection
of material from which test specimens are to be prepared. DIMENSIONS
9
Available from American National Standards Institute, 25 W. 43rd St., 4th 7. Apparatus
Floor, New York, NY 10036.
7.1 Gage Rods—Standard gage rods shall be made of steel
and shall have smooth surfaces and rounded edges. One rod is
TABLE 1 ASTM Standard Sizes for Flexible Sleeving
required for each of the maximum and minimum diameters
Inside Diameter, in. (mm)
Size shown in Table 1 for each size. Each rod shall be within
Max Min 60.005 in. (66.012 mm) of the values shown in Table 1.
1 in. 1.036 (26.3) 1.000 (25.4)
7⁄8 in. 0.911 (23.1) 0.875 (22.2) 8. Test Specimens
3⁄4 in. 0.786 (20.0) 0.750 (19.1)
5⁄8 in. 0.655 (16.6) 0.625 (15.9) 8.1 Five test specimens of at least 7 in. (180 mm) in length
shall be cut from material obtained in accordance with Section
⁄ in.
12 0.524 (13.3) 0.500 (12.7)
⁄ in.
7 16 0.462 (11.7) 0.438 (11.1)
5.
3⁄8 in. 0.399 (10.1) 0.375 (9.5)
No. 0 0.347 (8.8) 0.325 (8.3) 9. Procedure
No. 1 0.311 (7.9) 0.289 (7.3)
9.1 Inside Diameter—Pass the minimum gage rod for the
No. 2 0.278 (7.1) 0.258 (6.6) size sleeving under test into the specimen for a distance of 5 in.
No. 3 0.249 (6.3) 0.229 (5.8) (127 mm) without expanding the wall of the sleeving. If the rod
No. 4 0.224 (5.7) 0.204 (5.2)
has a snug fit, then consider the specimen as having an inside
No. 5 0.198 (5.0) 0.182 (4.6) diameter equal to the diameter of the rod. If the minimum gage
No. 6 0.178 (4.5) 0.162 (4.1) rod fits loosely, insert the maximum gage rod into the speci-
No. 7 0.158 (4.0) 0.144 (3.7)
No. 8 0.141 (3.6) 0.129 (3.3)
men. If the maximum gage rod passes freely into the specimen
for a distance of 5 in. with a snug fit, or if it expands the wall
No. 9 0.124 (3.1) 0.114 (2.9) of the specimen, then consider the sleeving to be of that size
No. 10 0.112 (2.8) 0.102 (2.6)
No. 11 0.101 (2.6) 0.091 (2.31) which falls within the limits of the maximum and minimum
No. 12 0.091 (2.31) 0.081 (2.06) inside diameters as represented by the gage rods.
9.2 Wall Thickness—Insert in the specimen the largest
No. 13 0.082 (2.08) 0.072 (1.83)
No. 14 0.074 (1.88) 0.064 (1.63) standard gage rod that will pass freely into the sleeving. Apply
No. 15 0.067 (1.70) 0.057 (1.45) a micrometer over the specimen and make thickness measure-
No. 16 0.061 (1.55) 0.051 (1.30) ments as specified in Method C of Test Methods D 374 except
No. 17 0.054 (1.37) 0.045 (1.14) that the force on the pressor foot shall be 3 oz (85 g). Obtain
No. 18 0.049 (1.24) 0.040 (1.02) the average of five thickness readings taking the micrometer
No. 20 0.039 (0.99) 0.032 (0.81) readings at approximately 90° intervals about the circumfer-
No. 22 0.032 (0.81) 0.025 (0.64)
No. 24 0.027 (0.69) 0.020 (0.51) ence of the specimen and spaced lineally approximately 0.25
in. (6 mm). Methods A and B of Test Methods D 374 can be

2
 D 350
used as alternative methods where agreed upon between the 13.2 Outer Electrode—Strips of soft metal foil 1-in. (25-
manufacturer and purchaser. Compute wall thickness as half mm) wide and not more than 0.001 in. (0.03 mm) in thickness.
the distance between the outside diameter of the mounted
sleeving and the diameter of the gage rod. 14. Procedure A—Straight Specimens
14.1 Test Specimens—Ten specimens 7 in. (180 mm) long
10. Report
shall be prepared for each conditioning test (see Section 6)
10.1 Report the following information: from material selected in accordance with Section 5.
10.1.1 Identification of the sleeving, 14.2 Procedure:
10.1.2 Method of measurement if other than Method C, 14.2.1 After conditioning in accordance with 6.1, determine
10.1.3 Size of sleeving, and the dielectric breakdown voltage in accordance with Test
10.1.4 Wall thickness. Method D 149 except as specified in 14.2.2 and 14.2.3.
14.2.2 Mount a sleeving specimen on the inner electrode.
TABLE 2 Estimated Precision of Wall Thickness Measurement Wrap the outer electrode tightly on the outside of the sleeving
Sleeving Type
Nominal Value, (Sr)j, (SR)j, at a distance of not less than 1 in. (25 mm) from the ends of the
in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm) specimens. Snugly wrap the foil over the sleeving. Wind two
Acrylic 0.0213 (0.54) 0.0007 (0.018) 0.0017 (0.043) more turns of foil over the first turn, leaving a free end of about
PVC 0.0237 (0.60) 0.0007 (0.018) 0.0021 (0.053)
Silicone Rubber 0.0331 (0.84) 0.0012 (0.030) 0.0019 (0.048)
0.5 in. (13 mm) to which an electrical contact can be made.
14.2.3 Determine the breakdown voltage, in accordance
with Test Method D 149 by the short time method, increasing
11. Precision and Bias the voltage from zero at a rate of 0.5 kV/s. Calculate the
average breakdown voltage for the ten tests.
11.1 Precision—The overall estimates of the precision
within laboratories (Sr)j and the precision between laboratories 15. Procedure B—90° Bent Specimens
(SR)j for the determination of wall thickness are given in Table
2 for three selected materials. These estimates are based on a 15.1 Test Specimens—Ten specimens 4 in. (100 mm) long
round robin of the three materials with six laboratories partici- shall be prepared for each conditioning test (see Section 6)
pating.10 from material selected in accordance with Section 5.
11.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the value 15.2 Procedure:
for wall thickness is determined solely in terms of this test 15.2.1 Mount a sleeving specimen on the inner electrode.
method itself. 15.2.2 Bend the specimen through an angle of 90 6 2° over
a smooth mandrel having a diameter of ten times the nominal
DIELECTRIC BREAKDOWN VOLTAGE inside diameter of the specimen. Arrange the bend so that it is
centrally located on the specimen.
12. Significance and Use 15.2.3 Condition the samples as specified in 6.1.
12.1 The dielectric breakdown voltage of the sleeving is of 15.2.4 Determine the dielectric breakdown voltage of the
importance as a measure of its ability to withstand electrical bent specimen using the following procedure:
stress without failure. This value does not correspond to the 15.2.4.1 Carefully wrap a strip of metal foil as in 14.2.2
dielectric breakdown voltage expected in service, but may be snugly over the specimens at the bend. In accordance with Test
of considerable value in comparing different materials or Method D 149 apply a voltage starting at zero and increasing at
different lots, in controlling manufacturing processes or, when a constant rate of 0.5 kV/s until breakdown. Calculate the
coupled with experience, for a limited degree of design work. average breakdown voltage of the ten specimens.
The comparison of dielectric breakdown voltage of the same NOTE 2—Apply the foil electrode after exposure to conditioning.
sleeving before and after environmental conditioning (mois-
ture, heat, and the like) gives a measure of its ability to resist 16. Report
these effects. For a more detailed discussion, refer to Test 16.1 Report the following information:
Method D 149. 16.1.1 Identification of the sleeving,
13. Apparatus 16.1.2 Conditioning before test,
16.1.3 Voltage breakdown for each puncture,
13.1 Inner Electrode—A straight suitable metallic conduc- 16.1.4 Average, minimum, and maximum voltage break-
tor which fits snugly into the sleeving, without stretching the down,
wall, in such a manner that one end of the wire is exposed and 16.1.5 Procedure used (Method A or B), and
can be used to support the specimen. 16.1.6 Temperature and relative humidity of test, if different
13.1.1 For specimens having an inside diameter greater than from 6.1.
about size 8, it may be convenient to use either stranded
conductors or a bundle of wires of smaller size, instead of a 17. Precision and Bias
solid conductor.
17.1 Precision—The overall estimates of the precision
within laboratories (Sr)j and the precision between laboratories
10
Supporting data are on file at ASTM International Headquarters. Request RR: (SR) j for the determination of Dielectric Breakdown Voltage
D-9-1024. by Procedure A are given in Table 3 for three selected

3
 D 350
TABLE 3 Estimated Precision of Dielectric Breakdown Voltage which to base a statement of precision. No activity has been
Measurement planned to develop such information.
Sleeving Type Nominal Value, (Sr)j, (SR)j, 21.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the value
Volts Volts Volts
Conditioned 18 h/23°C/50 % RH
for brittleness temperature is determined solely in terms of this
Acrylic 8480 802 1126 test method.
PVC 10980 983 1528
Silicone Rubber 10770 904 1616 FLAMMABILITY—METHOD A
Conditioned 96 h/23°C/93 % RH
Acrylic 2048 197 828 22. Procedure
PVC 8100 1003 2137
Silicone Rubber 8540 1367 2550 22.1 Determine the flammability in accordance with Test
Methods D 876. The results of this test give an indication of the
tendency of the material to burn in case of fire.
materials. These estimates are based on a round robin of the
FLAMMABILITY—METHOD B
three materials with six laboratories participating.10
17.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the value 23. Significance and Use
for dielectric breakdown voltage is determined solely in terms 23.1 This test gives an indication of the relative rate at
of this test method. which materials that will burn will propagate a flame.
BRITTLENESS TEMPERATURE 24. Apparatus
18. Significance and Use 24.1 Bunsen burner.
24.2 Stopwatch.
18.1 This test method serves to measure the brittleness
temperature of the sleeving. It is useful for comparative and 25. Test Specimens
quality control purposes. 25.1 Cut at least three specimens from the material selected
18.2 Results of this test have not been found to correlate in accordance with Section 5.
with those obtained by bending or flexing around mandrels at
low temperatures. The temperature as determined may vary for 26. Procedure
different sleeving sizes for materials of the same composition 26.1 Mark a gage length of 1 in. (25 mm) on each test
due to differences in cross-sectional dimensions and in speci- specimen approximately 0.5 in. (13 mm) from one end of the
men configuration. specimen. Using a method that will not distort the test area,
close the other end to prevent passage of air through the
19. Procedure specimen during the test.
19.1 Determine the brittleness temperature in accordance 26.2 Insert the open end of the sleeving into the side of the
with Test Method D 746, except as specified in 19.1.1-19.1.4. burner flame with the lower side of the sleeving about 0.5 in.
19.1.1 For sleeving sizes 20 through 8, cut specimens in full (13 mm) above the top of the burner. Rotate the specimen in
section and 1.5 in. (38 mm) long. the flame to ignite it uniformly. Remove the sleeving from the
19.1.2 For sleeving sizes 7 through 1 in. inside diameter, cut flame and hold vertically in the air with the burning end
specimens 0.25 in. (6.4 mm) wide and 1.5 in. (38 mm) long uppermost.
with the longer dimension parallel to the axis of the sleeving. 26.3 Start the timer when the leading edge of the flame
Take care to avoid cutting the specimens from the edges of reaches the upper gage mark and observe the time in seconds
sleeving that has been flattened during manufacture or storage. for the leading edge of the flame to travel down the specimen
19.1.3 Use only motor-driven or gravity-fall apparatus, such to the lower gage mark.
as described in Test Methods D 876. Mount specimens so that
27. Report
the striking edge of the apparatus contacts the film and not the
braid. 27.1 Report the following information:
19.1.4 Failure of a specimen is indicated by cracking of the 27.1.1 Identification of the sleeving, and
film completely through to the braid, as determined by visual 27.1.2 For each specimen, the time in seconds required to
examination. burn 1 in. (25.4 mm).

20. Report 28. Precision and Bias

20.1 Report the following information: 28.1 No statement is made about either the precision or the
20.1.1 Identification of the sleeving, bias of this test method since the result merely states whether
20.1.2 Brittleness temperature to the nearest °C, there is conformance to the criteria for success as specified in
20.1.3 Method of calculation (see Test Method D 746), the procedure.
20.1.4 Type of apparatus used, and DIELECTRIC BREAKDOWN VOLTAGE AFTER
20.1.5 Number of specimens tested. SHORT-TIME AGING
21. Precision and Bias 29. Significance and Use
21.1 Precision—This test method has been in use for many 29.1 This test method serves to indicate the resistance of
years, but no information has been presented to ASTM upon sleeving to the effects of short-time exposure to elevated

4
 D 350
temperatures. While this test method provides a means of 36.1.4 Type of oil used (if other than ASTM No. 2).
determining continuity of quality and is useful as a lot
acceptance test, it is not intended to provide information 37. Precision and Bias
regarding the thermal endurance of the sleeving (see Sections 37.1 Precision—This test method has been in use for many
38 to 44). years, but no information has been presented to ASTM upon
which to base a statement of precision. No activity has been
30. Test Specimens planned to develop such information.
30.1 Prepare five 90° bent test specimens as described in 37.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the value
15.2.1 and 15.2.2. for oil resistance is determined solely in terms of this test
method.
31. Procedure
31.1 Condition the test specimens in an oven for a period of THERMAL ENDURANCE
96 h at a temperature 50°C (90°F) higher than the nominal
temperature index of the sleeving. Remove the specimens and 38. Summary of Test Method
allow to cool to room temperature. Apply the outer electrode 38.1 This test method describes preparation of specimens,
and determine the dielectric breakdown voltage in accordance aging of specimens at elevated temperatures, and periodic
with 14.2. testing of breakdown voltage. The data obtained are used to
plot a regression line on logarithmic-time versus reciprocal-
32. Report absolute-temperature coordinates from which the thermal en-
32.1 Report the following information: durance in terms of a temperature index is derived.
32.1.1 Identification of the sleeving,
32.1.2 Temperature of conditioning, and 39. Significance and Use
32.1.3 Average, minimum, and maximum voltage break- 39.1 This test method is useful in determining the relative
down values. thermal endurance of sleeving initially capable of being bent
90° without splitting.
33. Precision and Bias 39.2 The criterion of failure by this test method is reduction
33.1 Precision—This test method has been in use for many of breakdown voltage of the sleeving below a value of 3500 V.
years, but no information has been presented to ASTM upon It is believed that this embodies several modes of failure, such
which to base a statement of precision. No activity has been as cracking by embrittlement, volatilization, porosity, and
planned to develop such information. crazing, which are not independently determinable.
33.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the value 39.3 Thermal endurance is based on the evaluation of 7.0
for dielectric breakdown voltage after short-time aging is kV grade, size 12 sleeving, even though it is recognized that
determined solely in terms of this test method. laboratory results may not necessarily agree with those ob-
tained using other voltage grades and sizes. Future work will
OIL RESISTANCE attempt to determine the effects of grade and size differences,
if any.
34. Test Specimens
34.1 Cut three specimens, each 3 in. (76 mm) long, from 40. Apparatus and Materials
material selected in accordance with Section 5. 40.1 Soft Copper Wire. AWG Size No. 12, bare.
35. Procedure 41. Test Specimens
35.1 Immerse the specimens for 24 h in ASTM Oil No. 2 as 41.1 Obtain specimens 4 in. (100 mm) in length from size
described in Test Method D 471, the oil being maintained at a 12 sleeving having an average voltage breakdown value of
temperature of 105 6 2°C (221 6 3.6°F). At the end of this between 7 and 9 kV. This size and voltage range is defined as
period, remove the specimens from the oil, wipe off excess oil the qualifying style.
with a clean cloth, and examine the specimens for deterioration
as evidenced by blistering, splitting, flaking off of the film, and NOTE 4—Experience has indicated that the initial breakdown voltage,
which is a function of coating thickness, can be a factor affecting thermal
other visual defects. life. A limited range of initial breakdown voltage has been set to minimize
NOTE 3—Oil meeting Specification D 3487 has been found suitable as this as a possible variable.
a substitute for ASTM Oil No. 2. 41.2 Specimens shall be randomized with respect to posi-
35.2 Determine the degree of swelling by measurements of tion in the sample, with care being exercised to prevent damage
wall thickness as specified in 9.2. to the sleeving during this process.

36. Report 42. Procedure

36.1 Report the following information: 42.1 Place the sleeving on a 5-in. (130-mm) straight length
36.1.1 Identification of the sleeving, of copper wire, which fits snugly into the sleeving without
36.1.2 Evidence of deterioration of the sleeving, stretching the wall, in such a manner that one end of the wire
36.1.3 Percentage of increase in wall thickness, and is exposed and can be used to support the specimen in the oven.

5
 D 350
42.2 Bend the specimen through an angle of 90 6 2° over 43.3.1 Identification of the sleeving,
a smooth mandrel having a diameter of 0.85 6 0.04 in. (21.66 43.3.2 Average breakdown voltage of the unaged speci-
1.0 mm), which is ten times the nominal inside diameter of the mens,
sleeving. Make the bend so that it is centrally located on the 43.3.3 Average breakdown voltage for each aged set of
sleeving specimen. specimens, together with time and temperature of aging,
42.3 Prepare at least ten sets of five specimens for each test 43.3.4 Time in hours, to reach an endpoint of 3500 V for
temperature. Prepare an additional ten specimens for testing each aging temperature, as determined from the plot of 42.7,
the initial breakdown voltage. and
43.3.5 Temperature corresponding to 20 000 h thermal
NOTE 5—Although not used to evaluate the end point, the initial value
of breakdown voltage is useful in determining the shape of the plot of endurance as obtained from the plot of 43.2.
dielectric breakdown voltage versus time of aging. NOTE 6—Calculation of the regression line can be made using the
42.4 Condition all specimens for 48 h at 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 methods shown in Appendix X1 and Appendix X2 of Test Method
3.6°F) and a relative humidity of 50 6 2 % (Standard Labo- D 2307.
ratory Conditions). Subject all specimens for about 5 s to a 44. Precision and Bias
proof voltage of 75 % of the average breakdown voltage
obtained on unaged specimens prepared for initial breakdown 44.1 Precision—The precision of this test method is deter-
voltage testing. Specimens failing this test are to be discarded. minable in terms of the confidence interval for the mean
The foil shall be removed from the specimens before they are logarithm of the life at a selected temperature using the
to be aged. procedure described in IEEE Guide 101.
42.5 Determine the dielectric breakdown of both aged and 44.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the value
unaged specimens by the following procedure: Apply the outer for thermal endurance is determined solely in terms of this test
electrode over the specimen at the bend and then determine the method.
breakdown voltage as described in 14.2.2 and 14.2.3. COMPATIBILITY OF SLEEVING WITH MAGNET
42.6 Choose three or more different aging temperatures. WIRE INSULATION
Selection of temperatures requires an estimate of the tempera-
ture rating of the sleeving under evaluation, since extrapolation 45. Scope
to a classification temperature from the lowest aging tempera- 45.1 These test methods evaluate the degrading effects, if
ture selected must not exceed 25°C (77°F). Additionally, the any, of sleeving on magnet wire insulation.
highest aging temperature shall be selected to result in thermal 45.2 Warning: These procedures include the hazardous
endurance of not less than 100 h, preferably just over 100 h. In operation of the use of glass test tubes in a heated oven.
the case of an odd number of aging temperatures, the median
shall be located midway, 6 5°C, between the highest and PROCEDURE A—LOW PRESSURE METHOD
lowest aging temperatures chosen. In all cases they should be
reasonably spaced evenly along the 1/K scale of temperatures. 46. Summary of Test Method
42.7 During aging remove sets periodically from the oven 46.1 Specimens are aged in the presence of a selected
and cool at least 2 h at Standard Laboratory Conditions. insulated wire at several elevated temperatures under confined
Determine the average breakdown voltage for each set of five but not hermetically sealed conditions, and the breakdown
specimens and plot this average against time in hours, using voltage of the wire insulation is determined after increments of
semilogarithmic coordinates, and with the logarithm of time as 168 h aging. Data obtained are used to plot voltage versus time
the abscissa and breakdown voltage as the ordinate. Estimate curves showing the deterioration of wire insulation, aged both
time intervals between testing of sets from the appearance of alone and in the presence of sleeving.
the plot, with as many tests as practical being grouped in the
region of the estimated occurrence of the end point. 47. Significance and Use
47.1 It has been established that sleeving exposed to el-
43. Calculation and Report evated temperatures may deleteriously affect wire insulation
43.1 Record the time corresponding to a breakdown voltage when confined therewith. This test determines the extent of this
of 3500 V as determined from the plot of 42.7 for each test effect.
temperature. 47.2 The criterion of failure by this test method is the
43.2 Plot these recorded times as the ordinate with test reduction in breakdown voltage of the insulated wire aged in a
temperatures as the abscissa on graph paper arranged to show confined system with sleeving to a value below 70 % of that
the logarithm of time against the reciprocal of the absolute obtained on control specimens aged similarly but separately.
temperature in kelvins.11 Determine the temperature from the Values below 70 % are taken to indicate a condition of
above plot corresponding to an endurance of 20 000 h. incompatibility.
43.3 Report the following information:
48. Apparatus and Materials
48.1 Test Tubes, borosilicate, 38 by 200-mm, washed with
11
Keuffel and Esser No. 46 8282 and No. 46 8242 commercially available graph detergent, rinsed with triple-distilled water to remove residue,
paper has been found satisfactory for this plot. and dried at 180°C (356°F).

6
 D 350
48.2 Aluminum Foil, 0.001 in. (0.025 mm) thick. controls, both determined at the end of 672 h aging as obtained
48.3 Copper Wire, AWG Size No. 18, heavy enameled, from the plot of 51.1.4 using a visual best-fit technique, and
round. 51.1.6 Evidence of softening or liquefaction of the sleeving
coating, or the presence of condensate on the tube walls at any
49. Test Specimens time during the test.
49.1 The wire specimens shall be a pair of copper wires 6 in.
(150 mm) long, twisted in accordance with Test Method 52. Precision and Bias
D 2307 with eight twists using 3-lb (1.4-kg) tension per wire. 52.1 Precision—This test method has been in use for many
Flare the ends of the pairs to prevent flash-over during the years, but no information has been presented to ASTM upon
breakdown voltage test and to avoid unnecessary handling of which to base a statement of precision. No activity has been
the pairs after aging. Each pair shall be proof tested for about planned to develop such information.
5 s at a voltage equal to 75 % of the average breakdown 52.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the value
voltage previously determined on ten pairs. Twisted pairs for compatibility with magnet wire insulation at low pressure is
failing this test are to be discarded. determined solely in terms of this test method.
49.2 Sleeving specimens shall be AWG Size No. 8 6 2 cut
to 6-in. (150-mm) lengths. PROCEDURE B—SEALED TUBE METHOD

50. Procedure 53. Summary of Test Method

50.1 Place five wire pairs selected at random in each of 53.1 Wire is aged with the sleeving in a sealed and initially
eight test tubes. Place one specimen of sleeving each in four of anhydrous environment at elevated temperatures. The dielec-
the tubes. It is not necessary that there be intimate contact of tric breakdown voltage of the wire insulation is determined
wire pairs and sleeving. Insert the tubes containing the wire after 72 h. Employment of a sealed system having a specified
pairs and sleeving in an oven at the selected test temperature loading and a judicious choice of accelerated aging tempera-
for 2 h to remove moisture. Remove tubes and immediately tures makes it possible to obtain indicative data after as little as
apply three layers of aluminum foil over the open end of the 72 h of aging.
tube and secure with copper wire applied around the neck of
the tube. 54. Significance and Use
50.2 Place four tubes containing wire pairs and sleeving, 54.1 Evaluation of possible interaction between various
and four tubes containing wire pair controls in an oven at a components of an insulation system provides design data
temperature 25°C (17°F) higher than the nominal temperature usually not available intuitively. Interpretation of the data
index of the sleeving. obtained must be made with care; while in many cases
50.3 At the end of each 168-h period remove and cool one acceleration of the test conditions will provide interactions
tube containing wire pairs and sleeving and one tube contain- representative of those which occur over longer periods of time
ing wire pair controls, carefully remove the wire pairs and under normal service, there may be instances in which such
sleeving and measure the dielectric breakdown voltage on each acceleration will produce changes not found in service.
set of wire pairs using the short-time test of Test Method D 149
and a rate of rise of voltage of 0.5 kV/s. No attempt should be 55. Apparatus and Materials
made to remove sleeving adhered to the wire pairs until after 55.1 Glass Containers, sealable, equipped with gaskets of
the breakdown voltage has been measured. silicone rubber, copper, or lead, and cleaned by washing with
50.4 If the breakdown voltage of the control wire pairs falls detergent, rinsed until clean with triple-distilled water, and
to a value below 50 % of the unaged value within a 4-week dried at 180°C (356°F).12
period, then the test temperature used is considered too high for 55.2 Copper Wire, round, insulated, AWG Size No. 18,
that type of magnet wire insulation, and a lower temperature heavy enameled.
must be selected. 55.3 Oven, meeting the requirements of Specification
NOTE 7—Wire pairs in contact with sleeving ordinarily should not show D 5423 or of Type II, Grade B, of Specification E 145.
breakdown voltage values higher than the control pairs. When this occurs,
it indicates that randomization of the specimens may not have been 56. Test Specimens
obtained. 56.1 The wire specimens shall be a pair of insulated copper
51. Report wires about 6 in. (150 mm) long and twisted in accordance
with the procedure described in Test Method D 2307. Flare the
51.1 Report the following information: ends of the twisted pairs in order to accommodate the voltage
51.1.1 Identification of the sleeving, breakdown apparatus and to obviate the necessity of disturbing
51.1.2 Type of insulation on the wire, the wire insulation after aging. Each twisted pair shall be proof
51.1.3 Test temperature, tested for about 5 s at a voltage equal to 75 % of the average
51.1.4 Plot of average breakdown voltage as a function of
hours aging for both the wire pairs with sleeving and the wire
pair controls, 12
Containers similar to the 200-mL pressure bottles provided with glass stoppers
51.1.5 Percentage retention of breakdown voltage for the and wire clamps, as supplied by T. C. Wheaton Co., Millville, NJ (No. 5800), or by
wire pairs with sleeving based on the value for the wire pair Arthur H. Thomas Co., Philadelphia, PA (No. 2282), have been found satisfactory.

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 D 350
breakdown voltage previously determined on ten pairs. Twisted SOLVENT RESISTANCE
pairs failing this test are to be discarded.
56.2 Sleeving specimens shall be of AWG Size No. 8 6 2, 60. Significance and Use
cut to lengths of 6 in. (150 mm). 60.1 Sleeving may be exposed to a variety of solvents
during cleaning or repair of electrical equipment. This proce-
NOTE 8—Care must be exercised in handling of test specimens to avoid
contamination. The use of nylon or polyethylene gloves is suggested to dure serves to evaluate the possible degrading effects of
prevent deposition of oils and salts on the exposed areas of the wire pairs exposure to these materials.
and sleeving specimens.
61. Apparatus and Materials
57. Procedure 61.1 Test Tubes, glass, stoppered, about 0.63 in. (16 mm) in
57.1 Place two randomly-selected twisted wire pairs and outside diameter and 5.9 in. (150 mm) long.
one length of sleeving in each bottle. It is not necessary that 61.2 Swelling Oil, Type 3, Test Method D 471.
there be intimate contact between twisted pairs and the 61.3 Xylene, reagent grade
sleeving. Insert the bottles containing wires and sleeving into 61.4 Trichloroethane, 1,1,1-isomer, reagent grade.
an oven at the test temperature to remove moisture. After 2 h 61.5 Paraffın oil, USP grade.
remove and immediately seal the bottles.
57.2 Place eight bottles containing wire pairs and sleeving 62. Test Specimens
and eight bottles containing wire pairs only in an oven at a 62.1 Prepare three specimens about 2 in. (50 mm) long for
temperature 25°C (77°F) higher than the nominal temperature each solvent to be evaluated.
index of the sleeving.
57.3 After 72 h, cool the bottles, carefully remove the 63. Procedure
twisted pairs and measure the breakdown voltage using the 63.1 Immerse the specimens in a test tube containing
short-time method of Test Method D 149, increasing the solvent and stopper, and maintain at 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F)
voltage from zero at a rate of 0.5 kV/s. Calculate the average for the period prescribed in the material specification.
breakdown voltage for the wire specimens. Care should be 63.1.1 Warning: The solvents used in this procedure may
taken that twisted pairs adhered to sleeving shall not be be hazardous to personnel performing this test because of their
disturbed until after the voltage breakdown test has been toxicity and fire hazard. Adequate precautions shall be taken to
completed. protect the operator against contact with the solvents or
57.4 If the average breakdown voltage of the control pairs breathing the vapors by suitable protective clothing and ad-
after the 72-h period is less than 50 % of the value for the equate ventilation. Avoid proximity to open flames or electrical
unaged pairs, it is likely that the test temperature was too high contacts in the immediate area.
for that type of wire insulation, and the test must be repeated at 63.2 At the end of the specified test period, remove the
a lower temperature. specimens and immediately examine for visible effects of the
solvent, such as flaking, shredding or peeling of the coating.
NOTE 9—Wire pairs in contact with sleeving ordinarily should not show
breakdown voltage values higher than the control pairs. When this occurs,
63.3 Determine the amount of swelling, if any, by measure-
it indicates that randomization of the specimens has not been obtained. ment of the wall thickness of the sleeving, as described in 9.2.
63.4 Allow the specimens to recover in free air under the
58. Report test conditions specified in Section 6, and repeat the examina-
tion described in 63.2 and 63.3.
58.1 Report the following information:
58.1.1 Identification of the sleeving, 64. Report
58.1.2 Type of insulation on the wire,
64.1 Report the following information:
58.1.3 Test temperature,
64.1.1 Identification of the sleeving,
58.1.4 Percentage retention of breakdown voltage for the 64.1.2 Identification of the immersion liquid,
twisted pairs with sleeving based on the value for the wire pair 64.1.3 Period of immersion, h,
controls, both determined after 72 h aging, and 64.1.4 Visible effects of immersion, and
58.1.5 Evidence of softening or liquefaction of the sleeving 64.1.5 Swelling, expressed as a percentage change in wall
coating or presence of condensate on the bottle walls during the thickness based on the original dimension, both immediately
test. after removal and after recovery.
59. Precision and Bias 65. Precision and Bias
59.1 Precision—This test method has been in use for many 65.1 Precision—This test method has been in use for many
years, but no information has been presented to ASTM upon years, but no information has been presented to ASTM upon
which to base a statement of precision. No activity has been which to base a statement of precision. No activity has been
planned to develop such information. planned to develop such information.
59.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the value 65.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the value
for compatibility with magnet wire insulation in a sealed tube for solvent resistance is determined solely in terms of this test
is determined solely in terms of this test method. method.

8
 D 350
HYDROLYTIC STABILITY which to base a statement of precision. No activity has been
planned to develop such information.
66. Scope 72.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the value
66.1 This procedure evaluates the permanent effects of for hydrolytic stability is determined solely in terms of this test
prolonged exposure to moisture at elevated temperatures by method.
means of a visual and electrical test. It is limited to sizes of
EFFECT OF PUSH-BACK AFTER HEAT AGING
sleeving that can be conveniently conditioned in test tubes
(about size 0 maximum). It is possible to evaluate larger sizes 73. Scope
if chambers capable of maintaining the prescribed exposure 73.1 While possibly applicable to other types of sleeving of
conditions are available. an elastomeric nature, this test method applies principally to
silicone elastomer sleeving.
67. Significance and Use
67.1 Exposure of sleeving to moisture at elevated tempera- 74. Significance and Use
ture and under conditions of confinement may result in 74.1 Silicone elastomer sleeving is used principally for its
chemical deterioration. This is usually evidenced by irrevers- ability to respond to marked mechanical distortion after pro-
ible physical deterioration of the polymer coating which causes longed exposure to elevated temperatures, without suffering
permanent damage, distinct from a reversible type of effect permanent damage. This test serves to evaluate this property. It
usually the result of less rigorous exposure. This procedure also provides a convenient means of determining continuity of
serves to evaluate these permanent effects, if any. quality with respect to processing and compounding.
68. Apparatus 75. Test Specimens
68.1 Test tubes, borosilicate type, glass stoppered, 25-mm 75.1 Prepare three specimens of sleeving 4 in. (100 mm) in
outside diameter by 200 mm long. Stopper must provide a length for sizes up to AWG 0, and 5 in. (125 mm) in length for
means by which a wire can be suspended from its center. sizes AWG 0 and larger.

69. Test Specimens 76. Procedure

69.1 Prepare three lengths of sleeving, each 5 in. (125 mm), 76.1 Place specimens in an oven at 250 6 3°C for a period
from the material selected in accordance with Section 5. of 168 h. Remove specimens and allow to cool in the
conditions described in 6.1 for a period of 0.5 h.
70. Procedure 76.2 Insert into the specimen a straight copper wire of the
70.1 Into each specimen insert a clean, bare copper wire of same size as the nominal size of the sleeving to be tested.
such size as to provide a loose fit and of such length as to Gently and slowly push the ends of the sleeving toward each
permit suspension of the specimen within about 2 in. (50 mm) other along the wire until the length of the specimen has been
from the bottom of the test tube. The stopper shall be treated, reduced 20 %.
if necessary, to provide a water-vapor tight seal, as for example 76.3 Examine the specimen while in the pushed-back state
by wax-coating. for evidence of cracks in the coating. Allow the sleeving to
70.2 Add distilled water to the test tube to a depth of about relax and conduct dielectric breakdown voltage tests on the
1 in. (25 mm). Bring the tube and water to 70 6 2°C (158 6 pushed-back area using the procedure described in 14.2.
3.6°F). Insert the specimen in the tube and suspend it by means 77. Report
of the wire attached to the stopper so as to prevent contact of
77.1 Report the following information:
the specimen with the water. Stopper the assembly and place it
77.1.1 Identification of the sleeving,
in an oven at 70°C (158°F).
77.1.2 Visual evidence of cracks in the pushed-back area,
70.3 After a period of 336 h, remove the assembly and allow
and
it to cool to room temperature. Remove the specimen and allow
77.1.3 Average dielectric breakdown voltage of the sleev-
it to hang freely at the conditions noted in 6.1 for 24 h.
ing.
70.4 Examine each specimen visually for a change in color
and in surface characteristics, such as softening, flow, or an 78. Precision and Bias
increase in tack. 78.1 Precision—This test method has been in use for many
years, but no information has been presented to ASTM upon
71. Report
which to base a statement of precision. No activity has been
71.1 Report the following information: planned to develop such information.
71.1.1 Identification of the sleeving, and 78.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the value
71.1.2 Visual observations made for reversion, tackiness, for push-back after heat aging is determined solely in terms of
flow, discoloration, and the like. this test method.
72. Precision and Bias 79. Keywords
72.1 Precision—This test method has been in use for many 79.1 ac breakdown voltage; bending effects; brittleness
years, but no information has been presented to ASTM upon temperature; coated textile sleeving; compatibility (magnet

9
 D 350
wire); flame resistance; flexible tubes; fluid resistance; heat back; temperature index; thermal endurance; woven textile
aging; high humidity; hydrolytic stability; oil resistance; push- tubes

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