Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Insulation for Wire and Cable, 60°C Operation

This specification covers thermoplastic insulating materials made of poly(vinyl chloride) or the copolymer of vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate recommended for use in wires and cables operating in wet or dry locations at specified conductor temperatures and maximum voltage ratings for power and control circuits. Since the insulation material cannot be tested unless it has been formed around a conductor or cable, tests shall then 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. Materials shall conform to the following physical requirements: unaged tensile strength and elongation at rupture; tensile strength and elongation after air oven aging; heat shock; heat distortion; behavior during vertical flame test; oil resistance; tensile strength and elongation after oil immersion; behavior during cold bend test, and size and thickness. Insulations shall also perform satisfactorily during tests for AC and DC voltage, insulation resistance, accelerated water absorption, and dielectric strength retention.