This specification covers thermoplastic polymer insulation consisting substantially of polyethylene considered suitable for use on electrical wire or cable with specified maximum conductor sizes that will be used for continuous operation at specified conductor temperatures and maximum voltage ratings for power application or series lighting. Since the insulation material cannot be tested unless it has been formed around a conductor, tests shall then be done on insulated wire or cable in this specification are solely to determine the relevant property of the insulation material and not to test the insulated conductor or completed cable. Materials shall conform to physical properties as to unaged tensile strength and elongation at rupture, tensile strength and elongation at rupture after air oven aging, absorption coefficient, and insulation thickness. Insulations shall also be tested for their electrical performance in terms of AC and DC voltage, partial discharge, and insulation resistance.

1.1 This specification covers a thermoplastic insulation which consists substantially of polyethylene.

1.2 This type of insulation is considered suitable for use on wire or cable that will be used for continuous operation at conductor temperatures up to 75 °C with a maximum conductor size of 1000 kcmil (507 mm²). The maximum voltage rating shall not exceed 35 000 V for power application or 9 000 V for series lighting.

1.3 In many instances the insulation material cannot be tested unless it has been formed around a conductor. Therefore, tests done on insulated wire or cable in this specification are solely to determine the relevant property of the insulation material and not to test the insulated conductor or completed cable.

1.4 Whenever two sets of values are stated, in different units, the values in the first set are regarded as standard, while the values in parentheses 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.