5.1 Electrical tests, properly interpreted, provide information with regard to the electrical properties of the insulation. The electrical test values give an indication as to how the insulation will perform under conditions similar to those observed in the tests. Electrical tests provide data for research and development, engineering design, quality control, and acceptance or rejection under specifications.

1.1 These test methods cover procedures for electrical testing of thermoplastic insulations and jackets used on telecommunications wire and cable and for the testing of electrical characteristics of completed products. To determine the procedure to be used on the particular insulation or jacket compound, or on the end product, reference should be made to the specification for the product.

1.2 The test methods appear in the following sections of this standard:

Test Method

Sections

Electrical Tests of Insulation—In-Process

4 – 8

 DC proof test

8

 Insulation defect or fault rate

7

 Spark test

6

Electrical Tests of Completed Wire and Cable

9 – 51

 Attenuation

24

 Attenuation, effects due to aging

31

 Attenuation, effects due to elevated temperature

29

 Attenuation, effects due to humidity

30

 Attenuation to crosstalk ratio—far end (ACR-F)

28

 Attenuation to crosstalk ratio—near end (ACR-N)

26

 Capacitance deviation

19

 Capacitance difference

20

 Capacitance unbalance, Pair-to-ground (CUPG)

22

 Capacitance unbalance, Pair-to-pair (CUPP)

21

 Capacitance unbalance, Pair-to-support wire

23

 Characteristic Impedance—Method 1 Propagation constant
  and capacitance

47

 Characteristic Impedance—Method 2, Single-ended
  measurements

48

 Characteristic Impedance—Method 3 Least Squares Function Fit

49

 Coaxial capacitance (capacitance to water)

17

 Conductor continuity

11

 Conductor resistance (CR)

13

 Conductor resistance unbalance (CRU of pairs)

15

 Continuity of other metallic elements

12

 Crosses test (continuity between wires of different pairs)

35

 Crosstalk loss, far-end

27

 Crosstalk loss, near-end

25

 DC proof test, Core-to-internal shield (screen)

40

 DC proof test, Core-to-shield

38

 DC proof test, Core-to-support wire

39

 DC proof test, Internal shield (screen)-to-shield

41

 DC proof test, Other required isolations

42

 DC proof test, Wire-to-wire

37

 Fault rate test (air core only)

33

 Insulation resistance (IR)

32

 Jacket voltage breakdown rating test

36

 Mutual capacitance (CM)

18

 Mutual conductance

16

 Phase Constant

44

 Phase Delay

45

 Phase Velocity

46

 Resistance of other metallic cable elements

14

 Shorts test (continuity between wires of a pair)

34

 Structural Return Loss and Return Loss

50

 Unbalance attenuation (conversion losses)

51

 Voltage surge test

43

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazard statements are given in Sections 6 and 37.