IEC 60811-4-1:2004

FOREWORD
1 General
   1.1 Scope
   1.2 Normative references
2 Terms and definitions
3 Test values
4 Applicability
5 Type tests and other tests
6 Pre-conditioning
7 Median value
8 Resistance to environmental stress cracking
   8.1 General
   8.2 Apparatus
   8.3 Preparation of the test sheets
   8.4 Conditioning of the test sheets
   8.5 Visual examination of the test sheets
   8.6 Test procedure
   8.7 Evaluation of results
   8.8 Summary of test conditions and requirements for
        procedures A and B
9 Wrapping test after thermal ageing in air
10 Measurement of the melt flow index
   10.1 General
   10.2 Apparatus
   10.3 Test samples
   10.4 Cleaning and maintenance of the apparatus
   10.5 Method A
   10.6 Method C
11 Carbon black and/or mineral filler content measurement in
   polyethylene - Direct combustion method
   11.1 Sampling
   11.2 Test procedure
   11.3 Expression of results
12 Thermogravimetric analysis of the carbon black content in
   polyolefine compounds
   12.1 Principle
   12.2 Reagents
   12.3 Apparatus
   12.4 Procedure
13 Test for the assessment of carbon black dispersion in
   polyethylene
   13.1 General
   13.2 Procedure
   13.3 Expression of results
   13.4 Requirements
Annex A (informative) Tools and reagents
Bibliography

Specifies the test methods to be used for testing polymeric insulating and sheathing materials of electric and optical fibre cables for power distribution and telecommunications, including cables used on ships and in offshore applications. These test methods apply specifically to PE and PP compounds, including cellular compounds and foam skin for insulation.The principal changes with respect to the previous edition are listed below:a) the wrapping test after thermal ageing in air is deleted from this part of IEC 60811. It is now given only in IEC 60811-4-2;b) a thermogravimetric method is added for determination of carbon black content;c) a method is introduced for assessment of carbon black dispersion.