ASTM D2656-20 PDF
Name in English:
St ASTM D2656-20
Name in Russian:
Ст ASTM D2656-20
Original standard ASTM D2656-20 in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
Standard Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene Insulation for Wire and Cable Rated 2001 to 35 000 V. Defines required physical and electrical properties and test methods for crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) primary insulation intended for power wires and cables (conductor sizes 8 AWG and larger), including performance limits for partial discharge, ac/dc voltage withstand, insulation resistance and various aging and physical tests.
Abstract
This specification establishes minimum property and test requirements for crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) primary insulation used on power cables rated from 2001 to 35 000 V phase-to-phase. It covers thermal ratings (continuous, emergency and short‑circuit), electrical tests (partial discharge, AC/DC voltage, insulation resistance), and physical/environmental properties (water absorption, permittivity, dissipation factor, hot creep/hot set, heat distortion, surface resistivity). The standard notes that unpigmented materials are not sunlight/weather resistant unless specifically formulated.
General information
- Status: Active specification (current edition D2656-20).
- Publication date: October 1, 2020.
- Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
- ICS / categories: 29.035.20 (Plastic and rubber insulating materials).
- Edition / version: D2656-20 (revises/supersedes D2656-13).
- Number of pages: 3.
Scope
Covers crosslinked polyethylene insulation for electrical wires and cables (conductor sizes 8 AWG / 8.37 mm² and larger) intended for power service at phase‑to‑phase voltage ratings from 2001 to 35 000 V (100 % insulation level) and up to 25 000 V at the 133 % insulation level where specified. The insulation is suitable for wet and dry locations and for conductor operating temperatures up to 90 °C continuous, 130 °C for emergency overload, and 250 °C for short‑circuit conditions. Materials are not inherently sunlight/weather resistant unless carbon‑black pigmented or otherwise formulated for outdoor exposure. Test sequence and referenced test methods are specified (see Test Methods D470 and related references).
Key topics and requirements
- Material: crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) primary insulation composition and general characteristics.
- Voltage ratings: 2001–35 000 V phase-to-phase (100 % insulation level); provisions for 133 % level at specified voltages.
- Temperature ratings: continuous 90 °C, emergency 130 °C, short‑circuit 250 °C.
- Electrical tests: partial discharge (corona) extinction voltage, AC voltage withstand (5 min), DC voltage, insulation resistance.
- Physical/environmental tests: accelerated water absorption, permittivity and dissipation factor, U‑bend discharge, surface resistivity, heat distortion, percent hot creep and hot set.
- Referenced test methods and documents: Test Methods D470, D2765, Terminology D1711, ICEA T‑28‑562, UL 2556 (where applicable).
- Limitations: not automatically sunlight/weather resistant unless specifically formulated or pigmented (e.g., carbon black).
Typical use and users
Used by cable and wire manufacturers, materials suppliers, design engineers, utility companies, test laboratories and procurement/specification engineers to define and verify XLPE primary insulation for medium‑ and higher‑voltage power cables. Typical applications include underground and insulated power distribution and transmission cables, factory and plant power feeders where the specified voltage and temperature classes apply.
Related standards
Commonly referenced and related documents include ASTM Test Methods D470 (electrical test methods for cables), D2765 (gel content/swell of crosslinked ethylene plastics), Terminology D1711, ICEA T‑28‑562 (hot creep test for polymeric insulation), and UL 2556 (wire and cable test methods). The standard is published in ASTM Volume 10.02 with other wire and cable insulation specifications.
Keywords
crosslinked polyethylene; XLPE; insulation; wire and cable; power cable; high voltage; partial discharge; AC test; DC test; hot creep; heat distortion; permittivity; surface resistivity; water absorption.
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: ASTM D2656‑20 is the ASTM International specification that sets minimum property and test requirements for crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) primary insulation used on wires and power cables rated from 2001 to 35 000 V.
Q: What does it cover?
A: It covers material definition, electrical and physical performance requirements, and required test methods (partial discharge, AC/DC voltage withstand, insulation resistance, water absorption, permittivity/dissipation factor, hot creep/hot set, heat distortion, etc.), plus operational temperature limits and notes on weathering.
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Cable and wire manufacturers, materials suppliers, test labs, utilities, consulting engineers and procurement/specification teams use this standard to specify, test and verify XLPE primary insulation performance for applicable voltage classes.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: The D2656‑20 edition (approved Oct 1, 2020) is the current active edition and supersedes the prior D2656‑13 edition. Users should check ASTM for any later revisions or amendments after 2020.
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: It is part of the ASTM wire and cable/insulating materials collection (Volume 10.02) and is associated with other XLPE and cable insulation specifications and test methods (for example D3555, D470, D2765, and related ICEA/UL documents).
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: Crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE), insulation, high‑voltage cable, partial discharge, AC/DC withstand, hot creep, permittivity, surface resistivity, water absorption.