ASTM F2320-18(2022)

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.
Designation: F2320 −18 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Specification for
Rubber Insulating Sheeting
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2320; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This specification covers testing of rubber insulating
D149 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and
sheeting for use as a covering for the protection of workers
DielectricStrengthofSolidElectricalInsulatingMaterials
from accidental contact with live electrical conductors,
at Commercial Power Frequencies
apparatus, or circuits.
D412 Test Methods forVulcanized Rubber andThermoplas-
1.2 Two types of sheeting, differing in chemical and physi-
tic Elastomers—Tension
cal characteristics, are provided and are designated as Type I,
D471 Test Method for Rubber Property—Effect of Liquids
non-resistant to ozone and Type II, resistant to ozone.
D518 Test Method for Rubber Deterioration—Surface
Cracking (Withdrawn 2007)
1.3 Three classes of sheeting, differing in electrical protec-
tion characteristics are provided and designated as Class 00, D570 Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics
D751 Test Methods for Coated Fabrics
Class 0, and Class 1.
D1048 Specification for Rubber Insulating Blankets
1.4 Two styles of sheeting, differing in construction
D1149 Test Methods for Rubber Deterioration—Cracking in
characteristics, are provided and are designated as StyleAand
an Ozone Controlled Environment
Style B.
D1388 Test Method for Stiffness of Fabrics
1.5 The follow safety hazards caveat applies only to the test
D2136 Test Method for Coated Fabrics—Low-Temperature
method portion, Sections17–19, of this specification. This
Bend Test
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
D2240 Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hard-
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
ness
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
2.2 Other Standards:
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
MVSS 302 Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 302 Flammabil-
regulatory limitations prior to use.
ity of Interior Materials
UL214 Standard for Tests for Flame-Propagation of Fabrics
NOTE 1—Rubber Insulating Sheeting should remain flexible for use
and Films
through normal temperature ranges.
ANSIC84.1 VoltageRatingsforElectricPowerSystemsand
NOTE 2—Rubber as used in this specification is a generic term that
Equipment (60 Hz)
includes elastomers and elastomeric compounds, regardless of origin.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
3. Terminology
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1 Definitions:
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
contactASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. ForAnnual Book ofASTM
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org.
1 4
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F18 on Available from the U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 7th Street SW,
Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers and is the direct responsibility of Room 6111, Mail Code: NSA-30, Washington, DC 20590.
Subcommittee F18.25 on Insulating Cover-Up Equipment. Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Corporate Progress, 333
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2022. Published January 2023. Originally Pfingsten Rd., Northbrook, IL 60062.
approved in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as F2320 – 18. DOI: Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
10.1520/F2320-18R22. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2320 − 18 (2022)
3.1.1 user—the entity employing the actual worker(s) uti- 4.3.1 Itiscommonpracticeandtheresponsibilityoftheuser
lizing the equipment; if no separate employer, then the indi- of this type of protective equipment to prepare complete
vidual. instructions and regulations to govern the correct and safe use
of such equipment.
3.1.2 voltage, maximum use—the ac voltage (rms) classifi-
cation of the protective equipment that designates the maxi-
5. Classification
mum nominal design voltage of the energized system that may
5.1 Sheeting covered under this specification shall be des-
be safely worked. The nominal design voltage is equal to
ignated as Type I or Type II: Class 00, Class 0, Class I, Style
phase-to-phase voltage on multiphase circuits.
A or Style B.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—If there is no multiphase exposure in a
5.1.1 Type I, non-resistant to ozone, made from any elasto-
system area, and the voltage exposure is limited to phase
mer or combination of elastomeric compounds of natural or
(polarityondcsystems)togroundpotential,thephase(polarity
synthetic origin.
ondcsystems)togroundpotentialshallbeconsideredtobethe
5.1.2 Type II, ozone resistant, made from any elastomer or
nominal design voltage.
combination of elastomeric compounds of natural or synthetic
3.1.2.2 Discussion—If the electrical equipment and devices
origin, which may include one or more of the following special
are insulated or isolated or both, such that the multiphase
properties:
exposure on a grounded wye circuit is removed, then the
nominal design voltage may be considered as the phase-to- A—Flame Resistance
B—Oil Resistance
ground voltage on that circuit.
5.1.3 The class designation is based on the electrical prop-
3.1.3 voltage, nominal design—a nominal value consistent
erties as shown in Tables 1-3.
with the latest revision of ANSI C84.1, assigned to the circuit
5.1.4 Style A, constructed of the elastomers indicated under
or system for the purpose of conveniently designating its
Type I or Type II, shall be free of any reinforcements.
voltage class.
5.1.5 Style B, constructed of the elastomers indicated under
Type I or Type II, shall incorporate a reinforcement or
4. Significance and Use
reinforcements; this shall not adversely affect the dielectric
4.1 This specification covers the minimum electrical,
characteristics of the sheeting.
chemical and physical properties guaranteed by the manufac-
turer and the detailed procedures by which such properties are
6. Ordering Information
tobedetermined.Thepurchasermayashis/heroption,perform
6.1 Orders for Rubber Insulating Sheeting under this speci-
or have performed any of these tests in order to verify the
fication should include the following information:
guarantee. Claims for failure to meet the specification are
6.1.1 Type,
subject to verification by the manufacturer.
6.1.2 Class,
4.2 Rubber Insulating Sheeting is used for personal protec-
6.1.3 Width,
tion; therefore, when authorizing its use a margin of safety
6.1.4 Length, and
shall be allowed between the maximum voltage at which it is
6.1.5 Style.
used and the proof-test voltage at which it is tested. The
6.2 The listing of types, classes, widths, length and styles is
relationship between proof-test and the maximum voltage at
notintendedtomeanthatallshallnecessarilybeavailablefrom
which Sheeting shall be used is shown in Table 1.
manufacturer;itsignifiesonlythat,ifmade,theyshallconform
4.3 Work practices vary from user to user, depending upon
to the detail of this specification.
many factors. These factors may include, but are not limited to
operating system voltages, design, work procedures and 7. Manufacture and Marking
techniques, weather conditions, etc. Therefore, except for the
7.1 The sheeting shall consist of a rubber compound with a
restrictions set forth in this specification because of design
surface free of harmful physical irregularities, as defined in
limitations, the use and maintenance of the equipment is
11.1, and may have one or more fabric inserts.Any such fabric
beyond the scope of this specification.
insert shall not affect adversely the dielectric characteristics of
the sheeting.
TABLE 1 Proof Test/Use Relationship
TABLE 2 AC Electrical Test Requirements
Maximum
AC
Dielectric
Class of AC Proof-Test Maximum DC
Use Voltage AC Clearances Proof Test
DC Proof-Test
Breakdown
Insulating A Voltage, rms Use Voltage, A
ms,V Class Electrode Voltage
min
Voltage, avg V
Test Voltage
Sheeting Phase- V avg, V
in.
mm rms V
rms V
Phase
ac rms, max
00 76 3 2500 4000
00 500 2500 750 10 000 0 76 3 5000 6000
0 1000 5000 1500 20 000 1 76 3 10 000 20 000
1 7500 10 000 11 250 30 000
A
These nominal clearances are intended to avoid flashover and may be increased
A
Except for Class 00 and 0 equipment, the maximum use voltage is based on the from the standard of 100 kPa (1 atm) barometric pressure and average humidity by
following formula: maximum use voltage (maximum nominal design voltage) = no more than 51 m (2 in.) when required by change in atmospheric conditions.
0.95 ac proof-test voltage–2000. These clearances may be decreased if atmospheric conditions permit.
F2320 − 18 (2022)
TABLE 3 DC Electrical Test Requirements
the dc proof-test (average value) specified in Table 3. The test
Dielectric voltage shall be applied continuously for at least 3 min.
DC
Clearances Proof Test
Breakdown
A B
Class Electrode min Voltage
9.2 The sheeting material, when tested between 50-mm (2
Test Voltage
in. rms V
mm
rms V
in.) disk electrodes with edges rounded to a radius of 6 mm
00 76 4 10 000 13 000
(0.25 in.), shall show a 50-Hz or 60-Hz dielectric strength of
0 76 4 20 000 35 000
not less than the value shown in Table 2, when tested in
1 76 4 30 000 50 000
accordance with 18.4.
A
These nominal clearances are intended to avoid flashover and may be increased
from the standard of 100 kPa (1 atm) barometric pressure and average humidity by
no more than 51 mm (2 in.) when required by change in atmospheric conditions.
10. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
These clearances may be decreased if atmospheric conditions permit.
B
DC Proof Test voltages were determined using negative polarity. 10.1 Width—Standard width shall be 914 6 25 mm (36 6 1
in.).
10.2 Thickness—The thickness of the sheeting shall be as
specified in Table 5.
7.2 Thesheetingshallbemarkedclearlyandpermanentlyat
a maximum interval of 0.33 m (1 ft) with the name of the
11. Workmanship and Finish
manufacturer or supplier, ASTM F2320, Type, and Class.
11.1 The sheeting shall be free of harmful physical
8. Chemical and Physical Requirements
irregularities, which can be detected by a thorough test or
8.1 Insulating Sheeting shall conform to the applicable
inspection.
chemical and physical requirements in Table 4.
11.1.1 Harmfulphysicalirregularitiesmaybedefinedasany
feature that disrupts the uniform surface and represents a
9. Electrical Requirements
potential hazard to the user, such as pinholes, cracks, blisters,
9.1 Theentirelengthwhennew(unused)shallwithstandthe cuts, conductive imbedded foreign matter creases, pinch
50-Hz or 60-Hz ac proof-test voltage (rms value), Table 2 or marks, voids (entrapped air), and prominent ripples.
TABLE 4 Physical Requirements for Sheeting
Type I Type II
Style A Style B Style A Style B
Tensile strength, min 4.83 (700) 4.83 (700) 4.83 (700) 4.83 (700)
Mpa(psi)
Resistance to Accelerated 20 20 20 20
heat-aging, max. loss warp
A
and fill %
Bursting Strength, min, 1.72 (250) 1.72 (250) 1.72 (250) 1.72 (250)
Mpa (psi)
Tear Resistance, Min., N (lb) 1.3 (6) 1.3 (6) 1.3 (6) 1.3 (6)
Warp 1.3 (6) 1.3 (6) 1.3 (6) 1.3 (6)
Fill
Low temperature No Cracking No Cracking No Cracking No Cracking
B
Resistance
Puncture resistance, min 18 (100) 29 (150) 18 (100) 18 (100)
KN/m (lbf/in.)
Moisture absorption, max33 3 3
C
Increase %
Flame resistance, Type II A N/A N/A Self-Extinguishing Self-Extinguishing
Horizontal N/A N/A Pass Pass
Vertical
D
Ozone resistance, Type II N/A N/A No Cracking No Cracking
Bent Loop
Oil resistance, max, volume N/A N/A 4 4
E
Increase, % Type II B
Elongation, min % 500 500 500 500
Tension set, max, mm (in.) 6.4 (0.25) 6.4 (0.25) 6.4 (0.25) 6.4 (0.25)
Drape Stiffness, max at 89 (3.5) 89 (3.5) 89 (3.5) 89 (3.5)
25 °C (77 °F), min (in.)
Drape Stiffness, max at 110 (4.5) 110 (4.5) 110 (4.5) 110 (4.5)
-10 °C (14 °F), mm (in.)
Flex Stiffness, max at 0.028 (0.25) 0.028 (0.25) 0.028 (0.25) 0.028 (0.25)
25 °C (77 °F), N·m (in.·lbf)
Flex Stiffness, max at 0.034 (0.30) 0.034 (0.30) 0.034(0.30) 0.034 (0.30)
-10 °C (14 °F), N·m (in.·lbf)
A
70 °C (158 °F) for 7 days.
B
-40 °C (-40 °F) for 4 h.
C
Distilled water 23 °C (75 °F).
D
50 pph for 3 h 40 °C.
E
ASTM Oil No. 2 room temperature for 24 h.
F2320 − 18 (2022)
TABLE 5 Thickness Measurement
14.2 The entire lot or shipment of sheeting shall be rejected
Thickness under any of the following conditions:
Class
mm in.
14.2.1 If 5 % or more of the sheeting in a shipment fails to
00 0.45 to 0.56 0.018 to 0.022
meet the requirements of 9.1.
0 0.75 to 1.02 0.030 to 0.040
14.2.2 If two dielectric breakdowns that do not meet the
1 0.90 to 1.50 0.035 to 0.059
dielectric strength value specified in 9.2 occur in five tests on
the specimen.
14.2.3 If one dielectric breakdown of five tests on the
11.2 Nonharmful Irregularities—Surface irregularities or
original and one or more dielectric breakdowns of five tests on
imperfections may be present on all rubber sheeting due to
anadditionalspecimenfailtomeetthedielectricstrengthvalue
inherentdifficultiesinthemanufacturingprocess.Theseirregu-
specified in 9.2.
larities or imperfections may appear as indentations,
14.2.4 If the coating sample specimens of Type II sheeting,
protuberances, or imbedded foreign material that are accept-
using the sampling methods and criteria specified in 19.1.1.1 –
able provided that:
19.1.1.3 fail to meet the ozone resistance requirements of 9.2.
11.2.1 The indentation or protuberance tends to blend into a
smooth slope upon stretching of the material. The rubber 14.2.5 (If Applicable)—If the coating sample specimens of
Type II sheeting using the sampling methods and criteria
thickness at any irregularity conforms to the thickness require-
ments. specified
...