ASTM D4730-13(2020)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Flooding Compounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable
Standard Specification for Flooding Compounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable
ABSTRACT
This specification covers a variety of compounds used for flooding the shields and armors of telecommunications wires and cables (both electrical and fiber optic) for the purpose of preventing water and other undesirable fluids from entering or migrating along or through the cable sheath. The material may be of any chemical composition suitable for the intended purpose and should meet the requirements specified. The flooding compound shall display adhesive properties to provide adhesion between metallic sheath elements and the outer jacket materials of wire and cable. All flooding compounds manufactured in conformance to this specification shall meet the following requirements: homogeneity and foreign material.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers a variety of compounds used for flooding the shields and armors of telecommunications wires and cables (both electrical and fiber optic) for the purpose of preventing water and other undesirable fluids from entering or migrating along or through the cable sheath. (For related standards see Specifications D4731 and D4732.)
1.2 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.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Jul-2020
- Technical Committee
- D09 - Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials
- Drafting Committee
- D09.07 - Electrical Insulating Materials
Relations
- Replaces
ASTM D4730-13 - Standard Specification for Flooding Compounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable - Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2006
Overview
ASTM D4730-13(2020), Standard Specification for Flooding Compounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable, establishes requirements for compounds used to flood shields and armors of both electrical and fiber optic telecommunications cables. These flooding compounds are formulated to prevent water and other undesirable fluids from entering or migrating along or through the cable sheath, ensuring cable reliability and long service life in challenging environments.
This specification covers the physical, chemical, and performance properties of flooding compounds, detailing the essential requirements for homogeneity, foreign material exclusion, adhesiveness, and compatibility with other cable components. It is developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles for standards development.
Key Topics
- Flooding Compound Purpose: Used to block water and fluid ingress in cable shields and armors.
- Applicable Cable Types: Designed for both electrical and fiber optic telecommunications cables for aerial or underground installations.
- Material Requirements:
- Must be homogeneous and free from foreign matter such as dirt or metallic particles.
- Must provide adhesion between metallic sheath elements and the outer protective jackets.
- Should inhibit corrosion of any metallic components inside the cable.
- Compatibility: Flooding compounds must not degrade the performance of cable materials and must be compatible with all other cable components as specified in purchase agreements.
- Physical and Performance Properties:
- Adhesiveness for cable assembly integrity
- Moisture barrier properties to prevent radial and longitudinal migration of fluids
- Agreement on properties such as viscosity, flash point, and heat stability as needed
- Quality Assurance: Includes requirements for inspection, sampling, testing, and certification to ensure product consistency and conformity to standard.
Applications
Flooding compounds specified under ASTM D4730-13(2020) are used across telecommunications infrastructure projects to improve the durability and performance of wire and cable installations. Key applications include:
- Protection of Outdoor Cables: Used in cables exposed to environmental hazards, such as those in aerial spans or buried underground, to prevent water penetration.
- Electrical and Fiber Optic Cables: Suitable for both types, ensuring longevity across a range of modern telecommunication systems.
- Adhesion and Anti-Corrosion Layers: Enhances adhesion between cable sheaths and jackets and protects internal metal components from corrosion.
- Manufacturing and Maintenance: Essential for cable manufacturers and service providers seeking to comply with industry standards and extend the operational life of their products.
Related Standards
To ensure comprehensive protection and performance, ASTM D4730-13(2020) references and aligns with several related standards:
- ASTM D4731: Specification for Hot-Application Filling Compounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable.
- ASTM D4732: Specification for Cool-Application Filling Compounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable.
- ASTM D4565: Test Methods for Physical and Environmental Performance Properties of Insulations and Jackets for Telecommunications Wire and Cable.
- ASTM D4568: Test Methods for Evaluating Compatibility Between Cable Filling and Flooding Compounds and Polyolefin Wire and Cable Materials.
- Additional referenced standards address test methods for properties such as viscosity, flash point, softening point, and ash content.
Keywords: ASTM D4730, flooding compound, telecommunications cable, water barrier, moisture barrier, adhesive properties, cable protection, cable filling compounds, telecommunications standard, corrosion inhibition, cable sheath, wiring standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D4730-13(2020) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Flooding Compounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers a variety of compounds used for flooding the shields and armors of telecommunications wires and cables (both electrical and fiber optic) for the purpose of preventing water and other undesirable fluids from entering or migrating along or through the cable sheath. The material may be of any chemical composition suitable for the intended purpose and should meet the requirements specified. The flooding compound shall display adhesive properties to provide adhesion between metallic sheath elements and the outer jacket materials of wire and cable. All flooding compounds manufactured in conformance to this specification shall meet the following requirements: homogeneity and foreign material. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers a variety of compounds used for flooding the shields and armors of telecommunications wires and cables (both electrical and fiber optic) for the purpose of preventing water and other undesirable fluids from entering or migrating along or through the cable sheath. (For related standards see Specifications D4731 and D4732.) 1.2 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.
ABSTRACT This specification covers a variety of compounds used for flooding the shields and armors of telecommunications wires and cables (both electrical and fiber optic) for the purpose of preventing water and other undesirable fluids from entering or migrating along or through the cable sheath. The material may be of any chemical composition suitable for the intended purpose and should meet the requirements specified. The flooding compound shall display adhesive properties to provide adhesion between metallic sheath elements and the outer jacket materials of wire and cable. All flooding compounds manufactured in conformance to this specification shall meet the following requirements: homogeneity and foreign material. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers a variety of compounds used for flooding the shields and armors of telecommunications wires and cables (both electrical and fiber optic) for the purpose of preventing water and other undesirable fluids from entering or migrating along or through the cable sheath. (For related standards see Specifications D4731 and D4732.) 1.2 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.
ASTM D4730-13(2020) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 33.120.10 - Coaxial cables. Waveguides. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D4730-13(2020) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D4730-13, ASTM D1321-23, ASTM D1321-16, ASTM D3236-88(2014), ASTM D4568-13, ASTM D482-12, ASTM D92-12a, ASTM D4565-10, ASTM D4568-99(2009), ASTM D3236-88(2009), ASTM E28-99(2009), ASTM D4731-02(2008)e1, ASTM D4732-02(2008)e1, ASTM D482-07, ASTM D6-95(2006). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D4730-13(2020) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
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: D4730 −13 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Specification for
Flooding Compounds for Telecommunications Wire and
Cable
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4730; 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 pounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable
D4732 Specification for Cool-Application Filling Com-
1.1 This specification covers a variety of compounds used
pounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable
for flooding the shields and armors of telecommunications
E28 Test Methods for Softening Point of Resins Derived
wires and cables (both electrical and fiber optic) for the
from Pine Chemicals and Hydrocarbons, by Ring-and-
purpose of preventing water and other undesirable fluids from
Ball Apparatus
entering or migrating along or through the cable sheath. (For
related standards see Specifications D4731 and D4732.)
3. Terminology
1.2 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.1 flooding compounds, n—any of several materials used
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
to fill the air spaces between the sheath elements of single and
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
multi-conductorinsulatedwiresandcablesoropticalcablesfor
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
the purpose of excluding water and other undesirable fluids;
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
especially with regard to telecommunications wire and cable,
including optical cable, intended for outside aerial or under-
2. Referenced Documents
ground installations.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.2 producer, n—the primary manufacturer of the mate-
D6 Test Method for Loss on Heating of Oil and Asphaltic
rial.
Compounds
3.1.3 suppliers, n—jobbers and distributors as distinct from
D92 Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland
producers.
Open Cup Tester
D482 Test Method for Ash from Petroleum Products
4. Ordering Information
D1321 Test Method for Needle Penetration of Petroleum
4.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
Waxes
the following information:
D3236 Test Method for Apparent Viscosity of Hot Melt
4.1.1 Quantity (mass or volume) of each item,
Adhesives and Coating Materials
4.1.2 Generic name of the material, such as cable flooding
D4565 Test Methods for Physical and Environmental Per-
compound,
formance Properties of Insulations and Jackets for Tele-
4.1.3 How furnished (drums or barrels, blocks, etc.),
communications Wire and Cable
4.1.4 Certification, if required (see Section 11),
D4568 Test Methods for Evaluating Compatibility Between
4.1.5 This specification designation, and
Cable Filling and Flooding Compounds And Polyolefin
4.1.6 Any special requirements, as listed in 8.2 and 9.2, that
Wire and Cable Materials
apply.
D4731 Specification for Hot-Application Filling Com-
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 The material and manufacturing methods used shall be
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D09 on
such that the resulting products conform to the properties and
Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials and is under the direct responsibility
characteristics prescribed in this specification.
of Subcommittee D09.07 on Electrical Insulating Materials.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2020. Published September 2020. Originally
6. Compatibility With Other Materials
approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D4730 – 13. DOI:
10.1520/D4730-13R20.
6.1 It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
flooding compound ordered is suitable for the intended appli-
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
cation and is compatible with any other components that may
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. come into contact with the flooding compound.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4730 − 13 (2020)
6.2 The purchaser shall specify the materials that the com- Method D482), adhesive property measurements, and corro-
poundmustbecompatiblewithwhentestedinaccordancewith sion inhibiting characteristics are specified, if needed, and shall
Test Method D4568. be as agreed-upon between the producer and the purchaser.
9.3 The purchaser (individual cable manufacturer or other)
7. Chemical Composition
shall specify any other expected requirements needed to ensure
7.1 The chemical composition of these materials is not
compliance with such end-product requirements as cable
specified. The material shall be of a chemical composition
drip-out temperature and jacket slip.
suitab
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