Method 4.8.4 is a cable aging test conducted at 500F (260C) to determine the ability of armored cable with silicone rubber insulation and jacketing to withstand accelerated heat aging conditions.
The specimen consists of a 48 +/- 1 inch length of completed cable. The apparatus includes a forced fresh air circulating oven for supporting the test requirements, with the oven air temperature measured in the immediate vicinity of the specimen, and tensile strength and elongation test apparatus.
After the specified aging period at elevated temperature, the cable’s physical properties (tensile strength and elongation) are evaluated and compared against post-aging requirements to determine if the materials have retained adequate performance.