Method 4.6.2 is a low temperature flex-life test for cable assemblies containing molded sections or heat-shrunken transitions. The cable assembly is first aged in a circulating air oven for a minimum of 48 hours at 71 +/- 1C.
The cable assembly is then conditioned for a minimum of 48 hours at the lower limit of the cable operating temperature range. If not specified, the temperature shall be -55 +/- 1C. This temperature is continuously recorded during conditioning and testing.
Each crotch or molded section is then subjected to flex cycling to evaluate whether the cable assembly can maintain electrical and mechanical integrity when flexed at low temperatures, simulating cold-weather military operations.