Aging Stability

To test for aging stability, four specimens are cut from the wire sample. For cables whose jacket diameter is less than 0.5 inch (12.7 mm), the specimen is cut to 125 times the cable diameter, and cables that are 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) or larger are cut 95 times the cable diameter. For armored cables, the armor is removed before the specimen is subjected to the aging stability test. The specimens are suspended in a heat chamber without touching one another or the walls for 7 days at the applicable test temperature. After the conditioning period, the specimens are removed from the heat chamber and conditioned at room ambient temperature for 4 hours minimum. The specimen is visually examined for cracks, flaws, or other damage in the jacket material, and marked cables are examined for legibility. Afterwards, the specimen shall be subjected to the cold bend test.