ASTM International Standard Specification for Hot-Application Filling Compounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable ASTM D4731-02(2008)e1

This specification covers a variety of petroleum-based and other compounds used for filling the air spaces in telecommunications wires and cables (both electrical and fiber optic) for the purpose of preventing water and other undesirable fluids from entering or migrating through the cable structure. The two basic types of filling compounds are specified: Type I which are general-purpose filling compounds that include all materials to be used for filling cables that are not required to function under electrical stress and Type II which are electrical-type filling compounds that include materials having prescribed electrical properties and used for filling wires and cables that are required to function fully or partially under electrical stress. Filling compound furnished shall inhibit the corrosion of any metallic wire and cable elements with which it comes in contact, while serving as a radial and longitudinal barrier to moisture transmission. Contact of the filling compound with any cable component shall not cause degradation of performance of the cable component. The filling compound shall display adhesive properties to provide adhesion between metallic sheath elements and the outer jacket materials of wire and cable. The following properties of filling compounds manufactured shall be determined: homogeneity, color and opacity, color stability, foreign materials, and other properties that includes volatility, thermal oxidative stability, and corrosion prevention.