ASTM D4388-20

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D4388 − 13 D4388 − 20
Standard Specification for
Nonmetallic Semi-Conducting and Electrically Insulating
Rubber Tapes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4388; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers nonmetallic semi-conducting and electrical insulating tapes designed for the splicing and repair of
electrical wire and cables operating at voltages up to 325 kV, phase to phase.
1.2 The SI values are the standard. The values stated in inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information purposes only.
1.3 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1711 Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
D4325 Test Methods for Nonmetallic Semi-Conducting and Electrically Insulating Rubber Tapes
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Use Terminology D1711 for definitions of terms used in these test methods and associated with electrical or
electronic insulation materials.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 Use Terminology D1711 for definitions of terms used in these test methods and associated with electrical or electronic
insulation materials.
4. Classification
4.1 Types:
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D09 on Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D09.07 on Flexible and Rigid Electrical Insulating Materials.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2013Aug. 1, 2020. Published December 2013September 2020. Originally approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 20082013
as D4388 – 08.D4388 – 13. DOI: 10.1520/D4388-13.10.1520/D4388-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
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D4388 − 20
4.1.1 Type I—A low voltage rubber insulating tape designed for use on wires and cables operating up to 2000 V phase to phase
in dry locations with conductor temperatures up to 80 °C (176 °F) for continuous operation, up to 95 °C (203 °F) for emergency
overload conditions, and up to 150 °C (302 °F) for short-circuit conditions. For outdoor use, protect the tape from ozone attack
and ultraviolet radiation by the use of a suitable overwrap. Apply the tape to the wire or cable within an ambient temperature range
of − 10of −10 and 40 °C (14 and 104 °F).
4.1.2 Type II—A medium voltage, ozone-resistant, rubber insulating tape designed for use with wires and cables operating up to
35 000 V phase to phase in either wet or dry locations with conductor temperatures up to 90 °C (194 °F) for continuous operation,
up to 130 °C (266 °F) for emergency overload conditions, and up to 250 °C (482 °F) for short-circuit conditions when installed
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction. For wet or dry outdoor use, protect the tape from ultraviolet radiation by the
use of a suitable overwrap. Apply the tape to the wire or cable within an ambient temperature range of − 10of −10 and 40 °C (14
and 104 °F).
4.1.3 Type III—A high voltage, ozone-resistant, rubber insulating tape designed for use with wires and cables operating up to
138 000 V phase to phase in either wet or dry locations with conductor temperatures up to 90 °C (194 °F) for continuous operation,
up to 130 °C (266 °F) for emergency overload conditions, and up to 250 °C (482 °F) for short-circuit conditions when installed
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. This tape is suitable for wet or dry outdoor use. Apply the tape to the wire or
cable within an ambient temperature range of − 10of −10 and 40 °C (14 and 104 °F).
4.1.4 Type IV—A nonmetallic semi-conducting tape designed for shielding various portions of joints and terminations in electrical
wires and cables operating at any voltage under wet or dry conditions with conductor temperatures up to 90 °C (194 °F) for
continuous operation, or up to 130 °C (266 °F) for emergency overload conditions. This tape is suitable for wet or dry outdoor
use. Apply the tape to the wire or cable within an ambient temperature range of − 10of −10 and 40 °C (14 and 104 °F).
4.1.5 Type V—A higher voltage, ozone-resistant, rubber insulating tape designed for use with wires and cables operating up to
325 000 V phase to phase in either wet or dry locations with conductor temperatures up to 90 °C (194 °F) for continuous operation,
up to 130 °C (266 °F) for emergency overload, and up to 250 °C (482 °F) short-circuit conditions when installed in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions. This tape is suitable for wet or dry outdoor use. Apply the tape to the wire or cable within
an ambient temperature of − 10of −10 and 40 °C (14 and 104 °F).
TABLE 1 Physical Properties for Rubber Insulating Tape
Requirements Type I Type II Type III Type IV Type V
Tensile strength, min, MPa (psi) 1.7 (250) 1.7 (250) 1.7 (250) >0.69 (100) 2.4 (350)
Elongation at break, min, % 300 500 700 300 700
Dielectric strength, min, kV/mm
(V/mil):
0.51 mm (0.020 in.) thickness . . 28 (700) . 32 (800)
0.76 mm (0.030 in.) thickness 14 (350) 20 (500) 24 (600) . 28 (700)
1.016 mm (0.040 in.) thickness . 16 (400) . .
Dissipation factor, max:
after water immersion . 0.05 0.05 . 0.01
after hot water immersion . 0.05 0.05 . 0.01
Permittivity, max:
after water immersion . 4.5 4.0 . 2.8
after hot water immersion . 4.5 4.0 . 2.8
Volume resistivity, (ohm-cm):
14 14 3 16
96 h at 23 °C and 50 % RH . 10 min 10 min 10 max 10 min
13 13 15
96 h at 23 °C and 96 % RH . 10 min 10 min . 10 min
168 h at 90 °C . . . 5 × 10 max
Fusion—Flags 2 mm ( ⁄64 in.) max Pass at 200 % elonga- Pass at 300 % elonga- Pass at 300 %
...