A Review of Possible Methods for Defining Tree Retardant Crosslinked Polyethylene (TRXLPE)

This article documents the activities and discussions of the ICC discussion group A4D comparing the performance of TRXLPE and XLPE insulation material used in medium voltage underground power cables. It was not possible at the time to use water tree growth tests, carried out according to ASTM 6097-97, to provide a definition of a water tree retardant material. This was due to the relatively small number of tests carried out, the large scatter in the data of repeat tests on the same material, and the overlap in the data observed between XLPE and TRXLPE insulations.