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© 2006 Tyco Electronics Corporation. All rights reserved
Raychem RT-555 TUBING
Modified Fluoropolymer, Radiation Crosslinked,
Flexible, Abrasion Resistant, Flame Retardant, Heat Shrinkable
1. SCOPE
This specification covers the requirements for one type of flexible, electrical insulating extruded tubing
whose diameter will reduce to a predetermined size upon the application of heat in excess of 220ºC (428ºF).
The tubing is suitable for use in wire harness systems requiring high fluid resistance.
2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS
This specification takes precedence over documents referenced herein. Unless otherwise specified, the latest
issue of referenced documents applies. The following documents form a part of this specification to the
extent specified herein.
2.1 GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED DOCUMENTS
Military
MIL-PRF-372 Cleaning Compound, Solvent
SAE-AMS1424 Fluid, Deicing/Anti-Icing, Aircraft, SAE Type 1
MIL-PRF-2104 Lubricating Oil, Internal Combustion Engine, Combat/Tactical Service
MIL-PRF-23699 Lubricating Oil, Aircraft Turbine Engine, Synthetic Base
MIL-PRF-46167 Lubricating Oil, Internal Combustion Engine, Arctic
MIL-PRF-46170 Hydraulic Fluid, Rust Inhibited, Fire-resistance, Synthetic Hydrocarbon Base
MIL-PRF-5606 Hydraulic Fluid, Petroleum Base, Aircraft; Missile and Ordinance
MIL-PRF-2104 Lubricating Oil, Internal Combustion Engine, Combat/Tactical Service
MIL-PRF-7808 Lubricating Oil, Aircraft Turbine Engine, Synthetic Base
MIL-DTL-83133 Turbine Fuels, Aviation Kerosene Types, Nato F-34(JP-8), Nato F-35, JP-8 + 100
Federal
A-A-52557 Fuel Oil, Diesel for Posts, Camps and Stations
A-A-59133 Cleaning Compound, High Pressure (Steam) Cleaner (formerly P-C-437)
Ordnance Drawings
10873919 Electrolyte
2.2 OTHER PUBLICATIONS
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
ASTM D 412 Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber & Thermoplastic Elastomers
ASTM D 792 Specific Gravity & Density of Plastics by Displacement, Tests for
ASTM D 910 Standard Specification for Aviation Gasoline
ASTM D 2671 Standard Methods of Testing Heat-Shrinkable Tubing for Electrical Use
ASTM D 4814 Standard Specification for Automotive Spark-Ignition Fuel
ASTM G 21 Standard Recommended Practice for Determining Resistance of Synthetic Polymeric
Materials to Fungi
(Copies of ASTM publications may be obtained from the American Society for Testing and Materials, 1916 Race Street,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.)
Tyco Electronics Corporation
300 Constitution Drive
Menlo Park, CA 94025 USA
Specification
This Issue:
Date:
Replaces:
RT-555
Issue 6
November 28, 2006
Issue 5
Page 2 SPECIFICATION RT-555 ISSUE 6
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© 2006 Tyco Electronics Corporation. All rights reserved
NASA
SP-R-0022 General Specification, Vacuum Stability Requirements of Polymeric Material
for Spacecraft Applications
3. REQUIREMENTS
3.1 MATERIAL
The product shall consist of a heat shrinkable, crosslinked, thermally stabilized, flame-retardant modified
fluoropolymer material. The product shall be homogeneous and essentially free from flaws, defects,
pinholes, bubbles, cracks and inclusions.
3.2 COLOR
The tubing shall be black unless otherwise specified.
3.3 PROPERTIES
The tubing shall meet the requirements of Tables 1 and 3.
4. QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS
4.1 CLASSIFICATION OF TESTS
4.1.1 Qualification Tests
Qualification tests are those performed on product submitted for qualification as a satisfactory product and
shall consist of all tests listed in this specification.
4.1.2 Acceptance Tests
Acceptance tests are those performed on product submitted for acceptance under contract. Acceptance tests
shall consist of the following:
Visual
Dimensions
Longitudinal Change
Tensile Strength
Ultimate Elongation
Heat Shock
SPECIFICATION RT-555 ISSUE 6 Page 3
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4.2 SAMPLING INSTRUCTIONS
4.2.1 Qualification Test Samples
Qualification test samples shall consist of 50 feet (15 m) of tubing of the size specified. Qualification of any
size within each size range specified below will qualify all sizes in the same range.
Size Ranges
1/8 through 3/4
1” through 2”
4.2.2 Acceptance Test Samples
Acceptance test samples shall consist of not less than 16 feet (5 m) of tubing selected at random from each
lot. A lot shall consist of all tubing of the same size, from the same production run and offered for inspection
at the same time.
4.2 TEST PROCEDURES
Unless otherwise specified, tests shall be performed on specimens which have been fully recovered by
conditioning in accordance with 4.3.1. Prior to all testing, the test specimens (and measurement gauges,
when applicable) shall be conditioned for 3 hours at 23 ± 3ºC (73 ± 5ºF) and 50 ± 5 percent relative
humidity. All ovens shall be of the mechanical convection type in which air passes the specimens at a
velocity of 100 to 200 feet (30 to 60 m) per minute.
4.3.1 Dimensions, Dimensional Recovery, Longitudinal Change and Concentricity
Measure three 6-inch (150 mm) specimens of tubing, as supplied, for length ± 1/32 inch (± 1 mm) and inside
diameter in accordance with ASTM D 2671. Recover these specimens fully by conditioning for 3 minutes in
a 250 ± 5ºC (482± 9ºF) oven. Remove the specimens from the oven, allow to cool to 23 ± 3ºC (73 ± 5ºF) and
re-measure. Calculate longitudinal change as follows:
LC = L1 - L0
L0 X 100
Where: LC = Longitudinal Change [Percent]
L
0 = Length Before Conditioning [Inches (mm)]
L
1 = Length After Conditioning (Inches (mm)]
Measure the wall thickness of three 6-inch (150-mm) long specimens, as supplied, in accordance with ASTM
D 2671. Calculate concentricity as follows:
C = M1
M2 X 100
Where: C = Concentricity [Percent]
M
1 = Minimum Thickness [Inches (mm)]
M
2 = Maximum Thickness [Inches (mm)]
Page 4 SPECIFICATION RT-555 ISSUE 6
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4.3.2 Tensile Strength and Ultimate Elongation
Test three specimens of tubing for tensile strength and ultimate elongation in accordance with ASTM D
2671. For tubing sizes 3/8 and smaller, use full sections of tubing. For sizes 1/2 and larger, cut the
specimens with Die D, ASTM D 412. Apply 1-inch (25-mm) centrally located benchmarks to the specimens.
Use an initial machine jaw separation of 1 inch (25 mm) for full sections of tubing and 2 inches (51 mm) for
die cut specimens. Test at a rate of jaw separation of 2.0 ± 0.2 inches (50 ± 5 mm) per minute.
4.3.3 Low Temperature Flexibility
Condition three specimens, each 12 inches (300 mm) in length, and a mandrel selected in accordance with
Table 2, at -65 ± 3ºC (-85 ± 5ºF) for 4 hours. For tubing sizes 3/4 or less, use whole sections of tubing
recovered on a stranded wire (nearest AWG which is larger than the tubing maximum inside diameter after
unrestricted shrinkage). For tubing sizes larger than 3/4, use 1/4-inch (6.3-mm) wide strips cut from tubing
which has been recovered in accordance with 4.3.1. After 4 hours conditioning, and while still at the
conditioning temperature, wrap the specimens consisting of whole sections of tubing around the mandrel for
not less than 180 degrees in 10 ± 2 seconds. Wrap strip specimens around the mandrel for not less than 360
degrees in 10 ± 2 seconds. Examine the specimens visually for evidence of cracking.
4.3.4 Heat Shock
Condition three 6-inch (150-mm) specimens of tubing for 4 hours in a 300 ± 5ºC (572 ± 9ºF) oven. Remove
the specimens from the oven, cool to 23 ± 3ºC (73 ± 5ºF), wrap 360 degrees around a mandrel selected in
accordance with Table 2 and then visually examine for evidence of dripping, flowing or cracking. Any side
cracking caused by flattening of the specimen on the mandrel sh all not constitute failure.
4.3.5 Heat Resistance
Condition three 6-inch (150-mm) specimens prepared in accordance with 4.3.2 for 336 hours in a 250 ± 3ºC
(482 ± 5ºF) oven. After conditioning, the specimens shall be removed from the oven, cooled to 23 ± 3ºC (73
± 5ºF) and tested for tensile strength and ultimate elongation in accordance with 4.3.2.
4.3.6 Copper Stability
Slide three 6-inch (150-mm) specimens of tubing over a snug-fitting, straight, clean, bare solid or tubular
copper conductor. Condition the specimens on the conductors for 24 hours in an appropriate humidity
chamber at 90 to 95 percent relative humidity and 23 ± 3ºC (73 ± 5ºF), followed by 16 hours in a 200 ± 3ºC
(392 ± 5ºF) oven. After conditioning, remove the specimens from the oven and cool to 23 ± 3ºC (73 ± 5ºF).
Remove the copper conductor from the tubing and examine the tubing and conductor. Darkening of the
copper due to normal air oxidation shall not be cause for rejection. Test the tubing for ultimate elongation in
accordance with 4.3.2.
4.3.7 Corrosive Effect
Test the tubing for copper mirror corrosion in accordance with ASTM D 2671, Procedure A, for 16 hours at
200 ± 3ºC (392 ± 5ºF). Use specimens of 1/4 x 1 inch (6 x 25 mm) strips cut longitudinally from the tubing.
Evidence of corrosion shall be the removal of copper from the mirror, leaving an area of transparency greater
than 8 percent of its total area.
SPECIFICATION RT-555 ISSUE 6 Page 5
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4.3.8 Fluid Resistance
Immerse three 6-inch (150-mm) specimens of tubing, prepared and measured in accordance with 4.3.2,
completely in each listed fluid for the time and temperature specified in Table 3. Use a volume of fluid not
less than 20 times that of the specimens. After immersion, lightly wipe the specimens and air-dry for 30 to
60 minutes at room temperature. Test the specimens from each fluid for tensile strength and ultimate
elongation in accordance with 4.3.2.
4.3.9 Flammability After Fluid Exposure
Flammability tests shall be performed in accordance with ASTM D 2671 Procedure C on a
22-inch (559-mm) length of the tubing that has been fully immersed for 24 hours with ends open in fluids
specified in Table 3. The outside of the tubing shall be wiped to remove excess fluid and mounted in the
apparatus. The inside of the tubing shall be allowed to drain for 5 minutes before flame is applied.
4.3.10 Radiation Resistance
Three specimens prepared in accordance with Section 4.3.2 shall be subjected to gamma radiation for a total
dosage of 10 Mrad at a rate of less than 0.5 Mrad per hour. The specimens shall be measured for tensile
strength and ultimate elongation in accordance with Section 4.3.2.
4.4 REJECTION AND RETEST
Failure of any sample to conform to any one of the requirements of the specification shall be cause for
rejection of the lot represented. Product which has been rejected may be replaced or reworked to correct the
defect and then resubmitted for acceptance. Before resubmitting, full particulars concerning the rejection and
the action taken to co rrect the defect shall be furnished to the inspector.
5. PREPARATION FOR DELIVERY
5.1 PACKAGING
Packaging shall be in accordance with good commercial practice.
5.2 MARKING
Each container of product shall be permanently and legibly marked with the manufacturer's part number, size,
quantity, manufacturer's identification, lot number and d ate of manufacture.
Page 6 SPECIFICATION RT-555 ISSUE 6
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TABLE 1
Inside Diameters and Wall Thicknesses of Tubing
As Supplied Recovered Dimensions
Size Inside Diameter Inside Diameter Wall Thickness
No. Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Nominal
In
mm in mm in mm in mm in mm
1/8 .125 3.18 .062 1.57 .010 .25 .016 .41 .012 .30
3/16 .187 4.75 .093 2.36 .011 .28 .018 .46 .014 .36
1/4 .250 6.35 .125 3.18 .013 .33 .020 .51 .016 .41
3/8 .375 9.53 .187 4.75 .016 .41 .023 .58 .019 .48
1/2 .500 12.70 .250 6.35 .016 .41 .023 .58 .019 .48
5/8 .625 15.88 .313 7.95 .019 .48 .026 .66 .022 .56
3/4 .750 19.05 .375 9.53 .024 .61 .031 .79 .027 .69
1 1.000 25.40 .500 12.70 .028 .71 .035 .89 .031 .79
1-1/4 1.250 31.75 .625 15.88 .030 .76 .037 .94 .033 .84
1-1/2 1.500 38.10 .750 19.05 .034 .86 .041 1.04 .037 .94
2 2.000 50.80 1.000 25.40 .037 .94 .044 1.12 .040 1.02
TABLE 2
Mandrel Dimensions for Low Temperature Flexibility and Heat Shock Testing
Mandrel Diameter
Tubing Size in mm
1/8 through 3/8 5/16 7.9
1/2 through 2 7/16 11.1
SPECIFICATION RT-555 ISSUE 6 Page 7
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TABLE 3
Requirements
PROPERTY UNIT REQUIREMENT TEST METHOD
PHYSICAL
Dimensions
Inches (mm)
In accordance with Table 1
Section 4.3.1
Longitudinal Change Percent +0, -10 ASTM D 2671
Concentricity as Supplied Percent 60% minimum
Tensile Strength Psi (MPa) 4000 minimum (27.6) Section 4.3.2
Ultimate Elongation Percent 200 minimum ASTM D 2671
2% Secant Modulus (Expanded) Psi (MPa) 50,000 maximum (345) ASTM D 2671
Specific Gravity --- 2.0 maximum ASTM D 792
Low Temperature Flexibility
4 hours at -65 ± 3ºC (-85 ± 5ºF) --- No cracking Section 4.3.3
Heat Shock
4 hours at 300 ± 5ºC (572 ± 9ºF) --- No dripping, flowing or cracking Section 4.3.4
Heat Resistance
336 hours at 250 ± 3ºC (482 ± 5ºF) --- --- Section 4.3.5
Followed by test for
Ultimate Elongation
Percent
150 minimum Section 4.3.2
ASTM D 2671
Vacuum Outgassing
TML (Total Mass Loss)
VCM (Volatile Condensible Material)
Percent
Percent
1.0 maximum
0.1 maximum
NASA
Specification
SP-R-0022A
Copper Stability
16 hours at 200 ± 3ºC (392 ± 5ºF) --- No brittleness, glazing or severe
discoloration of tubing. No
pitting or blackening of copper.
Section 4.3.6
Followed by test for
Ultimate Elongation
Percent
150 minimum Section 4.3.2
ASTM D 2671
ELECTRICAL
Dielectric Strength
Volts/mil
200 minimum
ASTM D 2671
Radiation Resistance
Followed by tests for:
Tensile Strength
Ultimate Elongation
Psi (MPa)
Percent
3500 minimum (24.1)
150 minimum
Section 4.3.10
CHEMICAL
Copper Mirror Corrosion
16 hours at 200 ± 3ºC (392 ± 5ºF)
Percent
Copper removal 8% maximum Section 4.3.7
ASTM D 2671
Procedure A
Flammability --- 1) 25% maximum flag burn
2) No burning of cotton
3) No flaming or glowing
longer than 60 seconds
ASTM D 2671
Procedure C
After fluid immersion
24 hours at 23 ± 3ºC (73 ± 5ºF)
ASTM D 4814 Gasoline,
Automotive Combat
--- 1) 25% maximum flag burn
2) No burning of cotton
3) No flaming or glowing
longer than 60 seconds
Section 4.3.9
ASTM D 2671,
Procedure C
24 hours at 50 ± 3ºC (122 ± 5ºF)
A-A-52557 Fuel Oil, Diesel
MIL-DTL-83133 Turbine Fuel,
Aviation, Grade JP-8
Fungus Resistance --- Rating of 1 or less ASTM G 21
Water Absorption
24 hours at 23 ± 3ºC (73 ± 5ºF) Percent 0.5 maximum ASTM D 2671
Page 8 SPECIFICATION RT-555 ISSUE 6
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TABLE 3
Requirements (continued)
PROPERTY UNIT REQUIREMENT TEST METHOD
CHEMICAL (continued)
Fluid Resistance
24 hours at 23 ± 3ºC (73 ± 5ºF)
Gasoline, Aviation Grade 100
(ASTM D 910)
Coolanol 25*
Followed by tests for:
---
---
Section 4.3.8
Tensile Strength Psi (MPa) 3500 minimum (24.1) Section 4.3.2
Ultimate Elongation Percent 150 minimum ASTM D 2671
Fluid Resistance
24 hours at 50 ± 3ºC (122 ± 5ºF)
JP-8 (MIL-DTL-83133)
Deicing Fluid (SAE-AMS 1424)
Cleaning Compound
(MIL-PRF-372)
5% Salt Solution
Fuel Oil, Diesel (A-A-52557)
Followed by tests for:
--- --- Section 4.3.8
Tensile Strength Psi (MPa) 3500 minimum (24.1) Section 4.3.2
Ultimate Elongation Percent 150 minimum ASTM D 2671
Fluid Resistance
24 hours at 75 ± 3ºC (167 ± 5ºF)
Hydraulic Fluid (MIL-PRF-5606)
Lubricating Oil
(MIL-PRF-2104)
Lubricating Oil (MIL-PRF-7808)
Followed by tests for:
--- --- Section 4.3.8
Tensile Strength Psi (MPa) 3500 minimum (24.1) Section 4.3.2
Ultimate Elongation Percent 150 minimum ASTM D 2671
*Trademark Solutia, Inc.
