1.1 These test methods cover the testing of silicone liquids for use in transformers, capacitors, and electronic assemblies as an insulating or cooling medium, or both. These methods are generally suitable for specification acceptance (Specification D4652), factory control, referee testing, and research.
1.2 Although some of the test methods listed here apply primarily to petroleum-based fluids, they are, with minor revisions, equally applicable to silicone liquids.
1.3 Silicone liquids are used for electrical insulating purposes because of their stable properties at high and low temperatures and their relative environmental inertness.
1.4 A list of the properties and standards are as follows:
| Property Measured | Section | ASTM Test Method |
| Physical: | | |
| Color | 6 | D2129 |
| Flash point | 7 | D92 |
| Fire point | 7 | D92 |
| Polychlorinated biphenyl
content | 8 | D4059 |
| Pour point | 9 | D97 |
| Refractive index | 10 | D1807 |
| Specific gravity | 11 | D1298, D1481, D4052 |
| Volatility | 12 | D4559 |
| Viscosity | 13 | D445 |
| Chemical: | | |
| Acid number | 14 | D974 |
| Water content | 15 | D1533 |
| Electrical: | | |
| Relative permittivity | 16 | D924 |
| Dielectric breakdown
voltage | 17 | D877 |
| Dielectric breakdown
voltage | 17 | D1816 |
| Dissipation factor | 18 | D924 |
| Specific resistance | 19 | D1169 |
| Compatibility | 20 | D5282 |
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 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.
