Federal Standards are developed for use in procurement by all U.S. Federal level agencies. And because of the clout of U.S. government procurement, some of these standards end up being “de facto” industry standards as well. The FED-STD-228, “Test Methods for Cables and Wire, Insulated,” is certainly one of these standards. The new Revision A replaces the original issue of the standard (along with it’s 5 changes notices, the last of which was released in 2000.)
Frankly, it looks to me like every test method in this compilation has been updated. You’ll find the new April 28th date in the upper right hand corner of each method, and the revision level information for each has been updated for each as well.
The standard is a series of tests, each for a specific attribute. They’re divided into 8 sections, as follows:
- Geometrical measurements
- Mechanical tests
- Tension tests
- Accelerated aging tests
- Thermal tests
- Electrical tests
- Chemical tests
- Miscellaneous tests
The numbering system can be confusing, as the revision levels are noted in a form that is used primarily in government test methods standards like FED-STD-228. Each test is given a 4 digit number, based on the general area that it fits into (like test 4001 on resistance to heat, oxygen, air, light and ozone, general.) The first release of the test method is this 4 digit number, the first revision has a dot 1 following the original ID (4001.1, the current revision level of this particular test). Should there be further revisions in the future, they will use .2, .3, and so on to designate the changes.
If you use this test method standard, you’ll need to get a copy of the new 267 page update. You can go to the Document Center Inc. webstore at www.document-center.com and order a copy in either paper format or for pdf download. Or you can contact our staff by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com). You’ll not only get the document, but you’ll get our top-of-the-class notification service. So when future changes occur, you’ll be notified right away by email.
We’ve been supplying standards to high tech companies, as well as defense contractors and sub-contractors, from our Silicon Valley location since 1982. We’re a woman-owned small business, which is an additional benefit you’ll get from using our service. And we have any number of services that can help you maintain your standards collection. For example, you might need a standards audit to make sure all your documents are current! We help thousands of customers with their standardization needs. Make us your Standards Experts too.
