Specifies the test methods to be used for testing polymeric insulating and sheathing materials of electric and optical fibre cables for power distribution and telecommunications, including cables used on ships and in offshore applications. These test methods apply specifically to PE and PP compounds, including cellular compounds and foam skin for insulation. The principal changes with respect to the previous edition are listed below: a) the wrapping test after thermal ageing in air is deleted from this part of IEC 60811. It is now given only in IEC 60811-4-2; b) a thermogravimetric method is added for determination of carbon black content; c) a method is introduced for assessment of carbon black dispersion.