Polymeric materials are used in a range of end applications as electrical insulation materials, appliance housing, wire and cables, and building construction. The fire performance requirements for these materials depend upon the specific end application standard. For example, polymeric materials used in communications cables have to meet requirements identified in the NEC and NFPA codes for installation in air handling plenums, riser shafts, or general purpose. In these applications, for communications cables, a range of materials are used that include polyolefins, PVC compounds, and fluoropolymers. The selection of materials used in cables depends upon both the functional (e.g., transmission) and safety (e.g., fire safety) requirements of the cables. For materials developers and cable manufacturers, it is important to use a pre-selection test to ensure that the materials have flammability characteristics appropriate for the end-use application. Thus, over the years several have small-scale and analytical tests have been developed to assist in the pre-selection process. These include the Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI), and the Cone Calorimeter. More recently, a new test method, micro-combustion calorimeter (ASTM E 7309), has become available that has the potential for use as a pre-selection screening test relative flammability properties. Since the micro-combustion calorimeter (MCC) uses a 5 mg sample, the test may be conducted on pellet size specimen. This is an advantage over other methods such as the LOI, or Cone Calorimeter where the either a molded or extruded test specimen is needed. In this paper, results from the MCC are presented for a range of communications cable materials (polyolefin, PVDF, PVC, and FEP). A discussion is also provided interpreting the key flammability characteristics derived from the MCC results.