Figure-9 Deep-Grooved and Figure-8 Copper Trolley Wire for Industrial Haulage

B116-95: Standard Specification for Figure-9 Deep-Grooved and Figure-8 Copper Trolley Wire for Industrial Haulage

For engineers and designers working with industrial haulage systems, ensuring the reliable performance and safety of electrical conductors is paramount. The ASTM B116-95 standard provides an essential framework for specifying and procuring copper trolley wire, crucial components in electric-powered transport within demanding environments. This authoritative document establishes the material characteristics and mechanical properties necessary for robust and durable trolley wire installations.

What is B116-95?

ASTM B116-95 is a comprehensive standard that defines the material requirements and dimensional specifications for two specific types of copper trolley wire: Figure-9 deep-grooved and Figure-8. Its primary purpose is to ensure that copper trolley wire procured for industrial haulage applications meets rigorous performance criteria, guaranteeing electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and longevity. This proven standard is a cornerstone for quality assurance in the electrical conductor industry.

Scope & Purpose

This standard governs the procurement and manufacturing of copper trolley wire designed for use in industrial haulage systems, such as those found in mines and manufacturing facilities. It specifies the physical dimensions, tensile strength, elongation, and resistivity requirements for both Figure-9 and Figure-8 wire profiles. The standard delineates acceptable material qualities and addresses critical aspects of wire construction and testing to ensure suitability for trolley wheel or grooved collector operation. It does not, however, cover installation procedures or the design of the supporting infrastructure.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary Audience: Electrical Engineers, Materials Engineers, Design Engineers, Production Managers, Quality Control Inspectors, and Procurement Specialists involved in industrial electrification projects.
• • Industries Affected: Industrial Haulage, Mining Operations, Heavy Manufacturing, Warehousing and Logistics, and Electrical Utilities supporting industrial sites.
• • Compliance Nature: Voluntary, but widely adopted as an industry-leading benchmark for material specification and quality.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically enforced through contractual agreements between purchasers and manufacturers, and verified via quality control inspections and third-party testing.

Key Requirements Overview

The ASTM B116-95 standard mandates several core requirements for copper trolley wire:

• • Material Purity: The wire must be manufactured from high-quality copper, ensuring optimal electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion.
• • Mechanical Properties: Professionals must ensure that the wire meets specified minimum tensile strength and elongation limits, crucial for withstanding operational stresses.
• • Dimensional Accuracy: The standard requires adherence to precise cross-sectional dimensions for both Figure-8 and Figure-9 wire profiles, ensuring proper fit with collector mechanisms.
• • Resistivity Limits: Key provisions include maintaining electrical resistivity within defined maximum values at a standard temperature to guarantee efficient current transfer.
• • Workmanship: The wire must exhibit uniform size, shape, and finish, free from defects that could compromise performance or safety.

Related Standards & References

To ensure comprehensive system integrity, B116-95 is often used in conjunction with other ASTM standards. For example, ASTM B193 provides the authoritative test method for determining the electrical resistivity of conductor materials, essential for verifying compliance with B116-95. Additionally, ASTM B47 and ASTM B9 specify American Standard