Aluminum Bars for Electrical Purposes (Bus Bars)

B236-07: Standard Specification for Aluminum Bars for Electrical Purposes (Bus Bars)

When designing and manufacturing electrical power systems, the integrity and performance of every component are paramount. For engineers and procurement specialists relying on high-quality conductive materials, ASTM B236-07 stands as an authoritative standard. This essential specification ensures that aluminum bars, commonly known as bus bars, meet stringent requirements for electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, and material composition, safeguarding the reliability and safety of critical electrical infrastructure.

What is B236-07?

ASTM B236-07, "Standard Specification for Aluminum Bars for Electrical Purposes (Bus Bars)," is a comprehensive industry standard developed by ASTM International. It precisely defines the material requirements for aluminum bars, specifically Alloy 1350, intended for use as electrical conductors. The primary purpose of this standard is to provide a reliable benchmark for manufacturers and users, ensuring consistent quality and performance in electrical applications where efficient current transfer is vital.

Scope & Purpose

This specification governs the manufacturing and material properties of Aluminum 1350 bar for electrical conductor applications, available in specific tempers. It details acceptable chemical composition, mechanical properties such as tensile strength and yield strength, and provides guidelines for ordering and manufacturing processes. The scope is focused on wrought aluminum bars for bus bar applications and does not cover other forms like wire, rod, or extruded profiles for general structural purposes. It also excludes other aluminum alloys not explicitly listed, such as Alloy 6101, for which a separate standard (B317/B317M) exists.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, Quality Control Inspectors, and Procurement Specialists involved in the electrical equipment manufacturing sector.
• • Industries affected: Electrical Equipment Manufacturing, Power Generation and Distribution, Industrial Automation, and potentially Aerospace and Automotive sectors where robust electrical connections are necessary.
• • Compliance nature: While ASTM standards are generally voluntary, they become mandatory when referenced in contracts, purchase orders, or regulatory frameworks.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified through internal quality control processes by the manufacturer, and inspection by the purchaser or third-party agencies as stipulated in contractual agreements.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires that Aluminum 1350 bars conform to specific chemical composition limits, ensuring high electrical conductivity and minimizing detrimental impurities. Professionals must ensure that the material meets defined tensile strength and yield strength criteria, crucial for mechanical stability under load and thermal expansion. Key provisions include adherence to specified tempers (H12, H111, H112) which dictate the material's mechanical and electrical characteristics. The specification also outlines sampling and testing procedures for verifying conformance to chemical and mechanical property requirements, ensuring product consistency.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B236-07 is often used in conjunction with other ASTM standards. Test Method B193 (Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials) and Test Method E1004 (Electromagnetic Eddy-Current Method) are critical for verifying the electrical conductivity performance of the bus bars. Additionally, Specification B317/B317M provides complementary requirements for other aluminum alloy bus conductors (e.g., Alloy 6101), offering a broader selection