Aluminum Bars for Electrical Purposes (Bus Bars) (Metric)

B236M- 07: Standard Specification for Aluminum Bars for Electrical Purposes (Bus Bars) (Metric)

For engineers and designers working with electrical infrastructure, ensuring the reliability and performance of conductors is paramount. ASTM B236M- 07 provides an essential, authoritative standard for specifying aluminum bars used as busbars, offering a comprehensive framework for material properties and quality assurance in metric units. This proven specification is a cornerstone for professionals seeking to implement robust and standardized electrical conductor solutions.

What is B236M- 07?

ASTM B236M- 07 is the metric version of a widely recognized industry standard that defines the requirements for Aluminum 1350 bar intended for electrical conductor applications, specifically busbars. Developed by ASTM International, its primary purpose is to ensure that this aluminum alloy bar possesses the necessary mechanical and electrical properties for safe and efficient use in power transmission and distribution systems.

Scope & Purpose

This industry-leading standard governs the manufacture and performance of Aluminum 1350 bar in various tempers suitable for busbar applications. It details the acceptable chemical composition, mechanical properties such as tensile strength and yield strength, and specifies manufacturing processes like extrusion or rolling. The scope is focused on metric-sized bars and excludes other aluminum alloys or forms like wire or rod, which are addressed in separate ASTM standards.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Procurement Specialists, Quality Control Inspectors, and Production Managers involved in electrical equipment manufacturing.
• • Industries affected: Electrical Equipment Manufacturing, Power Transmission and Distribution, Industrial Manufacturing, and Construction.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but strongly recommended for ensuring product quality, interoperability, and safety in critical electrical applications.
• • Enforcement: Typically enforced through contractual agreements and purchaser specifications. Quality control within manufacturing facilities and third-party inspections are common methods to ensure compliance.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires that Aluminum 1350 bar for busbar applications meet stringent chemical composition limits, ensuring purity for optimal electrical conductivity. Professionals must ensure the material exhibits specified tensile and yield strength characteristics, crucial for mechanical integrity under load and thermal expansion. Key provisions include adherence to defined temper designations (e.g., H12, H111, H112) which dictate specific mechanical properties and manufacturing finishes. The specification also outlines requirements for sampling, testing methodologies, and dimensional tolerances to guarantee product consistency.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B236M- 07 often works in conjunction with other ASTM standards. For instance, ASTM B193 provides the standard test method for determining electrical resistivity, a critical parameter for conductor materials. Additionally, ASTM B317/B317M covers specifications for other aluminum alloys (like Alloy 6101) and forms of bus conductors, offering complementary guidance for broader applications. Understanding ANSI H35.1M for alloy and temper designations is also essential for proper application of B236M- 07.