Compact Round Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum 1350 Conductors

B400/B400M-14: Standard Specification for Compact Round Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum 1350 Conductors

When designing robust electrical systems, the integrity and performance of conductors are paramount. ASTM B400/B400M-14 provides engineers and specifiers with an essential framework for selecting and implementing compact round concentric-lay-stranded aluminum 1350 conductors, ensuring reliability in a wide array of demanding applications.

What is B400/B400M-14?

ASTM B400/B400M-14 is an authoritative standard that defines the requirements for bare compact-round concentric-lay-stranded aluminum 1350 conductors. Developed by ASTM International, this specification ensures consistent material properties, construction, and performance characteristics for conductors used in various electrical applications, from overhead power lines to components within insulated or covered cable systems. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the production and procurement of high-quality aluminum conductors that meet stringent industry expectations.

Scope & Purpose

This industry-leading standard governs the manufacturing and material specifications for compact round concentric-lay-stranded aluminum 1350 conductors. It covers conductors made from both round and shaped wires, designed for use as bare, covered, or insulated electrical conductors. The specification details requirements for different aluminum alloy tempers (e.g., H19, H16, H14) and specifies construction parameters such as the number of wires, conductor diameter, and resistance. Notably, it does not cover insulated conductors themselves, but rather the bare conductor component used in their construction.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Electrical Engineers, Materials Engineers, Product Engineers, Cable Designers, and Standards Engineers involved in the design, specification, or manufacturing of electrical conductors.
• • Industries affected: Electrical Equipment Manufacturing, Power Generation and Transmission, Telecommunications, and Construction.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, though widely adopted by industry and often referenced in procurement specifications, making it a de facto requirement for many projects.
• • Enforcement: Typically checked by manufacturers during production and by end-users or third-party inspectors during material acceptance testing and project verification.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires that aluminum 1350 conductors be manufactured using specific alloy tempers and precise concentric-lay-stranding methods. Professionals must ensure the conductors meet defined electrical resistance and dimensional tolerances as outlined in the specification tables. Key provisions include detailed requirements for wire joints, specifying permissible welding methods and minimum spacing to maintain conductor integrity. The standard also mandates specific lay lengths and directions for different conductor classes (AA, A, B) to ensure appropriate flexibility and performance for their intended applications.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B400/B400M-14 is often used in conjunction with other ASTM standards. For instance, ASTM B230/B230M (Specification for Aluminum 1350-H19 Wire for Electrical Purposes) and ASTM B231/B231M (Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum 1350 Conductors) provide complementary details on the individual wires and non-compact stranded conductors, respectively. ASTM B354 (Terminology Relating