Soft Rectangular and Square Bare Copper Wire for Electrical Conductors

B48- 00 (Reapproved 2011): Standard Specification for Soft Rectangular and Square Bare Copper Wire for Electrical Conductors

For engineers and designers working with electrical components, ensuring the reliability and performance of conductors is paramount. The ASTM B48- 00 (Reapproved 2011) standard provides an authoritative framework for specifying soft rectangular and square bare copper wire, offering essential guidance for material selection and procurement in critical applications. This proven standard ensures that copper wire meets stringent material and dimensional requirements, directly impacting the efficiency and longevity of electrical systems.

What is B48- 00 (Reapproved 2011)?

ASTM B48- 00 (Reapproved 2011) is a comprehensive industry standard that defines the specifications for soft or annealed bare copper wire in rectangular and square cross-sections. Originating from ASTM Committee B01 on Electrical Conductors, its primary purpose is to establish consistent quality and performance criteria for this vital electrical material, ensuring suitability for a wide range of manufacturing and design needs.

Scope & Purpose

This essential standard governs the dimensions, permissible variations, and physical properties of soft rectangular and square bare copper wire intended for use as electrical conductors. It specifically addresses two types of wire: Type A for general applications and Type B for applications involving edgewise bending, with defined limitations for Type B wire concerning thickness and aspect ratio. The standard does not cover insulated wire or wire with special coatings.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials engineers, electrical engineers, manufacturing engineers, quality control inspectors, and procurement specialists involved in the design, production, or sourcing of electrical components.
• • Industries affected: Electrical manufacturing, electronics, wire and cable production, automotive, aerospace, and any sector utilizing custom copper windings, busbars, or other shaped conductors.
• • Compliance nature: While often voluntary, adherence to ASTM standards is frequently mandated by contractual agreements, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements, making it a de facto standard for many.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified through internal quality control processes, supplier audits, and testing by independent laboratories, often referencing test methods outlined within or alongside the standard.

Key Requirements Overview

Professionals must ensure that the soft rectangular and square bare copper wire procured or manufactured aligns with the following core provisions:

• • The standard requires wire to be processed to achieve a uniformly soft temper with a clean surface, typically through annealing after final shaping.
• • Key provisions include strict adherence to specified dimensional tolerances for both thickness and width, with detailed tables outlining acceptable variations.
• • The standard mandates specific requirements for rounded corners or edges, crucial for preventing stress concentrations and ensuring proper fit in assemblies.
• • For Type A wire, physical requirements include specific elongation percentages to demonstrate ductility, while Type B wire must meet edgewise bending criteria to ensure formability without cracking.
• • A minimum Low Stress Elongation (LSE) value is required for both wire types, indicating resistance to deformation under minimal load.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B48- 00 (Reapproved 2011) is often used in conjunction with other ASTM standards. For instance, Specification B49 provides guidance on suitable copper rod materials. Test Method B193 is