Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum-Alloy Conductors, Steel Reinforced (AACSR) (6201)

B711-13: Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum-Alloy Conductors, Steel Reinforced (AACSR) (6201)

For electrical engineers and designers tasked with specifying overhead power transmission infrastructure, understanding the foundational standards for conductor materials is paramount. ASTM B711-13 provides an essential framework for the procurement and application of a specific type of high-performance conductor: Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum-Alloy Conductors, Steel Reinforced (AACSR), utilizing 6201 aluminum alloy. This authoritative specification ensures the reliability and performance of conductors critical to the electrical grid.

What is B711-13?

ASTM B711-13 is a comprehensive standard that defines the requirements for concentric-lay-stranded conductors composed of round aluminum-alloy 6201-T81 wires and a steel core. Its primary purpose is to establish precise specifications for the materials, construction, and rated strength of these conductors, ensuring their suitability for use as overhead electric conductors in a wide range of environmental conditions.

Scope & Purpose

This standard governs the manufacturing and material properties of AACSR conductors made with specific aluminum alloy 6201-T81 wires and various types of coated or aluminum-clad steel core wires. It details the requirements for individual wire properties, stranding construction, and the calculation of the conductor's rated strength. Importantly, it does not cover installation practices or safety protocols, which are addressed by other industry standards.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Electrical Engineers, Materials Engineers, Quality Control Inspectors, and Procurement Specialists involved in the design, specification, and acquisition of overhead electrical conductors.
• • Industries affected: Electric Utilities, Power Generation and Transmission, Electrical Equipment Manufacturing, and Infrastructure Development.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but widely adopted as an industry best practice and often mandated in project specifications.
• • Enforcement: Typically enforced through contract requirements, quality assurance programs, and third-party inspections during material procurement and project execution.

Key Requirements Overview

• • The standard requires that individual aluminum alloy wires meet the specifications outlined in ASTM B398/B398M, ensuring their mechanical and electrical properties.
• • Professionals must ensure that the steel core wire conforms to the requirements of applicable ASTM standards for zinc-coated, aluminum-coated, or aluminum-clad steel, depending on the specific AACSR type ordered.
• • Key provisions include detailed requirements for the stranding construction, including the number and diameter of wires and the direction of lay for outer layers.
• • The standard mandates specific methods for calculating the rated strength of the conductor, which is crucial for structural design and load-bearing capacity assessments.
• • It addresses the acceptable types of joints in aluminum alloy wires, ensuring they do not compromise the conductor's integrity.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B711-13 is often used in conjunction with other proven ASTM standards. For instance, ASTM B398/B398M provides the detailed specifications for the aluminum alloy 6201-T81 wire itself. Similarly, a range of standards like ASTM B498/B498M (