Compact Round Stranded Copper Conductors Using Single Input Wire Construction

B835-14: Standard Specification for Compact Round Stranded Copper Conductors Using Single Input Wire Construction

In the demanding world of electrical engineering and manufacturing, precision and reliability are paramount. For professionals seeking to specify or procure high-performance copper conductors, understanding the nuances of compact stranded constructions is essential. ASTM B835-14 provides an authoritative framework for these specialized conductors, ensuring consistent quality and predictable performance in a wide array of applications.

What is B835-14?

ASTM B835-14 is a comprehensive standard that defines the requirements for bare, compact round stranded copper conductors manufactured using a single input wire (SIW) construction. Developed by ASTM International, this industry-leading specification ensures that these conductors, intended for subsequent insulation or covering in electrical wires and cables, meet stringent criteria for their physical and electrical characteristics. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the reliable production and application of these compact conductors.

Scope & Purpose

This standard governs the construction, dimensions, and electrical properties of compact round stranded copper conductors specifically produced via the SIW method. It covers conductors designed for general use in insulated electrical wires and cables, detailing requirements for the copper wire itself, the stranding process, and the final conductor’s physical attributes. While it outlines acceptable tolerances for area and diameter, it does not address the insulation or jacketing applied to the conductor, nor does it cover non-compacted or multi-input wire constructions.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Electrical Engineers, Materials Engineers, Product Engineers, Quality Control Inspectors, and Production Managers involved in wire and cable manufacturing or specification.
• • Industries affected: Electrical Equipment Manufacturing, Wire and Cable Manufacturing, Construction, Power Utilities, and Telecommunications.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but widely adopted as a benchmark for quality and performance in the industry.
• • Enforcement: Typically verified through internal quality control processes, purchaser inspections, and third-party certification if required by contract.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires that the individual copper wires used in the conductor meet the specifications outlined in ASTM B3, ensuring a baseline of material quality. Professionals must ensure that the stranding process results in a compact round conductor with a defined lay length, typically between 8 and 16 times the conductor's outside diameter. Key provisions include strict tolerances for the finished conductor's cross-sectional area, which must not be less than 98% of the specified area, and diameter variations, limited to +1% and -2%. Furthermore, the maximum electrical resistance of the conductor at 20°C is capped at 102% of the nominal value specified in the standard's tables.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B835-14 is intrinsically linked with other ASTM standards. ASTM B3 provides the foundational requirements for the soft or annealed copper wire used in the conductor's construction. ASTM B263 details the test method for determining the cross-sectional area of stranded conductors, a critical parameter for compliance. Additionally, ASTM B354 offers essential terminology related to uninsulated metallic electrical conductors, ensuring clear and consistent communication.