Compact Round Stranded Aluminum Conductors Using Single Input Wire Construction

B836- 00 (Reapproved 2011): Standard Specification for Compact Round Stranded Aluminum Conductors Using Single Input Wire Construction

When specifying electrical conductors for demanding applications, ensuring material integrity and performance is paramount. ASTM B836- 00 (Reapproved 2011) provides an essential framework for designing with a specific type of aluminum conductor construction, crucial for engineers working in power transmission, telecommunications, and industrial manufacturing. This authoritative standard offers clarity on the unique properties and requirements of compact round stranded aluminum conductors fabricated using a single input wire (SIW) method.

What is B836- 00 (Reapproved 2011)?

This comprehensive ASTM standard specifies the requirements for compact round stranded aluminum conductors manufactured using the single input wire (SIW) construction technique. It originates from the need to define performance criteria for these conductors, which are typically used as the core for subsequent insulation or covering in electrical wires and cables. The standard ensures consistency and reliability in the manufacturing and application of these specialized conductors.

Scope & Purpose

ASTM B836- 00 (Reapproved 2011) governs the design, material, and construction of compact round stranded aluminum conductors intended for use in covered or insulated electrical wires and cables. It details the characteristics of conductors made from round or shaped aluminum wires that are helically applied in one or more compacted layers. The specification does not cover the insulation or jacketing processes themselves, nor does it address all potential safety concerns, which remain the responsibility of the end-user to establish.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Electrical Engineers, Materials Engineers, Cable Designers, Manufacturing Engineers, and Quality Inspectors.
• • Industries affected: Electrical Utilities, Telecommunications, Automotive, Aerospace, and Industrial Manufacturing.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but adoption is highly recommended for ensuring product quality and performance as per industry best practices.
• • Enforcement: Typically enforced through contractual agreements, customer specifications, and internal quality assurance programs.

Key Requirements Overview

• • The standard requires that SIW stranded conductors are constructed from aluminum wires meeting specified material and temper requirements, often referencing other ASTM standards for individual wire properties.
• • Professionals must ensure that the lay length and direction of the wires adhere to the defined parameters to achieve the desired conductor characteristics.
• • Key provisions include guidelines for the number of wires, conductor diameter, mass, and electrical resistance, ensuring predictable performance.
• • The standard outlines acceptable methods for joining individual wires, stipulating limitations on joint placement to maintain conductor integrity.
• • It specifies that the rated strength of the conductor is calculated as a percentage of the sum of the strengths of the component wires, based on specific tables and formulas provided.

Related Standards & References

This standard is often used in conjunction with:

• • ASTM B230/B230M: Specification for Aluminum 1350-H19 Wire for Electrical Purposes, which defines the properties of the individual aluminum wires used.
• • ASTM B400: Specification for Compact Round Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum 1350 Conductors, providing a broader context for compact stranded conductor specifications.
• • **ASTM B354