Contact Performance Classification of Electrical Connection Systems

B868: Standard Practice for Contact Performance Classification of Electrical Connection Systems

In the critical realm of electrical engineering, ensuring the reliability and longevity of connection systems is paramount. ASTM B868 provides an essential framework for achieving this by establishing a standardized method for classifying the contact performance of electrical connection systems. This authoritative standard empowers engineers to precisely define and report on the performance characteristics of their designs, fostering greater confidence and consistency across diverse applications.

What is B868?

ASTM B868, "Standard Practice for Contact Performance Classification of Electrical Connection Systems," offers a uniform methodology for specifying and evaluating the electrical contact performance of connection systems. Originating from ASTM Committee B02, this practice is designed to provide a clear, quantifiable way to assess how well electrical contacts perform under various conditions, using electrical resistance as the primary indicator.

Scope & Purpose

This comprehensive standard governs the classification of performance for both separable and permanent electrical contacts and connection systems, applicable to metallic conductors. It covers applications ranging from low-level signal connections to high-power interfaces. While B868 outlines the how of classification, it explicitly does not dictate specific test sequences or sample preparation methods; users are responsible for determining the appropriate test protocols based on their application's unique requirements.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Electrical Engineers, Test Engineers, Quality Assurance Engineers, and Product Development Engineers involved in the design, testing, and specification of electrical connectors and systems.
• • Industries affected: Electrical, Electronics, Telecommunications, Automotive, Aerospace, and any sector relying on robust electrical interconnections.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but highly recommended for detailed performance specification and reporting.
• • Enforcement: Typically driven by contractual requirements, internal quality standards, and industry best practices. Compliance is verified through rigorous testing and documentation adherence.

Key Requirements Overview

Professionals utilizing ASTM B868 must ensure their performance classification statements are structured to include:

• • A clear designation of the contact category, differentiating between power ("P") and signal ("S") applications based on the intended use.
• • A quantifiable assessment of the average initial contact resistance, categorized according to predefined performance levels.
• • A measure of the change in average contact resistance following applied test conditions, also classified against established benchmarks.
• • A statement detailing the specific test methods employed to obtain the performance data, ensuring reproducibility and transparency.
• • The calculation and reporting of a Variability Index, particularly for power applications, to characterize the consistency of resistance measurements across tested samples.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B868 works in conjunction with other key standards to provide a complete picture of electrical connection performance. Complementary standards include:

• • ASTM B539: "Test Methods for Measuring Resistance of Electrical Connections (Static Contacts)," which provides the foundational methods for resistance measurements.
• • ASTM B542: "Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their Use," essential for a shared understanding of industry-specific terms.
• • UL 486B: "Wire Connectors for Use with Aluminum Conductors," which may offer specific application-based testing requirements that B868 can be used to classify.

By integrating B868 into design and testing workflows, engineers can leverage proven methodologies