Compressed Round Stranded Aluminum Conductors Using Single Input Wire Construction

B901: Standard Specification for Compressed Round Stranded Aluminum Conductors Using Single Input Wire Construction

In the critical domain of electrical infrastructure, the reliability and performance of conductors are paramount. For engineers and designers working with aluminum conductors, adherence to precise specifications is not just a recommendation but a necessity. ASTM B901 provides the authoritative framework for ensuring the quality and consistency of compressed round stranded aluminum conductors manufactured using a single input wire (SIW) construction method, making it an essential standard for modern electrical system design and implementation.

What is B901?

ASTM B901 is a comprehensive standard developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) that defines the requirements for bare stranded aluminum conductors. Specifically, it addresses conductors constructed using the Single Input Wire (SIW) methodology, where a range of conductor sizes is achieved using a single wire size. The primary purpose of this standard is to ensure uniformity, performance, and reliability in these specialized conductor types for various electrical applications.

Scope & Purpose

This industry-leading standard governs the materials, construction, and testing of compressed round stranded aluminum conductors intended for general electrical purposes, including those for subsequent covering or insulation. It specifies the types of aluminum 1350 and 8000 series alloys, as well as their permissible tempers. The scope clearly defines SIW construction and establishes requirements for wire material, joints, and conductor lay. It does not cover insulated or covered conductors directly, but rather the bare conductors that will be subsequently processed.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Electrical Engineers, Materials Engineers, Standards Engineers, Product Designers, and Wire and Cable Manufacturing Professionals.
• • Industries affected: Electrical Power, Utilities, Wire and Cable Manufacturing, and Construction.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but often mandated by project specifications or contractual agreements.
• • Enforcement: Typically checked by quality assurance departments within manufacturing facilities, by third-party inspection agencies, or by utility companies during project acceptance.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires that conductors be manufactured from specified aluminum alloys and tempers, ensuring material integrity. Professionals must ensure that any joints in the individual wires are made using approved cold-pressure or electric-butt, cold-upset methods, maintaining conductivity and mechanical strength. Key provisions include adhering to specified conductor diameters and cross-sectional areas, as detailed in the standard's tables, which are crucial for electrical calculations and performance predictions. Furthermore, the standard mandates testing for electrical resistivity and tensile properties to verify the conductor's suitability for its intended use.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B901 works in conjunction with other ASTM standards to provide a complete picture of conductor requirements. Complementary standards include ASTM B230/B230M (Specification for Aluminum 1350-H19 Wire for Electrical Purposes) and ASTM B800 (Specification for 8000 Series Aluminum Alloy Wire for Electrical Purposes), which detail the properties of the individual wires used in the conductor. ASTM B263 (Test Method for Determination of Cross-Sectional Area of Stranded Conductors) is also referenced for verifying conductor dimensions, ensuring accurate electrical calculations and compliance.