ASTM B8-11(2017) - 1.4.2017
 
1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers bare concentric-lay-stranded conductors made from round copper wires, either uncoated or coated with tin, lead, or lead alloy for general use for electrical purposes. These conductors shall be constructed with a central core surrounded by one or more layers of helically laid wires.

Note 1: This specification also permits conductors for use as covered or insulated electrical conductors.

Note 2: Sealed conductors, that are intended to prevent longitudinal water propagation and are further covered/insulated, are also permitted within the guidelines of this specification.

1.2 For the purposes of this specification, conductors are classified as follows (Explanatory Note 1 and Note 2):

1.2.1 Class AA—For bare conductors usually used in overhead lines.

1.2.2 Class A—For conductors to be covered with weather-resistant (weather-proof), slow-burning materials, and for bare conductors where greater flexibility than is afforded by Class AA is required.

1.2.3 Class B—For conductors to be insulated with various materials such as rubber, paper, varnished cloth, and so forth, and for the conductors indicated under Class A where greater flexibility is required.

1.2.4 Class C and Class D—For conductors where greater flexibility is required than is provided by Class B conductors.

1.3 The SI values for density are regarded as the standard. For all other properties, the inch-pound values are to be regarded as standard and the SI units may be approximate.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

 
2. Referenced Documents

B1-13(2026)

Standard Specification for Hard-Drawn Copper Wire

B2-13(2026)

Standard Specification for Medium-Hard-Drawn Copper Wire

B3-13(2024)

Standard Specification for Soft or Annealed Copper Wire

B33-10(2020)e1

Standard Specification for Tin-Coated Soft or Annealed Copper Wire for Electrical Purposes (Includes all amendments and changes 1/20/2020).

B172-17(2024)

Standard Specification for Rope-Lay-Stranded Copper Conductors Having Bunch-Stranded Members, for Electrical Conductors

B173-17(2024)

Standard Specification for Rope-Lay-Stranded Copper Conductors Having Concentric-Stranded Members, for Electrical Conductors

B174-17(2024)

Standard Specification for Bunch-Stranded Copper Conductors for Electrical Conductors

B189-05(2021)

Standard Specification for Lead-Coated and Lead-Alloy-Coated Soft Copper Wire for Electrical Purposes

B193-25

Standard Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials

B246-15(2021)

Standard Specification for Tinned Hard-Drawn and Medium-Hard-Drawn Copper Wire for Electrical Purposes

B263-04

Standard Test Method for Determination of Cross-Sectional Area of Stranded Conductors

B354-23

Standard Terminology Relating to Uninsulated Metallic Electrical Conductors

B787/B787M-04(2020)

Standard Specification for 19 Wire Combination Unilay-Stranded Copper Conductors for Subsequent Insulation