ASTM B978/B978M-23

Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Aluminum Matrix Composite Reinforced (ACAMCR), Formerly ACCR

ABSTRACT
This specification applies to concentric-lay-stranded conductors made from round aluminum-zirconium alloy wires and an aluminum matrix composite (AMC) core wire(s) for use as overhead electrical conductors. It covers ordering information, requirements for wires, joints and lay, construction requirements, rated strength of conductor, density, mass per unit length and electrical resistance, and cross-sectional area. The standard also addresses workmanship, finish, and appearance, together with mechanical as well as electrical and dimensional tests, tests and retests, inspection, and packaging and package marking.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers concentric-lay-stranded conductors made from round aluminum-zirconium alloy wires and an aluminum matrix composite (AMC) core wire(s) for use as overhead electrical conductors (Explanatory Note 1 and Explanatory Note 2).  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.3 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Feb-2023
• ICS: 29.060.10 - Wires
• Technical Committee: B01 - Electrical Conductors
• Drafting Committee: B01.07 - Conductors of Light Metals

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: B978/B978M − 23
Standard Specification for
Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Aluminum
1
Matrix Composite Reinforced (ACAMCR), Formerly ACCR
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B978/B978M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Aluminum Matrix Composite Reinforced (ACAMCR)
(formerly known as ACCR)
1.1 This specification covers concentric-lay-stranded con-
B1008 Test Method for Stress-Strain Testing for Overhead
ductors made from round aluminum-zirconium alloy wires and
Electrical Conductors
an aluminum matrix composite (AMC) core wire(s) for use as
3
2.3 NIST Document:
overhead electrical conductors (Explanatory Note 1 and Ex-
NBS Handbook 100 Copper Wire Tables
planatory Note 2).
4
2.4 Aluminum Association Documents:
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
Publication 50 Code Words for Overhead Aluminum Elec-
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
trical Conductors
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
3. Terminology
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
used independently of the other, and values from the two
3.1 Acronyms:
systems shall not be combined.
3.1.1 ACAMCR—aluminum conductor, aluminum matrix
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor- composite reinforced
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.2 AMC—aluminum matrix composite
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.3 Al-Zr—aluminum zirconium
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4. Ordering Information
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
the following information:
2. Referenced Documents
4.1.1 Quantity of each size, stranding, and class,
2.1 The following documents form a part of this specifica-
4.1.2 Conductor size, area (Section 8 and Table 1 and Table
tion to the extent referenced herein:
2),
2
4.1.3 Number of wires, aluminum-zirconium alloy and
2.2 ASTM Standards:
AMC (see Table 1 and Table 2),
B263/B263M Test Method for Determination of Cross-
4.1.4 Type of AMC core wires (see 5.3),
Sectional Area of Stranded Conductors
4.1.5 Direction of lay of outer layer of aluminum-zirconium
B354 Terminology Relating to Uninsulated Metallic Electri-
alloy wires if other than right-hand (see 7.3),
cal Conductors
4.1.6 Special tension test, if desired (see 14.3),
B941 Specification for Heat Resistant Aluminum-Zirconium
4.1.7 Place of inspection (Section 16),
Alloy Wire for Electrical Purposes
4.1.8 Package size and type (see 17.1),
B976 Specification for Fiber Reinforced Aluminum Matrix
4.1.9 Heavy wood lagging, if required (see 17.3), and
Composite (AMC) Core Wire for Aluminum Conductors
4.1.10 Special package marking, if required (see 17.4).
5. Requirement for Wires
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on
5.1 Tests for mechanical and electrical properties of
Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.07 on
Conductors of Light Metals. aluminum-zirconium alloy and core wires shall be made before
Current edition approved Feb. 15, 2023. Published March 2023. Originally
stranding.
approved in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as B978/B978M – 21.
DOI: 10.1520/B0978_B0978M-23.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Bureau Dr., Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1070, http://www.nist.gov.
4
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Aluminum Association, 1400 Crystal Dr., Suite 430, Arlington,
the ASTM website. VA 22202, http://www.aluminum.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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B978/B978M − 23
TABLE 1 Construction Requirements of Aluminum Conductors, Aluminum Matrix Composite Reinforced (ACAMCR)
Diameter
Cross Sectional Area,
2
in. Individual Wires
Stranding, Layers of Aluminum-
Aluminum- Rated Aluminum- Aluminum- Zirconium AMC Complete Total
Nominal, Zirconium Strength, Zirconium Zirconium Alloy, AMC, Core, Cable
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: B978/B978M − 21 B978/B978M − 23
Standard Specification for
Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Aluminum
1
Matrix Composite Reinforced (ACAMCR), Formerly ACCR
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B978/B978M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers concentric-lay-stranded conductors made from round aluminum-zirconium alloy wires and an
aluminum matrix composite (AMC) core wire(s) for use as overhead electrical conductors (Explanatory Note 1 and Explanatory
Note 2).
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used
independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
1.3 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
2.1 The following documents form a part of this specification to the extent referenced herein:
2
2.2 ASTM Standards:
B263B263/B263M Test Method for Determination of Cross-Sectional Area of Stranded Conductors
B354 Terminology Relating to Uninsulated Metallic Electrical Conductors
B682 Specification for Standard Metric Sizes of Electrical Conductors
B941 Specification for Heat Resistant Aluminum-Zirconium Alloy Wire for Electrical Purposes
B976 Specification for Fiber Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composite (AMC) Core Wire for Aluminum Conductors Aluminum
Matrix Composite Reinforced (ACAMCR) (formerly known as ACCR)
B1008 Test Method for Stress-Strain Testing for Overhead Electrical Conductors
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
3
2.3 NIST Document:
NBS Handbook 100 Copper Wire Tables
4
2.4 Aluminum Association Documents:
Publication 50 Code Words for Overhead Aluminum Electrical Conductors
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.07 on Conductors
of Light Metals.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2021Feb. 15, 2023. Published October 2021March 2023. Originally approved in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 20142021 as
B978/B978M – 14.B978/B978M – 21. DOI: 10.1520/B0978_B0978M-21.10.1520/B0978_B0978M-23.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100 Bureau Dr., Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1070, http://www.nist.gov.
4
Available from Aluminum Association, 1400 Crystal Dr., Suite 430, Arlington, VA 22202, http://www.aluminum.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
B978/B978M − 23
3. Terminology
3.1 Acronyms:
3.1.1 ACAMCR—aluminum conductor, aluminum matrix composite reinforced
3.1.2 AMC—aluminum matrix composite
3.1.3 Al-Zr—aluminum zirconium
4. Ordering Information
4.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include the following information:
4.1.1 Quantity of each size, stranding, and class,
4.1.2 Conductor size, area (Section 8 and Table 1 and Table 2),
4.1.3 Number of wires, aluminum-zirconium alloy and AMC (see Table 1 and Table 2),
4.1.4 Type of AMC core wires (see 5.3),
4.1.5 Direction of lay of outer layer of aluminum-zirconium alloy wires if other than right-hand (see 7.27.3),
4.1.6 Special tension test, if desired (see 14.3),
4.1.7 Place of inspection (Section 16),
4.1.8 Package size and type (see 17.1),
4.1.9 Heavy wood lagging, if required (see 17.3), and
4.1.10 Special package marking, if required (see 17.4).
5. Requirement for Wires
5.1 Tests for mechanical and electrical properties of aluminum-zirconium alloy and core w
...