ASTM B913-21

Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Crimped Electrical Connections to 16-Gauge and Smaller Diameter Stranded and Solid Conductors

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method establishes the requirements for a standardized method of evaluating the performance of crimped-type electrical connections having solid or stranded conductors.  
5.2 In order to achieve a successful crimped connection, the crimping tool must deform the material of the crimp barrel or barrel tab(s) around the conductor. As a consequence, the conductor surfaces are placed under compression by the crimp terminal and areas of contact are established between the conductor and the crimp barrel. These areas provide the desired electrical connection. A reliable crimped connection is one that is capable of maintaining the contact between the conductor and crimp barrel so that a stable electrical connection is maintained when it is exposed to the conditions it was designed to endure during its useful life.  
5.3 Evaluation testing is designed to ensure that a particular design crimped connection system consisting of conductor and component and associated tooling is capable of achieving a reliable electrical and mechanical connection. After the evaluation is completed, if any change in the system parts is made, the system should be reevaluated using the same procedures.  
5.4 After completion of the evaluation test, the tensile pull strength results may be used to develop acceptance requirements to be used in inspection of subsequent production lots of crimped connections. An example of such an acceptance requirement is shown in Appendix X1.  
5.5 The aging test, 33 days exposure at 118°C, has been used in the telecommunications industry to simulate 40 years of service at a moderately elevated temperature of 50°C, an environment that components experience within large banks of telephone equipment. This environment is similar to that seen in a wide range of electronic systems operating indoors containing active components that dissipate power. The test is designed to reproduce the stress relaxation of copper alloys in such service and has been used ext...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method establishes the requirements for a standardized method of evaluating the quality of crimped-type electrical connections to solid or stranded conductors. This test method applies to 16-gauge and smaller diameter copper wire, coated or uncoated.  
1.2 This test method is applicable to connection systems intended for indoor use, or for use in environmentally protected enclosures. Additional testing may be required to assure satisfactory performance in applications where high humidity or corrosive environment, or both, may be present.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 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: 31-Mar-2021
• ICS: 29.120.20 - Connecting devices
• Technical Committee: B02 - Nonferrous Metals and Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B02.05 - Precious Metals and Electrical Contact Materials and Test Methods

Relations

• Refers: ASTM B8-23 - Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Copper Conductors, Hard, Medium-Hard, or Soft
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM B542-13(2019) - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their Use
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM B258-18 - Standard Specification for Standard Nominal Diameters and Cross-Sectional Areas of AWG Sizes of Solid Round Wires Used as Electrical Conductors
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM B8-11(2017) - Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Copper Conductors, Hard, Medium-Hard, or Soft
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM B542-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their Use
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2013
• Refers: ASTM B8-11 - Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Copper Conductors, Hard, Medium-Hard, or Soft
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM B258-02(2008) - Standard Specification for Standard Nominal Diameters and Cross-Sectional Areas of AWG Sizes of Solid Round Wires Used as Electrical Conductors
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2008
• Refers: ASTM B542-07 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their Use
• Effective Date: 01-May-2007
• Refers: ASTM B542-04 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their Use
• Effective Date: 01-May-2004
• Refers: ASTM B8-04 - Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Copper Conductors, Hard, Medium-Hard, or Soft
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2004
• Refers: ASTM B258-02 - Standard Specification for Standard Nominal Diameters and Cross-Sectional Areas of AWG Sizes of Solid Round Wires Used as Electrical Conductors
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002
• Refers: ASTM B258-01 - Standard Specification for Standard Nominal Diameters and Cross-Sectional Areas of AWG Sizes of Solid Round Wires Used as Electrical Conductors
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002
• Refers: ASTM B542-00 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their Use
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2000
• Refers: ASTM B8-99 - Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Copper Conductors, Hard, Medium-Hard, or Soft
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1999

Overview

ASTM B913-21 - "Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Crimped Electrical Connections to 16-Gauge and Smaller Diameter Stranded and Solid Conductors" - provides a standardized approach for assessing the quality and durability of crimped electrical connections. Managed by ASTM International, this test method applies specifically to solid or stranded copper wires of 16-gauge or smaller diameter, including both coated and uncoated wires. Its primary goal is to ensure the reliability and long-term performance of crimped connections found in numerous electrical and electronic systems, especially those designed for indoor or environmentally protected use.

Key Topics

• Standardized Evaluation: The method sets a clear framework for both mechanical and electrical testing of crimped connections, addressing the needs for consistency and repeatability across different manufacturers and product lines.
• Crimping Process: Outlines how a crimping tool should compress the crimp barrel around the conductor, ensuring reliable electrical and mechanical contact.
• Performance Criteria: Crimped connections are evaluated on their ability to maintain stable electrical contact under expected service conditions, including exposure to thermal aging and mechanical stress.
• Test Procedures:
  • Tensile Pull Strength Test: Determines the mechanical strength of the crimped connection by pulling on the conductor until failure or separation.
  • Dynamic Voltage Drop Test: Measures the electrical resistance under flexing and after prolonged thermal exposure, simulating long-term use.
• Aging Simulation: Involves subjecting test specimens to elevated temperatures (33 days at 118°C), replicating decades of service in a typical indoor environment, such as telecommunications or electronic equipment installations.

Applications

The ASTM B913-21 test method is essential for manufacturers, suppliers, and quality assurance professionals involved with:

• Electrical and Electronic Assemblies: Ensuring crimped connections in control panels, wiring harnesses, circuit boards, and connector assemblies meet performance benchmarks.
• Telecommunications Systems: Verifying long-term connection reliability in telephone equipment and other communication infrastructure where consistent electrical performance over decades is critical.
• Component and Wiring Suppliers: Evaluating new crimping tools, terminals, or wire types before launching mass production, or when changes to materials and processes are introduced.
• Quality Control and Compliance: Monitoring production lots and conducting routine inspections to ensure ongoing compliance with ASTM’s accepted standards.
• Design Validation: Testing compatibility and connection quality across various wire sizes, stranding configurations, terminal types, and crimping tools.

Related Standards

A number of other ASTM standards relate to crimped electrical connections and wire quality. Relevant standards include:

• ASTM B8: Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Copper Conductors, Hard, Medium-Hard, or Soft - covers wire stranding details.
• ASTM B258: Specification for Standard Nominal Diameters and Cross-Sectional Areas of AWG Sizes of Solid Round Wires Used as Electrical Conductors - addresses wire size and measurement.
• ASTM B542: Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their Use - defines terms and concepts relevant to contact and connection evaluation.

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM B913-21 helps organizations:

• Ensure product safety and reliability in critical electrical and electronic applications.
• Reduce long-term risk of connection failures due to improper crimping practices or inferior materials.
• Develop robust internal acceptance criteria for mass production and routine inspections.
• Facilitate compliance with international best practices in electrical connection testing.

By following ASTM B913-21, stakeholders can guarantee consistent, high-quality crimped connections essential for safe and reliable electrical systems, enhancing both product quality and customer trust.

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: B913 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Evaluation of Crimped Electrical Connections to 16-Gauge
and Smaller Diameter Stranded and Solid Conductors
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B913; 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 B8 Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Copper
Conductors, Hard, Medium-Hard, or Soft
1.1 This test method establishes the requirements for a
B258 Specification for Standard Nominal Diameters and
standardized method of evaluating the quality of crimped-type
Cross-Sectional Areas of AWG Sizes of Solid Round
electrical connections to solid or stranded conductors. This test
Wires Used as Electrical Conductors
method applies to 16-gauge and smaller diameter copper wire,
B542 Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their
coated or uncoated.
Use
1.2 This test method is applicable to connection systems
3. Terminology
intended for indoor use, or for use in environmentally protected
enclosures. Additional testing may be required to assure
3.1 Definitions—Many terms related to electrical contacts
satisfactory performance in applications where high humidity
used in this test method are defined in Terminology B542.
or corrosive environment, or both, may be present.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.2.1 crimp, v—to establish an electrical and mechanical
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
attachment between the two members by mechanically deform-
standard.
ing one contact member around another. In most cases, one
member is a wire or group of wires, the other is a hollow
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the cylinder or partial cylinder that is deformed around the wires.
responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar
3.2.2 crimp barrel, crimp tab, n—the portion of the crimp
with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate
terminal that is deformed in the crimping operation.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for this product/material as provided
3.2.3 crimped connection, n—a mechanical and electrical
by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety, health,
connection between a conductor and a component. The con-
and environmental practices, and determine the applicability
nection is made by compressing (crimping) the crimp barrel or
of regulatory limitations prior to use.
tab(s) of the component around the conductor using a tool
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
specifically designed for the purpose
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2.4 crimp terminal, n—an electrical component designed
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
to be electrically and mechanically attached to a wire by
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
deforming a portion of the component in a crimping operation
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
to form an attachment to the wire. The other end of the terminal
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
usually has a ring, fork, spade, tab, or related configuration
designed to attach to another connection such as a screw or
2. Referenced Documents
terminal block.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A test lot of test specimens of the crimp terminal
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B02 on
crimped to a short length of wire is prepared. The wire is pulled
Nonferrous Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
from a group of the specimens in a tensile pull and the force
B02.05 on Precious Metals and Electrical Contact Materials and Test Methods.
compared to set requirements based on wire diameter. A
Current edition approved April 1, 2021. Published April 2021. Originally
separate group of specimens is subjected to an electrical test
approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as B913 – 05 (2015).
DOI: 10.1520/B0913-21.
where resistance stability of the specimen is evaluated during
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
deflection of the wire at the exit of the crimped connection. The
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
group is then aged for 33 days at 118°C and periodically
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. retested in the electrical test. The electrical test results are
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B913 − 21
compared to a standard value based on wire diameter. A test lot 7. Apparatus
passes the evaluation if it passes both the mechanical pull test
7.1 Tensile Test Stand, Load cell and grips, or Holding
and the electrical test. In Method B, additional pull tests are
Fixtures, adequate to measure the force required to pull the
performed on subgroups of parts during and after the aging test
crimp terminal off the wire at the speed specified in this test
to provide information on progressive degradation in perfor-
method.
mance.
7.2 Oscilloscope, with adequate preamplifiers to measure
5. Significance and Use
dynamic change of 100 6 10 μV. An oscilloscope with a
recording device is preferred as it can provide a permanent
5.1 This test method establishes the requirements for a
record of the results.
standardized method of evaluating the performance of
crimped-type electrical connections having solid or stranded
7.3 Fixture with Two Clamps, to securely hold the crimp
conductors.
terminal and end of the wire while making an electrical
connection to each, and allow for manual deflection of the wire
5.2 In order to achieve a successful crimped connection, the
at the exit of the crimp terminal through 15° in all directions.
crimping tool must deform the material of the crimp barrel or
A fixture with two vise-like clamps mounted about 80 mm
barrel tab(s) around the conductor. As a consequence, the
apart on an insulating base has proved suitable. Spring clips
conductor surfaces are placed under compression by the crimp
often used with 16 to 24-gauge wire are not adequate; a higher
terminal and areas of contact are established between the
force clamp is needed.
conductor and the crimp barrel. These areas provide the desired
electrical connection. A reliable crimped connection is one that
7.4 dc Power Supply, capable of providing 100-mA current
is capable of maintaining the contact between the conductor
through the sample with noise or ripple less than 10 μV on the
and crimp barrel so that a stable electrical connection is
measured sample
maintained when it is exposed to the conditions it was designed
7.5 Oven, capable of maintaining a temperature of 118 6
to endure during its useful life.
2°C and with a working volume adequate to contain the crimp
5.3 Evaluation testing is designed to ensure that a particular
test specimens and allow air circulation around them. The oven
design crimped connection system consisting of conductor and
shall use air from the indoor environment as the air source, no
component and associated tooling is capable of achieving a
other humidity control is required.
reliable electrical and mechanical connection. After the evalu-
ation is completed, if any change in the system parts is made,
8. Test Specimen
the system should be reevaluated using the same procedures.
8.1 Prepare the following quantities of test specimens of the
5.4 After completion of the evaluation test, the tensile pull
crimped connection made with the wire and crimp component
strength results may be used to develop acceptance require-
to be evaluated. For Test Method A, prepare 64 specimens, for
ments to be used in inspection of subsequent production lots of
Test Method B, prepare 94 test specimens. For crimped
crimped connections. An example of such an acceptance
connections that will be manufactured with adjustable crimp
requirement is shown in Appendix X1.
dies, prepare 64 (Test Method A) or 94 (Test Method B) test
5.5 The aging test, 33 days exposure at 118°C, has been
specimens each made with the smallest and largest die setting
used in the telecommunications industry to simulate 40 years
to which the dies will be set in the manufacture of the actual
of service at a moderately elevated temperature of 50°C, an
connections. The wire length beyond the crimp barrel shall be
environment that components experience within large banks of
200 mm, minimum. In each test method, the 64 or 94
telephone equipment. This environment is similar to that seen
specimens provide four extra specimens beyond those actually
in a wide range of electronic systems operating indoors
required for testing, the remaining four can be used in test set
containing active components that dissipate power. The test is
up or retained as examples of the manufactured test specimens
designed to reproduce the stress relaxation of copper alloys in
since the testing is destructive. Specifications B8 and B258
such service and has been used extensively in evaluating wire
define wire gauge (diameter) and wire stranding.
wrap connections. It also accelerates other thermally activated
8.2 Document the following items at the time that the
processes such as oxidation although their acceleration factors
specimens are prepared:
may be different from that of copper stress relaxation.
8.2.1 Gauge of wire,
5.6 The aging test accelerates stress relaxation processes
8.2.2 Wire conductor stranding,
and other thermally activated processes but does not address
8.2.3 Wire coating or plating,
some other possible hazards such as corrosion. Additional
8.2.4 Wire manufacturer,
testing may be appropriate if the intended service environment
8.2.5 Wire manufacturer’s part number for the wire used,
presents such hazards.
8.2.6 Type of wire insulation,
6. Interferences
8.2.7 Terminal supplier name,
8.2.8 Terminal supplier’s part number for the terminal,
6.1 The wire strain relief included in some crimp terminals
8.2.9 Crimping tool supplier name,
may mask the performance of the crimped connection to the
8.2.10 Crimping tool supplier part number, and
wire. The strain relief shall be disabled prior to testing the
specimens in this test method. 8.2.11 Crimping tool die setting (if applicable).
B913 − 21
8.3 The test specimens shall meet the following require- maximum pull applied and failure mode, for example, pull out,
ments: wire break, and so forth.
8.3.1 All strands of the conductor(s) shall be in the crimp 9.1.3 Dynamic Voltage Drop Tests:
barrel and there shall be no evidence of missing, broken,
9.1.3.1 Subject 30 remaining specimens to the dynamic
damaged, or loose strands of the conductor(s).
voltage drop tests. Before making voltage drop tests, incapaci-
8.3.2 Conductors shall not be pre-soldered or solder-dipped tate any insulation strain relief, and so forth, unless otherwise
agreed upon.
prior to crimping.
8.3.3 Wire is to be stripped immediately before crimping for 9.1.3.2 Clamp the crimp terminal and the other end of
...

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: B913 − 05 (Reapproved 2015) B913 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Evaluation of Crimped Electrical Connections to 16-Gauge
and Smaller Diameter Stranded and Solid Conductors
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B913; 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 test method establishes the requirements for a standardized method of evaluating the quality of crimped-type electrical
connections to solid or stranded conductors. This test method applies to 16-gauge and smaller diameter copper wire, coated or
uncoated.
1.2 This test method is applicable to connection systems intended for indoor use, or for use in environmentally protected
enclosures. Additional testing may be required to assure satisfactory performance in applications where high humidity or corrosive
environment, or both, may be present.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Safety Data Sheet
(SDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvi-
ronmental practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 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 ASTM Standards:
B8 Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Copper Conductors, Hard, Medium-Hard, or Soft
B258 Specification for Standard Nominal Diameters and Cross-Sectional Areas of AWG Sizes of Solid Round Wires Used as
Electrical Conductors
B542 Terminology Relating to Electrical Contacts and Their Use
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Many terms related to electrical contacts used in this test method are defined in Terminology B542.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B02 on Nonferrous Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B02.11 on
Electrical Contact Test Methods.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2015April 1, 2021. Published October 2015April 2021. Originally approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 20102015 as
B913 – 05 (2010).(2015). DOI: 10.1520/B0913-05R15.10.1520/B0913-21.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B913 − 21
3.2.1 crimp, v—to establish an electrical and mechanical attachment between the two members by mechanically deforming one
contact member around another. In most cases, one member is a wire or group of wires, the other is a hollow cylinder or partial
cylinder that is deformed around the wires.
3.2.2 crimp barrel, crimp tab, n—the portion of the crimp terminal that is deformed in the crimping operation.
3.2.3 crimped connection, n—a mechanical and electrical connection between a conductor and a component. The connection is
made by compressing (crimping) the component (crimp barrel) crimp barrel or tab(s) of the component aboutaround the conductor
using a tool specifically designed for the purpose
3.2.4 crimp terminal, n—an electrical component designed to be electrically and mechanically attached to a wire by deforming
a portion of the component in a crimping operation to form an attachment to the wire. The other end of the terminal usually has
a ring, fork, spade, tab, or related configuration designed to attach to another connection such as a screw or terminal block.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A test lot of test specimens of the crimp terminal crimped to a short length of wire is prepared. The wire is pulled from a group
of the specimens in a tensile pull and the force compared to set requirements based on wire diameter. A separate group of specimens
is subjected to an electrical test where resistance stability of the specimen is evaluated during deflection of the wire at the exit of
the crimped connection. The group is then aged for 33 days at 118°C and periodically retested in the electrical test. The electrical
test results are compared to a standard value based on wire diameter. A test lot passes the evaluation if it passes both the mechanical
pull test and the electrical test. In Method B, additional pull tests are performed on subgroups of parts during and after the aging
test to provide information on progressive degradation in performance.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method establishes the requirements for a standardized method of evaluating the performance of crimped-type
electrical connections having solid or stranded conductors.
5.2 In order to achieve a successful crimped connection, the crimping tool must deform the material of the crimp barrel or barrel
tab(s) around the conductor. As a consequence, the conductor surfaces are placed under compression by the crimp terminal and
areas of contact are established between the conductor and the crimp barrel. These areas provide the desired electrical connection.
A reliable crimped connection is one that is capable of maintaining the contact between the conductor and crimp barrel so that a
stable electrical connection is maintained when it is exposed to the conditions it was designed to endure during its useful life.
5.3 Evaluation testing is designed to ensure that a particular design crimped connection system consisting of conductor and
component and associated tooling is capable of achieving a reliable electrical and mechanical connection. After the evaluation is
completed, if any change in the system parts is made, the system should be reevaluated using the same procedures.
5.4 After completion of the evaluation test, the tensile pull strength results may be used to develop acceptance requirements to
be used in inspection of subsequent production lots of crimped connections. An example of such an acceptance requirement is
shown in Appendix X1.
5.5 The aging test, 33 days exposure at 118°C, has been used in the telecommunications industry to simulate 40 years of service
at a moderately elevated temperature of 50°C, an environment that components experience within large banks of telephone
equipment. This environment is similar to that seen in a wide range of electronic systems operating indoors containing active
components that dissipate power. The test is designed to reproduce the stress relaxation of copper alloys in such service and has
been used extensively in evaluating wire wrap connections. It also accelerates other thermally activated processes such as oxidation
although their acceleration factors may be different from that of copper stress relaxation.
5.6 The aging test accelerates stress relaxation processes and other thermally activated processes but does not address some other
possible hazards such as corrosion. Additional testing may be appropriate if the intended service environment presents such
hazards.
B913 − 21
6. Interferences
6.1 The wire strain relief included in some crimp terminals may mask the performance of the crimped connection to the wire. The
strain relief shall be disabled prior to testing the specimens in this test method.
7. Apparatus
7.1 Tensile Test Stand, Load cell and grips, or Holding Fixtures, adequate to measure the force required to pull the crimp terminal
off the wire at the speed specified in this test method.
7.2 Oscilloscope, with adequate preamplifiers to measure dynamic change of 100 6 10 μV. An oscilloscope with a recording
device is preferred as it can provide a permanent record of the results.
7.3 Fixture with Two Clamps, to securely hold the crimp terminal and end of the wire while making an electrical connection to
each, and allow for manual deflection of the wire at the exit of the crimp terminal through 15° in all directions. A fixture with two
vise-like clamps mounted about 80 mm apart on an insulating base has proved suitable. Spring clips often used with 16 to 24-gauge
wire are not adequate; a higher force clamp is needed.
7.4 dc Power Supply, capable of providing 100-mA milliamps current through the sample with noise or ripple less than 10 μV on
the measured sample
7.5 Oven, capable of maintaining a temperature of 118 6 2°C and with a working volume adequate to contain the crimp test
specimens and allow air circulation around them. The oven shall use air from the indoor environment as the air source, no other
humidity control is required.
8. Test Specimen
8.1 Prepare the following quantities of test specimens of the crimped connection made with the wire and crimp component to be
evaluated. For Test Method A, prepare 64 specimens, for Test Method B, prepare 94 test specimens. For crimped connections that
will be manufactured with adjustable crimp dies, prepare 64 (Test Method A) or 94 (Test Method B) test specimens each made
with the smallest and largest die setting to which the dies will be set in the manufacture of the actual connections. The wire length
beyond the crimp barrel shall be 200 mm, minimum. In each test method, the 64 or 94 specimens provide four extra specimens
beyond those actually required for testing, the remaining four can be used in test set up or retained as examples of the manufactured
test specimens since the testing is destructive. Specifications B8 and B258 define wire gauge (diameter) and wire stranding.
8.2 Document the following items at the time that the specimens are prepared:
8.2.1 Gauge of wire,
8.2.2 Wire conductor stranding,
8.2.3 Wire coating or plating,
8.2.4 Wire manufacturer,
8.2.5 Wire manufacturer’s part number for the wire used,
8.2.6 Type of wire insulation,
8.2.7 Terminal supplier name,
8.2.8 Terminal supplier’s part number for the terminal,
8.2.9 Crimping tool supplier name,
8.2.10 Crimping tool supplier part number, and
B913 − 21
8.2.11 Crimping tool die setting (if applicable).
8.3 The test specimens shall meet the following requirements:
8.3.1 All strands of the conductor(s) shall be in the crimp barrel and there shall be no evidence of missing, broken, damaged, or
loose strands of the conductor(s).
8.3.2 Conductors shall not be pre-soldered or solder-dipped prior to crimping.
8.3.3 Wire is to be stripped immediately before crimping for a distance that is proper to full insertion into the crimp barrel. Strip
the other end of the wire for 25 mm to allow for connection to electrical measuring devices.
8.3.4 The crimp indent shall be in the intended position and orientation on the barrel in accordance with the des
...