ASTM F1883-20

Standard Practice for Selection of Wire and Cable Size in AWG or Metric Units

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 The selection criteria is to be applied for uses of (1) new cable and (2) replacement cable.  
3.2 For the selection of new cable or the selection of replacement cable, this practice defines the choice criteria for conductor selection for cables in AWG (ASTM) or metric (IEC) sizes.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice is intended as a guide to shipbuilders, shipowners, and design agents for use in the selection of conductor size for single conductor or multiple conductor cable sizes either in American Wire Gauge (AWG) or metric designations for commercial ship design and construction.  
1.2 The comparison chart of electrical conductor sizes shown in Table 1 presents a combined listing of stranded uncoated (plain) copper conductors in accordance with AWG Class B stranding (Specification B8) inch-pound units or international standard sizes of Class 2 IEC (Specification IEC 60228) metric units.    
1.3 As a precautionary caveat, some conductor sizes listed in Table 1 may exceed minimal size requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard, the American Bureau of Shipping, and IEEE STD 45 for specific applications.  
1.4 The values stated for ampacity and dc resistance are presented as maximum values and are provided for information only.  
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-May-2020
• ICS: 29.060.01 - Electrical wires and cables in general
• Technical Committee: F25 - Ships and Marine Technology
• Drafting Committee: F25.10 - Electrical

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F1883-03(2013) - Standard Practice for Selection of Wire and Cable Size in AWG or Metric Units
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Refers: ASTM B8-23 - Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Copper Conductors, Hard, Medium-Hard, or Soft
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• 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 B193-16 - Standard Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM B193-02(2014) - Standard Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2014
• Refers: ASTM B8-11 - Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Copper Conductors, Hard, Medium-Hard, or Soft
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM B193-02(2008) - Standard Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2008
• Refers: ASTM B8-04 - Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Copper Conductors, Hard, Medium-Hard, or Soft
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2004
• Refers: ASTM B193-02 - Standard Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002
• Refers: ASTM B193-01 - Standard Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002
• Refers: ASTM B193-00 - Standard Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002
• Refers: ASTM B8-99 - Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Copper Conductors, Hard, Medium-Hard, or Soft
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1999

Overview

ASTM F1883-20: Standard Practice for Selection of Wire and Cable Size in AWG or Metric Units provides comprehensive guidelines for choosing appropriate wire and cable sizes, expressed in either American Wire Gauge (AWG) or metric units. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is intended as a resource for shipbuilders, shipowners, and design agents involved in commercial ship design and construction. The practice is applicable to both new installations and replacement of existing cables, helping ensure reliable and safe electrical systems through proper conductor selection.

Key Topics

• Conductor Size Selection: Outlines criteria for selecting conductor sizes for both single and multiple conductor cables, considering the requirements for new and replacement cables.
• AWG and Metric Units: Supports seamless selection between AWG (inch-pound units) and IEC metric designations, with conversion tables for preferred sizes.
• Reference Tables: Includes tables comparing stranded uncoated copper conductor sizes in both AWG Class B (ASTM B8) and IEC 60228 Class 2 metric units, with maximum ampacity and DC resistance values.
• Compliance and Precautions: Notes that some recommended conductor sizes may exceed minimal requirements set by U.S. Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping, and IEEE STD 45. Users must ensure conformity with all relevant regulations.
• Ampacity and DC Resistance: Provides maximum values for these electrical characteristics to aid in informed selection, with reference to NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code).

Applications

ASTM F1883-20 is specifically designed for use in the marine industry but can also serve professionals requiring accurate wire and cable size selection for:

• Commercial ship construction projects
• Retrofitting and replacement of shipboard electrical systems
• Design and validation of marine electrical installations
• International projects, where conversion between AWG and metric sizing is necessary

The standard encourages users to:

• Select preferred conductor sizes as marked in the provided tables
• Consider ampacity requirements, voltage drop, cable insulation type, and installation details during selection
• Reference established best practices in IEEE STD 45 and IEC 60092-350 for further guidance
• Ensure the replacement cable size is at least equal to or greater than the size being replaced, with attention to available installation space

Related Standards

ASTM F1883-20 references several important standards to support its guidelines, ensuring compatibility and facilitating global usage:

• ASTM B8: Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Copper Conductors
• ASTM B193: Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
• IEC 60092-350: Shipboard Power Cables - General Construction and Test Requirements
• IEC 60228: Conductors of Insulated Cables (metric standard)
• IEEE STD 45: Recommended Practice for Electric Installations on Shipboard
• NFPA 70 (NEC): National Electrical Code

For those involved in marine electrical system design, installation, maintenance, or regulatory compliance, ASTM F1883-20 streamlines the process of wire and cable size selection, ensures greater safety and efficiency, and aligns with both American and international best practices.

Keywords: wire and cable size selection, AWG, metric conductor sizes, conductor comparison, marine electrical standards, ASTM F1883-20, shipboard cable sizing, ampacity, DC resistance, conductor tables.

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: F1883 − 20 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Selection of Wire and Cable Size in AWG or Metric Units
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1883; 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* 2.2 IEC Standards:
IEC 60092-350 Electrical Installations in Ships—Part 350:
1.1 This practice is intended as a guide to shipbuilders,
Shipboard Power: Cables—General Construction andTest
shipowners, and design agents for use in the selection of
Requirements
conductorsizeforsingleconductorormultipleconductorcable
IEC 60228 Conductors of Insulated Cables
sizes either in American Wire Gauge (AWG) or metric desig-
nations for commercial ship design and construction. 2.3 IEEE Standard:
IEEE STD 45 Recommended Practice for Electric Installa-
1.2 The comparison chart of electrical conductor sizes
tions on Shipboard
shown in Table 1 presents a combined listing of stranded
2.4 NFPA Documents:
uncoated (plain) copper conductors in accordance with AWG
Class B stranding (Specification B8) inch-pound units or NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC)
international standard sizes of Class 2 IEC (Specification IEC
60228) metric units. 3. Significance and Use
3.1 The selection criteria is to be applied for uses of (1) new
1.3 As a precautionary caveat, some conductor sizes listed
in Table 1 may exceed minimal size requirements of the U.S. cable and (2) replacement cable.
CoastGuard,theAmericanBureauofShipping,andIEEESTD
3.2 For the selection of new cable or the selection of
45 for specific applications.
replacement cable, this practice defines the choice criteria for
conductor selection for cables in AWG (ASTM) or metric
1.4 The values stated for ampacity and dc resistance are
presentedasmaximumvaluesandareprovidedforinformation (IEC) sizes.
only.
4. Selection Criteria
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 4.1 When selecting cable for any application, AWG or
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
metric sizing should be selected according to preferred sizes.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
The sizes of conductors that have been marked with an asterisk
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
in Table 1 designate preferred sizes in accordance with
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Specification B8 and IEC 60228. Those sizes not marked are
given for reference, and it is recommended that their use be
2. Referenced Documents discouraged.
2.1 ASTM Standards: 4.2 When selecting cable for any application, AWG or
B8 Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Copper metric sizing should be selected with full consideration of the
Conductors, Hard, Medium-Hard, or Soft relationshipoftypeofinsulationandampacity.Directselection
B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor between AWG and metric sizes can be made only after a
Materials determination of the equivalence of insulation is made.
4.3 When selecting cable, the conductor size will be deter-
mined from analysis of required ampacity, voltage drop
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F25 on Ships and
Marine Technology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F25.10 on
Electrical.
Current edition approved June 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally Available from International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 3, rue de
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as F1883 – 03 (2013). Varembé, 1st floor, P.O. Box 131, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, https://
DOI: 10.1520/F1883-20. www.iec.ch.
2 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE),
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM 445 Hoes Ln., Piscataway, NJ 08854-4141, http://www.ieee.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
the ASTM website. Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1883 − 20
TABLE 1 Conversion Table—AWG/Metric Preferred Sizes of Conductors
B
dc Resistances at 20°C
Area in Circ Mils
2 A
Size Metric, mm Size AWG/MCM Ampacity
(Nominal)
Ohms per 1000 ft Ohms per km
C
2000* 2 000 000 1155 0.00529 0.0174
1000* 1 970 000 1145 0.00537 0.0176
1750* 1 750 000 1070 0.00604 0.0198
800* 1 580 000 1009 0.00674 0.0221
1500* 1 500 000
...

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: F1883 − 03 (Reapproved 2013) F1883 − 20 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Selection of Wire and Cable Size in AWG or Metric Units
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1883; 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 Scope*
1.1 This practice is intended as a guide to shipbuilders, shipowners, and design agents for use in the selection of conductor size
for single conductor or multiple conductor cable sizes either in American Wire Gauge (AWG) or metric designations for
commercial ship design and construction.
1.2 The comparison chart of electrical conductor sizes shown in Table 1 presents a combined listing of international standard
sizes of Class 2 stranded stranded uncoated (plain) copper conductors in accordance with AWG Class B stranding (Specification
B8) Englishinch-pound units or IEC (IEC international standard sizes of Class 2 IEC (Specification IEC 60228) metric units.
1.3 As a precautionary caveat, some conductor sizes listed in Table 1 may exceed minimal size requirements of the U.S. Coast
Guard, the American Bureau of Shipping, and IEEE STD 45 for specific applications.
1.4 The values stated for ampacity and dc resistance are presented as maximum values and are provided for information only.
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
B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
2.2 IEC Standards:
IEC 60092-350 Electrical Installations in Ships—Part 350: Shipboard Power: Cables—General Construction and Test
Requirements
IEC 60228 Conductors of Insulated Cables
2.3 IEEE Standard:
IEEE STD 45 Recommended Practice for Electric Installations on Shipboard
2.4 NFPA Documents:
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC)
3. Significance and Use
3.1 The selection criteria is to be applied for uses of (1) new cable and (2) replacement cable.
3.2 For the selection of new cable or the selection of replacement cable, this practice defines the choice criteria for conductor
selection for cables in AWG (ASTM) or metric (IEC) sizes.
This specificationpractice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F25 on Ships and Marine Technology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F25.10
on Electrical.
Current edition approved May 1, 2013June 1, 2020. Published May 2013June 2020. Originally approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 20082013 as
F1883 – 03 (2008).(2013). DOI: 10.1520/F1883-03R13.10.1520/F1883-20.
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’sstandard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 3, rue de Varembé, Case postale 1st floor, P.O. Box 131, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland,
http://www.iec.ch. https://www.iec.ch.
Available from Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE), 445 Hoes Ln., P.O. Box 1331, Piscataway, NJ 08854-1331,08854-4141, http://www.ieee.org.
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1883 − 20
TABLE 1 Conversion Table—AWG/Metric Preferred Sizes of Conductors
B
dc Resistances at 20°C
Size Area in
Size
A
Metric, Circ Mils Ampacity
Ohms Ohms
AWG/MCM
mm (Nominal)
per 1000 ft per km
C
2000* 2 000 000 1155 0.0053 0.0177
1000* 1 970 000 1145 0.0054 0.0176
1750* 1 750 000 1070 0.0063 0.0199
800* 1 580 000 1009 0.0067 0.0224
1500* 1 500 000 980 0.0071 0.0232
1250* 1 250 000 890 0.0085 0.0278
630* 1 240 000 886 0.0096 0.0286
1000* 1 000 000 780 0.0106 0.0347
500* 987 000 772 0.0105 0.0369
400* 789 000 675 0.0133 0.0475
750* 750 000 655 0.0141 0.0463
600* 600 000 575 0.0176 0.0578
300* 592 000 570 0.0211 0.0607
500* 500 000 515 0.0211 0.0694
240* 474 000 499 0.0219 0.0762
400* 400 000 455 0.0264 0.0867
185* 365 000 431 0.0286 0.1000
350* 350 000 420 0.0302 0.0990
300* 300 000 375 0.0353 0.1157
150* 296 000 372 0.0353 0.1260
250* 250 000 340 0.0423 0.1388
120* 237 000 327 0.0436 0.1540
4/0* 211 600 300 0.0500 0.1639
95* 187 000 265 0.0551 0.1950
3/0* 167 000 260 0.0631 0.2065
70* 138 000 230 0.0752 0.2700
2/0* 133 100 225 0.0794 0.2605
1/0* 105 600 195 0.1002 0.3288
50* 98 700 185 0.1044 0.3910
1 83 690 165 0.1261 0.4139
35* 69 100 144 0.1495 0.5290
2* 66 360 140 0.1588 0.5211
3 52 620 120 0.2005 0.6577
25* 49 300 115 0.2057 0.7340
4* 41 740 105 0.2528 0.8295
16* 31 600 89 0.3259 1.160
6* 26 240 80 0.4023 1.320
10* 19 700 63 0.5167 1.840
8* 16 510 55 0.6380 2.093
6.0* 11 800 43 0.8543 3.110
10* 10 380 40 1.017 3.335
4.0* 7 890 30 1.304 4.700
12* 6 530 25 1.620 5.315
2.5* 4 930 22 2.067 7.560
14* 4 110 20 2.573 8.442
1.5* 2 960 . . . 3.417 12.20
16* 2 580 . . . 4.020 13.19
1.0* 1 970 . . . 5.213 18.20
0.90 1 773 . . . 6.45 21.10
18* 1 620 . . . 6.82 20.95
0.80 1 576 . . . 6.52 21.40
0.75* 1 480 . . . 6.82 24.80
0.60* 1 182 . . . 9.5 31.16
20* 1 020 . . . 10.5 34.45
0.50* 987 . . . 11.4 36.70
22* 640 . . . 16.9 55.44
0.20* 24* 404 . . . 26.7 87.60
26* 253 . . . 43.6 143.04
TABLE 1 Conversion Table—AWG/Metric Preferred Sizes of Conductors
B
dc Resistances at 20°C
Size Area in
Size
A
Metric, Circ Mils Ampacity
Ohms Ohms
AWG/MCM
mm (Nominal)
per 1000 ft per km
C
2000* 2 000 000 1155 0.00529 0.0174
...