ASTM B1006-17(2023)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Electrical Overhead Conductor Code Word Names
Standard Specification for Electrical Overhead Conductor Code Word Names
ABSTRACT
This specification lists code word names for bare overhead electrical conductors that are recognized in North America. Code word names are used to describe various conductor constructions used in North America, Europe and elsewhere in the world. The code word name construction can be modified with the use of suffix modifiers that identify additional construction variations. For example, the type of steel core material used in an ACSR (aluminum conductors, steel reinforced) type of conductor may be modified with the letter designation "/GA3" denoting the strength and type of coating for the steel core material. The code word names are grouped into tables of like constructions. The tables provide the applicable ASTM standard for which the conductor construction may be built to. They include code word names that are referenced in Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) standards.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification lists code word names for bare overhead electrical conductors that are recognized in North America. A procedure has been outlined for adding additional code word names to this standard. Code word names have been in existence for many years describing various conductor constructions used in North America, Europe and elsewhere in the world. Their origin is not clearly understood. The historical basis of this standard originates from code word names developed years ago by member utility companies that participated in the US Aluminum Association, Technical Committee.
1.2 The code word names are grouped into tables of like constructions. The code word name construction can be modified with the use of suffix modifiers that identify additional construction variations. For example the type of steel core material used in an ACSR type of conductor may be modified with the letter designation “/GA3” denoting the strength and type of coating for the steel core material.
1.3 The tables provide the applicable ASTM standard for which the conductor construction may be built to. For conductors that are unique to use in Canada, the applicable CSA International standard is referenced.
1.4 The tables include code word names that are referenced in Canadian CSA and European CENELEC standards. The information is believed to be correct however the user of this document is encouraged to consult the applicable CSA or CENELEC standard for confirmation.
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
Relations
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: B1006 − 17 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Specification for
Electrical Overhead Conductor Code Word Names
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B1006; 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. Referenced Documents
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on date
1.1 This specification lists code word names for bare over-
of material purchase form a part of this specification to the
head electrical conductors that are recognized in North
extent referenced herein:
America. A procedure has been outlined for adding additional
code word names to this standard. Code word names have been 2.2 ASTM Standards:
B231/B231M Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded
in existence for many years describing various conductor
Aluminum 1350 Conductors
constructions used in North America, Europe and elsewhere in
B232/B232M Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded
the world. Their origin is not clearly understood. The historical
Aluminum Conductors, Coated-Steel Reinforced (ACSR)
basis of this standard originates from code word names
B399/B399M Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded
developed years ago by member utility companies that partici-
Aluminum-Alloy 6201-T81 and 6201-T83 Conductors
pated in the US Aluminum Association, Technical Committee.
B400/B400M Specification for Compact Round Concentric-
1.2 The code word names are grouped into tables of like
Lay-Stranded Aluminum 1350 Conductors
constructions. The code word name construction can be modi- B401 Specification for Compact Round Concentric-Lay-
fied with the use of suffix modifiers that identify additional Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Steel-Reinforced
(ACSR/COMP)
construction variations. For example the type of steel core
B498/B498M Specification for Zinc-Coated (Galvanized)
material used in an ACSR type of conductor may be modified
Steel Core Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Conduc-
with the letter designation “/GA3” denoting the strength and
tors
type of coating for the steel core material.
B502/B502M Specification for Aluminum-Clad Steel Core
1.3 The tables provide the applicable ASTM standard for
Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Aluminum Conduc-
which the conductor construction may be built to. For conduc-
tors
tors that are unique to use in Canada, the applicable CSA
B549 Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum
International standard is referenced.
Conductors, Aluminum-Clad Steel Reinforced for Use in
Overhead Electrical Conductors
1.4 The tables include code word names that are referenced
B606/B606M Specification for High-Strength Zinc-Coated
in Canadian CSA and European CENELEC standards. The
(Galvanized) Steel Core Wire for Use in Overhead Elec-
information is believed to be correct however the user of this
trical Conductors
document is encouraged to consult the applicable CSA or
B609/B609M Specification for Aluminum 1350 Round
CENELEC standard for confirmation.
Wire, Annealed and Intermediate Tempers, for Electrical
Purposes
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
B701/B701M Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Self-Damping Aluminum Conductors, Steel Reinforced
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
(ACSR/SD)
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
B778 Specification for Shaped Wire Compact Concentric-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors (AAC/TW)
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
B779 Specification for Shaped Wire Compact Concentric-
Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Steel-Reinforced
(ACSR/TW)
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. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2023. Published October 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2017. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as B1006 – 17. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/B1006-17R23. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B1006 − 17 (2023)
B802/B802M Specification for Zinc–5 % Aluminum- 3.2.10 A2—Canadian designation for Aluminum Alloy
Mischmetal Alloy-Coated Steel Core Wire for Use in Stranded Conductors manufactured with 6101 T81 aluminum
Overhead Electrical Conductors alloy (see AAAC).
B803/B803M Specification for High-Strength Zinc–5 %
3.2.11 A4—Canadian designation for Aluminum Alloy
Aluminum-Mischmetal Alloy-Coated Steel Core Wire for
Stranded Conductors manufactured with 6101 T83 aluminum
Use in Overhead Electrical Conductors
alloy (see AAAC).
B856 Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum
3.2.12 AxF—Canadian designation for compact (formed)
Conductors, Coated Steel Supported (ACSS)
Aluminum Stranded Conductors where the “x” can be a
B857 Specification for Shaped Wire Compact Concentric-
number 1 to 4 denoting the different aluminum or aluminum
Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Coated-Steel Sup-
alloy material, as in A1F or A4F.
ported (ACSS/TW)
3.2.13 A1/S1A—Canadian designation for ACSR, 1350 H19
B911/B911M Specification for ACSR Twisted Pair Conduc-
aluminum with “CSA” Regular Strength, Class “A” Coated,
tor (ACSR/TP)
Galvanized Steel core.
B957/B957M Specification for Extra-High-Strength and
Ultra-High-Strength Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Core
3.2.14 AxF/S1A—Canadian designation for compact
Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Conductors
(formed) ACSR where the “x” can be a number 1 to 4 denoting
B958/B958M Specification for Extra-High-Strength and
the different aluminum or aluminum alloy material, as in
Ultra-High-Strength Class A Zinc–5% Aluminum-
A1F/S1A or A4F/S1A.
Mischmetal Alloy-Coated Steel Core Wire for Use in
3.3 ACSR and ACSS Construction Suffıx Modifiers:
Overhead Electrical Conductors
3.3.1 /GA2 (formerly referred to as simply GA)—conductor
2.3 Canadian Standards Association:
built with regular strength, galvanized steel core wire, coating
CSA C61089-11 (R2015) Round Wire Concentric Lay Over-
Class A in accordance with Specification B498/B498M.
head Electric Stranded Conductors
3.3.2 /GC2 (formerly referred to as simply GC)—conductor
CSA C49.2-10 (R2014) Compact Round Aluminum Con-
built with regular strength, galvanized steel core wire, coating
ductors Steel Reinforced (ACSR)
Class C in accordance with Specification B498/B498M.
CSA C49.5-10 (R2015) Compact Round Aluminum
Stranded Conductors (Compact Round ASC)
3.3.3 /GA3 (formerly referred to as simply HS)—conductor
2.4 European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardiza- built with high-strength, galvanized steel core wire, coating
tion (CENELEC): Class A in accordance with Specification B606/B606M.
EN 50182 (2001) Conductors for Overhead Lines—Round
3.3.4 /MA2 (formerly referred to as simply MA)—conductor
Wire Concentric Lay Stranded Conductors (and the sec-
built with regular strength, Zn-5A1-MM alloy coated steel core
tion for conductors utilized in the United Kingdom region)
wire, coating Class A in accordance with Specification B802/
B802M.
3. Terminology
3.3.5 /MA3 (formerly referred to as simply MS)—conductor
3.1 Definitions:
built with high-strength Zn-5A1-MM alloy coated steel core
3.1.1 galvanized, n—zinc coated.
wire, coating Class A in accordance with Specification B803/
3.1.2 aluminized, n—aluminum coated.
B803M.
3.2 Abbreviations:
3.3.6 /MA4—conductor built with extra-high-strength Zn-
3.2.1 Zn-5AI-MM—zinc-5 % aluminum-mischmetal alloy.
5A1-MM alloy coated steel core wire, coating Class A in
accordance with Specification B958/B958M.
3.2.2 ACSR—aluminum conductor, steel reinforced.
3.2.3 AACSR—aluminum alloy conductor, steel reinforced. 3.3.7 /GA4—conductor built with extra-high-strength galva-
nized steel core wire, coating Class A, in accordance with
3.2.4 AAC—all aluminum conductor.
Specification B957/B957M.
3.2.5 AAAC—all aluminum alloy conductor.
3.3.8 /MA5—conductor built with ultra-high-strength Zn-
3.2.6 ACSS—aluminum conductor, steel supported.
5A1-MM alloy coated steel core, coating Class A, in accor-
3.2.7 ASC—former Canadian designation for Aluminum
dance with Specification B958/B958M.
Stranded Conductors (see A1).
3.3.9 /GA5—conductor built with ultra-high-strength galva-
3.2.8 AASC—former Canadian designation for Aluminum
nized steel core wire, coating Class A, in accordance with
Alloy Stranded Conductors (see A2 and A4).
Specification B957/B957M.
3.2.9 A1—Canadian designation for Aluminum Stranded
3.3.10 /AW2 (formerly referred to as simply AW)—
Conductors manufactured with 1350 H19 aluminum (see
conductor built with aluminum clad steel in accordance with
AAC).
Specification B502/B502M.
3.3.11 /AW3—conductor built with high strength aluminum
Available from Canadian Standards Association (CSA), 5060 Spectrum Way,
clad steel in accordance with Specification B502/B502M.
Suite 100, Mississauga, ON, L4W 5N6, Canada, http://shop.csa.ca.
3.3.12 /S1A—Canadian designation for regular strength gal-
Available from European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
(CENELEC), Rue De Stassart 34, 1050 Brussels, https://www.cenelec.eu. vanized steel core used in ACSR.
B1006 − 17 (2023)
3.3.13 /S2A—Canadian designation for high strength galva- Table 7 Trapezoidal Shaped – ACSR and ACSS Stranded
nized steel core used in ACSR (similar to ASTM GA2). Conductors – Aluminum Area Equal Design to Standard
Concentric Stranded Conductors (Bird / TW Code Word
3.3.14 /S3A—Canadian designation for extra high strength
Names)
galvanized steel core used in ACSR (similar to ASTM GA3).
Table 8 Trapezoidal Shaped – ACSR and ACSS Stranded
3.3.15 /20SATypeA—Canadian designation for aluminum
Conductors – Diameter Equal Design to Standard Concentric
clad steel core used in ACSR (similar to Specification B502/
Round Conductor (Mountain Code Word Names)
B502M AW2).
Table 9 Self Damping (SD) ACSR Stranded Conductors
(Bird Code Names modified with /SD suffix)
3.4 AAC, AAAC, ACSR, and ACSS Construction Suffıx
Table 10 Concentric Round – 6201 T81 Aluminum Alloy
Modifiers:
Stranded Conductors (City Code Word Names)
3.4.1 /TW—trapezoidal shaped aluminum strand wires.
Table 11 Concentric Round – 6101 T81 (A2) Aluminum
3.4.2 /COMPACT—die compacted aluminum strand wires.
Alloy Stranded Conductors (City Code Word Names)
Table 12 Concentric Round – 5005* Aluminum Alloy
3.5 ACSR Construction Suffıx Modifier:
Stranded Conductors (Nautical or Geometry Code Word
3.5.1 /TP—twisted pair (see Specification B911/B911M).
Names) (*Please note these conductors are no longer manu-
This is a twisted assembly of the two of the code word name
factured. The code word names are provided for information
conductors. TP conductors may also be built with AAC and
only.)
AAAC component conductors.
Table 13 Miscellaneous Canadian Conductors
3.6 ACSR Construction Suffıx Modifier:
Table 14 Concentric Round – British 1350H19 Aluminum
3.6.1 /SD—self dampening (see Specification B701/ Stranded Conductors (Insect Code Word Names)
Table 15 Concentric Round – British Aluminum Alloy (AL3)
B701M). This is a special assembly with air gap spaces
between the aluminum and steel layer, and also between Stranded Conductors (Tree Code Word Names)
Table 16 Concentric Round – British ACSR Stranded
adjacent layers of aluminum.
Conductors (Animal Code Word Names)
3.7 Historically Code Word names for overhead conductors
Table 17 Index – Alphabetical Code Word Index and
were assigned a generic “family” of names to describe the type
Corresponding Table Number
of conductor product. For example, in North America bird code
5. Addition of Code Word Names
word names were assigned to ACSR type conductors. See
Chart 1 (Fig. 1) for additional examples of naming conventions
5.1 Additional Code word Names can be submitted to the
for bare overhead conductors that are used in North America
ASTM B01 Electrical Conductors committee for incorporation
and around the world.
into this specification. A conductor data sheet is to be provided
detailing the construction details and aluminum or other metal
4. Classification and Code Word Name
details of the conductor, as well as reference to the applicable
ASTM or CSA standard(s).
4.1 See Tables 1 through 5 for various overhead conductor
5.2 This standard also lists known European conductor code
constructions and code word names.
word names. These are listed for information only. Additional
Table 1 Concentric Round – 1350H19 Aluminum Stranded
European code word names may also be submitted for consid-
Conductors (Flower Code Word Names)
eration of being added into the standard.
Table 2 Compact Round – 1350H19 Aluminum Stranded
5.3 This standard also includes conductor name / trade size
Conductors (Reptile Code Word Names)
identifiers for non-traditional conductor constructions that have
Table 3 Trapezoidal Shaped – 1350H19 Aluminum Stranded
seen common use in the North American marketplace. Addi-
Conductors – Aluminum Area Equal Design to Standard
tional code word names / trade size identifiers may also be
Concentric Stranded Conductors (Flower / TW Code Word
submitted for other conductor constructions with the general
Names)
proviso that they have at least a decade of known history of use
Table 4 Trapezoidal Shaped – 1350H19 Aluminum Stranded
in North America.
Conductors – Diameter Equal Design to Standard Concentric
Round Conductor (Mountain Code Word Names) 6. Keywords
Table 5 Concentric Round – ACSR and ACSS Stranded
6.1 aluminum conductor; code word names; concentric-lay-
Conductors (Bird Code Word Names)
stranded aluminum conductor; electrical conductors; electrical
Table 6 Compact Round – ACSR Aluminum Stranded conductors, aluminum; steel-reinforced conductors; stranded
Conductors (Fish Code Word Names) aluminum conductors
B1006 − 17 (2023)
Chart 1 — Example Overhead Conductor Naming Conventions
Code Word Family Conductor Type Country of Origin Example
Flowers AAC 1350 USA/Canada Tulip
Insects AAC 1350 United Kingdom Centipede
Celestial AAC 1350 Australia Jupiter
Reptiles Smooth Body AAC
...
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