ASTM B116-95(2017)

Standard Specification for Figure-9 Deep-Grooved and Figure-8 Copper Trolley Wire for Industrial Haulage

ABSTRACT
This specification deals with figure-9 deep-section grooved and figure-8 copper trolley wire for use in industrial haulage. The material shall conform to the required tensile properties: tensile strength and elongation. Tension tests shall be made. However, elongation tests shall not be made on specimens containing joints. The electrical resistivity shall be determined by resistance measurements. The standard sizes of figure-9 deep-section grooved and figure-8 copper trolley wire are specified.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers figure-9 deep-section grooved and figure-8 copper trolley wire for use in industrial haulage (Explanatory Note 1).  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
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: 31-Mar-2017
• ICS: 29.060.10 - Wires
• ICS: 29.280 - Electric traction equipment
• Technical Committee: B01 - Electrical Conductors
• Drafting Committee: B01.04 - Conductors of Copper and Copper Alloys

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM B116-95(2012) - Standard Specification for Figure-9 Deep-Grooved and Figure-8 Copper Trolly Wire for Industrial Haulage
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM B49-20 - Standard Specification for Copper Rod for Electrical Purposes
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM B9-76(2017)e1 - Standard Specification for Bronze Trolley Wire
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM B49-17 - Standard Specification for Copper Rod for Electrical Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM B47-95a(2017) - Standard Specification for Copper Trolley Wire
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM B9-76(2017) - Standard Specification for Bronze Trolley Wire
• 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 B49-16 - Standard Specification for Copper Rod for Electrical Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM B49-15a - Standard Specification for Copper Rod for Electrical Purposes
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM B49-15 - Standard Specification for Copper Rod for Electrical Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM B193-02(2014) - Standard Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2014
• Refers: ASTM B9-90(2012) - Standard Specification for Bronze Trolley Wire
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2012
• Refers: ASTM B47-95a(2012) - Standard Specification for Copper Trolley Wire
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2012
• Refers: ASTM B49-10 - Standard Specification for Copper Rod Drawing Stock for Electrical Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM B49-09 - Standard Specification for Copper Rod Drawing Stock for Electrical Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2009

Overview

ASTM B116-95(2017) establishes the standard specification for figure-9 deep-grooved and figure-8 copper trolley wire designed specifically for industrial haulage applications. Developed by ASTM International, this specification ensures that copper trolley wires used in demanding industrial environments meet precise requirements for mechanical strength, electrical performance, material quality, and dimensional consistency. Adhering to this standard promotes operational safety, reliability, and compatibility in haulage systems where overhead trolley wire is essential.

Key Topics

• Wire Types and Sections

  • Covers both figure-9 deep-section grooved and figure-8 trolley wire designs, suitable for various industrial haulage installations.
  • Standard sections and sizes are specified, ensuring interchangeability and consistency.

• Material and Mechanical Properties

  • Wires must be produced from high-purity copper, meeting strict requirements for tensile strength and elongation.
  • Tension and elongation tests are standardized to confirm physical performance.
  • For wires with joints, specific performance requirements are established.

• Electrical Performance

  • Defines maximum allowable electrical resistivity via resistance measurements, ensuring efficient power transmission for trolley systems.
  • Testing is performed under controlled conditions (20°C) to ensure comparability.

• Dimensions and Construction

  • Specifies nominal cross-sectional area in circular mils for both wire types.
  • Tolerance on weight per mile and dimensional verification (using “go” and “no-go” gauges) ensures proper fit and function.

• Packaging and Inspection

  • Packaging requirements include use of substantial reels, secure fastening, and specific reel markings for traceability.
  • Detailed inspection guidelines allow manufacturers and purchasers to verify compliance, enabling effective quality assurance.

Applications

• Industrial Haulage Systems

  • Primary use in overhead trolley wire systems that supply power to moving vehicles or equipment in conveyors, mines, steel mills, warehouses, and heavy manufacturing plants.
  • Figure-8 and figure-9 wires are designed for systems using grooved collectors, trolley wheels, or roller-type collectors, ensuring continuous electrical contact and durability.

• Specialized Heavy-Duty Installations

  • Figure-9 deep-grooved wires are preferred in large load or high-wear applications, offering enhanced strength and groove compatibility for secure overhead mounting.
  • Compatibility with both sliding and wheel-based collectors enables broad application across industrial settings.

• Quality and Safety Compliance

  • Ensures trolley wires supplied and installed in critical infrastructures meet mechanically robust and electrically efficient standards, minimizing downtime and hazards.

Related Standards

• ASTM B9 - Specification for Bronze Trolley Wire, covering alternative materials.
• ASTM B47 - Specification for Copper Trolley Wire, offering guidance for different conductor types.
• ASTM B49 - Specification for Copper Rod for Electrical Purposes, defining base material properties.
• ASTM B193 - Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials, standardizing performance tests.

Practical Value

Adoption of ASTM B116-95(2017) provides manufacturers, system designers, and facility operators with a reliable foundation for selecting and installing copper trolley wire in industrial haulage applications. By ensuring wires conform to rigorous mechanical and electrical standards, this specification directly contributes to operational efficiency, long-term safety, and system interoperability. The standard’s widely recognized framework also facilitates procurement, inspection, and global trade, supporting quality assurance in critical infrastructure projects.

Keywords: ASTM B116, copper trolley wire, figure-9 deep-grooved wire, figure-8 trolley wire, industrial haulage, overhead conductor, tensile strength, electrical resistivity, industrial standards, trolley systems

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: B116 −95 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Specification for
Figure-9 Deep-Grooved and Figure-8 Copper Trolley Wire for
Industrial Haulage
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B116; 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 3.1.7 Relation between vertical axis of grooved wire and
axis of reel (see 14.1),
1.1 This specification covers figure-9 deep-section grooved
3.1.8 Size of arbor hole if other than for a 2 ⁄2-in. (64-mm)
and figure-8 copper trolley wire for use in industrial haulage
shaft (see 14.2),
(Explanatory Note 1).
3.1.9 Special package marking, if required (see 14.4), and
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.1.10 Place of inspection (Section 12).
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
information only.
4. Materials and Manufacturer
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1 The material shall be copper of such quality and purity
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
that the finished product shall have the properties and charac-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
teristics prescribed in this specification.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
NOTE 1—Specification B49 defines the materials suitable for use.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.2 Copper bars of special qualities, forms, or types, as may
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
be agreed upon between the manufacturer and the purchaser,
2. Referenced Documents
and that will conform to the requirements prescribed in this
specification may also be used.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B9 Specification for Bronze Trolley Wire
5. Tensile Properties
B47 Specification for Copper Trolley Wire
5.1 Figure-8 wire shall conform to the requirements as to
B49 Specification for Copper Rod for Electrical Purposes
tensile properties specified in Table 1.
B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor
Materials
5.2 Figure-9 deep-section grooved wire shall conform to the
requirements as to tensile properties specified in Table 2.
3. Ordering Information
5.3 Tests on a specimen of wire containing a joint shall
3.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
show at least 95 % of the tensile strength specified in Table 1
the following information:
or Table 2, as may be applicable. Elongation tests shall not be
3.1.1 Quantity of each size and section,
made on specimens containing joints.
3.1.2 Wire size: circular-mil area (Section 6, Fig. 1 or Fig.
5.4 Tension tests shall be made on representative samples.
2),
The elongation shall be determined as the permanent increase
3.1.3 Shape of section (Section 1),
in length, due to the breaking of the wire in tension, measured
3.1.4 Type of copper, if special (Section 4),
between gage marks placed originally 10 in. apart upon the test
3.1.5 Package size (see 14.3),
specimen (Explanatory Note 1). The fracture shall be between
3.1.6 Lagging, if required (see 14.1),
the gage marks and not closer than 1 in. (25 mm) to either gage
mark.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on
5.5 The twist test shall be omitted.
Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.04 on
Conductors of Copper and Copper Alloys.
Current edition approved April 1, 2017. Published April 2017. Originally 6. Sections
approved in 1939. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as B116 – 95 (2012).
6.1 Standard sections of figure-8 trolley wire shall be those
DOI: 10.1520/B0116-95R17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or shown in Fig. 1.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
6.2 Standard sections of figure-9 deep-section grooved trol-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. ley wire shall be those shown in Fig. 2.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B116 − 95 (2017)
FIG. 1 Standard Sections Figure-8 Trolley Wire
FIG. 2 Standard Sections Figure-9 Deep-Section Grooved Trolley Wire
B116 − 95 (2017)
TABLE 1 Tensile Requirements for Figure-8 Wire
accordance with the best commercial practice, and shall be
Tensile Elongation capable of meeting the tensile strength requirements in 5.3.
Nominal Area,
Strength, in 10 in.,
cmils
min, psi min, %
11. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
350 000 42 800 4.50
211 600 46 600 3.75
11.1 The wire shall be of uniform size, shape, and quality
167 800 48 500 3.25
throughout, and shall be free from all scale, flaws, splits, and
133 100 50 200 2.80
105 600 51 800 2.40
scratches not consistent with the best commercial practice.
12. Inspection
TABLE 2 Tensile Requirements for Figure-9 Wire
12.1 All tests governing the acceptance or rejection of the
Nominal Tensile Elongation
Area, Strength, in 10 in.,
wire, unless otherwise specified, shall be made at the place of
cmils min, psi min %
manufacture with apparatus furnished by the manufacturer and
400 000 41 300 4.50
inthepresenceofthepurchaserorhisrepresentative,whoshall
350 000 42 800 4.50
be furnished a copy of the tests. The manufacturer shall afford
the inspector representing the purchaser all reasonable
7. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
facilities, without charge, to satisfy him as to the reliability of
the results before the wire is delivered. If the purchaser waives
7.1 The size shall be expressed as the nominal area of cross
inspection, and if he so elects at that time, he shall be furnished
section in circular mils.
with a certified copy of tests made by the manufacturer.
7.2 The standard sizes of figure-8 trolley wire shall be as
specified in Fig. 1.
13. Rejection
7.3 The standard sizes of figure-9 deep-section grooved
13.1 Any reel of wire that fails to conform to the require-
trolley wire shall be as specified in Fig. 2.
ments prescribed in this specification may be rejected. Failure
7.4 The weight in pounds per mile in figure-8 and figure-9
of 30 % of the number of reels ready for inspection at one time
trolley wire calculated from the weight of a specimen not less
shall be deemed sufficient cause for rejection of the whole lot.
than 18 in. (457 mm) in length shall not vary more than 65%
from that specified in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, respectively.
14. Packaging and Package Marking
7.5 Conformance of the trolley wire to the specified dimen-
14.1 All wire shall be shipped on substantial reels, suitable
sionsshallbedeterminedbytakingthemeasurementsshownin
for the weight of the wire handled, and shall be well
...