ASTM B401-22

Standard Specification for Compact Round Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Steel-Reinforced (ACSR/COMP)

ABSTRACT
This specification covers compact round concentric-lay stranded conductors made from aluminum 1350-H19 (extra hard) wires and round zinc-coated, aluminum-coated, or aluminum-clad steel core wires usually used in overhead lines. Compact ACSR covered by this specification has five types of steel core wire which are designated by ACSR/GA/COMP, ACSR/GB/COMP, ACSR/GC/COMP, ACSR/AZ/COMP, ACSR/AW/COMP. Electric-butt welds, electric-butt, cold-upset welds, or cold-pressure welds in the individual round-drawn or shaped aluminum wires shall be made during the stranding process. The preferred lay of the aluminum wires of aluminum conductors, steel-reinforced, having a single wire steel core and one layer of aluminum wires shall be 14 times the outside diameter of the conductor but the lay shall be not less than 13 nor more than 16 times that diameter. The diameter of the steel core wire, the number of aluminum wires, the aluminum cross-sectional area, the diameter and weight of the compact round concentric-lay-stranded aluminum conductors, steel-reinforced, shall conform to the construction requirements. The rated strength of a completed conductor shall be taken as the aggregate strength of the aluminum and steel components, and shall be calculated according to the prescribed computation. The mass and electrical resistance of a unit length of stranded conductor shall be a function of the length of lay. Tests for mechanical and electrical properties of aluminum wires composing the conductors shall be made before stranding.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers compact round concentric-lay-stranded conductors made from aluminum 1350-H19 (extra hard) wires and round zinc-coated, aluminum-coated, or aluminum-clad steel core wires usually used in overhead lines. These conductors shall be constructed with one steel core wire surrounded by one or more layers of helically-laid compacted or otherwise shaped aluminum wires (Explanatory Note 1 and Note 2).  
1.2 Compact ACSR covered by this specification has five types of steel core wire which are designated by abbreviations as follows (Explanatory Note 2 and Note 7).  
1.2.1 ACSR/GA2/COMP—Compact ACSR using Class A zinc-coated steel wire,  
1.2.2 ACSR/GC2/COMP—Compact ACSR using Class C zinc-coated steel wire,  
1.2.3 ACSR/AW2/COMP—Compact ACSR using aluminum-clad steel wire, AW2 (Normal Strength),  
1.2.4 ACSR/AW3/COMP—Compact ACSR using aluminum-clad steel wire, AW3 (High Strength).  
1.3 The SI values of density and resistivity are to be regarded as standard. For all other properties the inch-pound values are to be regarded as standard and the SI units may be approximate.  
Note 1: Prior to 1975, aluminum 1350 was designated as EC aluminum.
Note 2: The aluminum and temper designations conform to ANSI H35.1. Aluminum 1350 corresponds to Unified Numbering System A91350 in accordance with Practice E527.  
1.4 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: 30-Nov-2022
• ICS: 29.060.20 - Cables
• Technical Committee: B01 - Electrical Conductors
• Drafting Committee: B01.07 - Conductors of Light Metals

Relations

• Refers: ASTM B232/B232M-24 - Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Coated-Steel Reinforced (ACSR)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM B500/B500M-24 - Standard Specification for Metallic Coated or Aluminum Clad Stranded Steel Core for Use in Overhead Electrical Conductors
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM B802/B802M-23 - Standard Specification for Zinc–5 % Aluminum-Mischmetal Alloy-Coated Steel Core Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Conductors
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM B502/B502M-23 - Standard Specification for Aluminum-Clad Steel Core Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Aluminum Conductors
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM B263/B263M-14(2020) - Standard Test Method for Determination of Cross-Sectional Area of Stranded Conductors
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM B502/B502M-19 - Standard Specification for Aluminum-Clad Steel Core Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Aluminum Conductors
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM B502/B502M-10(2017) - Standard Specification for Aluminum-Clad Steel Core Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Aluminum Conductors
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM B498/B498M-08(2016) - Standard Specification for Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Core Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Conductors
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM B802/B802M-10(2016) - Standard Specification for Zinc–5 % Aluminum-Mischmetal Alloy-Coated Steel Core Wire for Aluminum Conductors, Steel Reinforced (ACSR)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM B354-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Uninsulated Metallic Electrical Conductors
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2016
• 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 B263/B263M-14 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Cross-Sectional Area of Stranded Conductors
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2014
• Refers: ASTM B354-12 - Standard Terminology Relating to Uninsulated Metallic Electrical Conductors
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2012
• Refers: ASTM B230/B230M-07(2012) - Standard Specification for Aluminum 1350–H19 Wire for Electrical Purposes
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2012

Overview

ASTM B401-22: Standard Specification for Compact Round Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Steel-Reinforced (ACSR/COMP) establishes requirements for overhead electrical conductors consisting of aluminum 1350-H19 (extra hard) wires compacted around a steel core. The steel core wires are zinc-coated, aluminum-coated, or aluminum-clad, enhancing the overall mechanical strength and durability of the conductor. This international standard, developed by ASTM, is widely referenced for specifying compact ACSR conductors in power transmission and distribution networks.

Compact ACSR conductors made to ASTM B401-22 are engineered for improved performance, reduced diameter, and increased current-carrying capacity, providing robust solutions for demanding utility environments.

Key Topics

• Conductor Composition: Defines compact round concentric-lay-stranded construction using aluminum 1350-H19 wires and a steel core wire, with specific types identified by steel core coating or cladding.
• Steel Core Types: Five steel core variations are designated:
  • ACSR/GA2/COMP: Class A zinc-coated
  • ACSR/GC2/COMP: Class C zinc-coated
  • ACSR/AW2/COMP: Aluminum-clad, normal strength
  • ACSR/AW3/COMP: Aluminum-clad, high strength
• Physical and Mechanical Properties: Addresses requirements for:
  • Conductor diameter and tolerances
  • Cross-sectional area of aluminum
  • Lay length of aluminum wires
  • Joints and welding practices in aluminum wires
  • Rated aggregate strength, deriving both aluminum and steel contributions
• Electrical Characteristics: Specifies calculation and acceptable limits for:
  • Mass and electrical resistance per length of conductor
  • Correction for temperature when measuring resistance
  • Methods for ensuring compliance with both SI and inch-pound units
• Testing and Inspection: Outlines:
  • Minimum requirements for mechanical and electrical tests of constituent wires prior to stranding
  • Options for testing finished conductor as a unit
  • Sampling frequency and inspection provisions
• Packaging and Marking: Ensures:
  • Proper physical protection for conductors in shipment
  • Clear labeling for identification and traceability

Applications

Compact round concentric-lay-stranded aluminum conductors, steel-reinforced (ACSR/COMP), specified by ASTM B401-22, are extensively used in:

• Overhead Power Transmission and Distribution: Their high tensile strength and optimized conductor profile allow for longer spans and higher capacity in electrical grids.
• Utility Infrastructure Upgrades: Compact ACSR conductors enable increased current-carrying capabilities without requiring significant changes to existing structures, facilitating grid modernization efforts.
• Harsh or High-Wind Regions: Enhanced mechanical properties and corrosion-resistant steel cores deliver improved reliability and resilience in challenging environments.

These conductors are a preferred choice for utilities seeking durable, high-performance, and cost-effective solutions for the safe and efficient transmission of electrical power.

Related Standards

Organizations working with ASTM B401-22 may also reference related standards for specifying, testing, or installing ACSR conductors:

• ASTM B193: Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
• ASTM B230/B230M: Specification for Aluminum 1350–H19 Wire for Electrical Purposes
• ASTM B232/B232M: Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Coated-Steel Reinforced (ACSR)
• ASTM B263/B263M: Test Method for Determination of Cross-Sectional Area of Stranded Conductors
• ASTM B341/B341M: Specification for Aluminum-Coated Steel Core Wire for Aluminum Conductors, Steel Reinforced
• ASTM B498/B498M: Specification for Zinc-Coated Steel Core Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Conductors
• ASTM B502/B502M: Specification for Aluminum-Clad Steel Core Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Aluminum Conductors
• ANSI H35.1: Alloy and Temper Designation Systems for Aluminum

Referencing these standards ensures consistency, safety, and performance when specifying and deploying ACSR/COMP conductors in electrical infrastructure projects.

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:B401 −22
Standard Specification for
Compact Round Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum
Conductors, Steel-Reinforced (ACSR/COMP)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B401; 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
1.1 This specification covers compact round concentric-lay-
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on date
stranded conductors made from aluminum 1350-H19 (extra
of material purchase form a part of this specification to the
hard) wires and round zinc-coated, aluminum-coated, or
extent referenced herein.
aluminum-clad steel core wires usually used in overhead lines.
2.2 ASTM Standards:
These conductors shall be constructed with one steel core wire
B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor
surrounded by one or more layers of helically-laid compacted
Materials
or otherwise shaped aluminum wires (Explanatory Note 1 and
B230/B230M Specification for Aluminum 1350–H19 Wire
Note 2).
for Electrical Purposes
1.2 Compact ACSR covered by this specification has five
B232/B232M Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded
types of steel core wire which are designated by abbreviations
Aluminum Conductors, Coated-Steel Reinforced (ACSR)
as follows (Explanatory Note 2 and Note 7).
B263/B263M Test Method for Determination of Cross-
1.2.1 ACSR/GA2/COMP—Compact ACSR using Class A
Sectional Area of Stranded Conductors
zinc-coated steel wire,
B341/B341M Specification for Aluminum-Coated (Alumi-
1.2.2 ACSR/GC2/COMP—Compact ACSR using Class C
nized) Steel Core Wire for Aluminum Conductors, Steel
zinc-coated steel wire,
Reinforced (ACSR/AZ) (Withdrawn 2007)
1.2.3 ACSR/AW2/COMP—Compact ACSR using
B354 Terminology Relating to Uninsulated Metallic Electri-
aluminum-clad steel wire, AW2 (Normal Strength),
cal Conductors
1.2.4 ACSR/AW3/COMP—Compact ACSR using
B498/B498M Specification for Zinc-Coated (Galvanized)
aluminum-clad steel wire, AW3 (High Strength).
Steel Core Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Conduc-
1.3 The SI values of density and resistivity are to be
tors
regarded as standard. For all other properties the inch-pound
B500/B500M Specification for Metallic Coated or Alumi-
values are to be regarded as standard and the SI units may be
num Clad Stranded Steel Core for Use in Overhead
approximate.
Electrical Conductors
NOTE 1—Prior to 1975, aluminum 1350 was designated as EC B502/B502M Specification for Aluminum-Clad Steel Core
aluminum.
Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Aluminum Conduc-
NOTE 2—The aluminum and temper designations conform to ANSI
tors
H35.1. Aluminum 1350 corresponds to Unified Numbering System
B802/B802M Specification for Zinc–5 % Aluminum-
A91350 in accordance with Practice E527.
Mischmetal Alloy-Coated Steel Core Wire for Aluminum
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
Conductors, Steel Reinforced (ACSR)
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Determine Conformance with Specifications
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Unified Numbering System (UNS)
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.07 on contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Conductors of Light Metals. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2022. Published December 2022. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1963. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as B401 – 12 (2021). The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
DOI: 10.1520/B0401-22. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B401−22
2.3 Other Documents: 5.3 The length of lay of the layer immediately beneath the
ANSI H35.1 American National StandardAlloy and Temper outside layer of aluminum wires of aluminum conductors,
Designation Systems For Aluminum steel-reinforced, having multiple layers of aluminum wires,
NBS Handbook 100 —Copper Wire Tables of the National shall not be less than 11 nor more than 17.5 times the outside
Bureau of Standards diameter of that layer.
5.4 The length of lay of the various layers of steel wire shall
3. Ordering Information
conform to the requirements of Specification B500/B500M.
3.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
5.5 In a conductor having multiple layers of aluminum
the following information:
wires, the length of lay of any aluminum layer shall not be less
3.1.1 Quantity of each size and stranding (Table 1),
than the length of lay of the aluminum layer immediately
3.1.2 Conductor size: circular-mil area or AWG (Section 6,
beneath it.
and Table 1),
3.1.3 Steel wire coating or aluminum-clad (see 11.3),
5.6 The direction of lay of the outside layer of aluminum
3.1.4 Special tension test, if required (see 15.3),
wires shall be right hand.
3.1.5 Place of inspection (Section 16), and
5.7 The direction of lay shall be reversed in successive
3.1.6 Packaging and Package Marking (Section 17).
layers.
4. Joints
6. Construction
4.1 Electric-butt welds, electric-butt, cold-upset welds, or
cold-pressure welds in the individual round-drawn or shaped
6.1 The diameter of the steel core wire, the number of
aluminumwiresmaybemadeduringthestrandingprocess.No
aluminum wires, the aluminum cross-sectional area, the diam-
weld shall occur within 50 ft (15 m) of a weld in the same wire
eter and weight of the compact round concentric-lay-stranded
or in any other wire of the completed conductor.
aluminum conductors, steel-reinforced, shall be as shown in
Table 1.
4.2 There shall be no joints of any kind made in the finished
coated, or aluminum-clad steel wires.
7. Rated Strength of Conductor
5. Lay
7.1 The rated strength of a completed conductor shall be
5.1 The length of lay of the aluminum wires of aluminum
taken as the aggregate strength of the aluminum and steel
conductors, steel-reinforced, having a single wire steel core
components, calculated as follows: The strength contribution
and one layer of aluminum wires, shall not be less than 13 nor
of the aluminum wires shall be taken as the percentage,
more than 16 times the outside diameter of that layer.
accordingtothenumberoflayersofaluminumwires,indicated
in Table 2, of the sum of the strengths of the 1350-H19 wires,
5.2 Thelengthoflayoftheoutsidelayerofaluminumwires
calculated on the basis of the nominal wire diameter for the
of aluminum conductors, steel-reinforced, having multiple
corresponding noncompacted construction given in Specifica-
layers of aluminum wires, shall not be less than 11 nor more
tion B232/B232M and the appropriate specified minimum
than 14 times the outside diameter of that layer.
average tensile strength given in Specification B230/B230M.
The strength contribution of the steel core shall be taken as
96 % of the strength of the steel wire calculated from its
Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
specified nominal diameter and the appropriate specified mini-
Available from National Technical Information Service (NTIS), 5301 Shawnee
mum stress at 1 % extension given in Specification B341/
Rd., Alexandria, VA 22312, http://www.ntis.gov.
TABLE 1 Construction Requirements for Compact Round Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Steel Reinforced
Required Construction Nominal Mass for Conductors With:
Compact
Conductor Size Steel Wire Coated Steel Aluminum-Clad
Number of
Conductor
(Aluminum Wires) Diameter Core Wire Steel Core Wire
Aluminum
Diameter
Wires
cmil mm AWG in. mm in. mm lb/1000 ft kg/km lb/1000 ft kg/km
336 400 170.2 . 18 0.1367 3.47 0.628 15.95 364.8 543.3 357.2 531.1
266 800 135.0 . 18 0.1217 3.09 0.559 14.20 289.1 430.8 283.1 421.1
211 600 107.2 0000 6 0.1878 4.77 0.517 13.13 290.8 433.4 276.5 412.1
167 800 85.1 000 6 0.1672 4.25 0.461 11.71 230.5 343.9.0 219.2 327.1
133 100 67.3 00 6 0.1489 3.78 0.410 10.41 182.8 272.3 173.8 258.9
105 600 53.5 0 6 0.1327 3.37 0.365 9.27 145.2 216.4 138.1 205.8
83 690 42.4 1 6 0.1181 3.00 0.326 8.28 115.0 171.4 109.4 163.0
66 360 33.6 2 7 0.1299 3.30 0.298 7.57 106.6 158.6 99.8 148.4
66 360 33.6 2 6 0.1052 2.67 0.290 7.37 91.2 135.9 86.8 129.2
52 620 26.7 3 6 0.0937 2.38 0.258 6.55 72.4 107.9 68.8 102.6
41 740 21.1 4 7 0.1029 2.61 0.236 5.99 67.0 99.7 62.7 93.4
41 740 21.2 4 6 0.0834 2.12 0.229 5.82 57.3 85.6 54.5 81.4
26 240 13.3 6 6 0.0661 1.68 0.182 4.62 36.0 53.7 . .
B401−22
TABLE 2 Strength Rating Factors
conductors composed of 1 steel and 18 aluminum wires.When
Stranding Rating Factor, % greater accuracy is desired, the increment based on the specific
Number of Wires Number of Layers
lay of the conductor may be calculated (Explanatory Note 4).
Aluminum Steel
Aluminum Steel Aluminum Steel
A
61 1 96 96
9.2 In the calculation of the electrical resistance of a
A
71 1 96 96
completed conductor, coated steel wires may be included.
A
18 1 2 93 96
A
Central steel wire only: the 96 % Rating Factor is applied to the single steel wire
9.3 The maximum electrical resistance of a unit length of
core in the event it contains a weld (made prior to drawing).
stranded conductor shall not exceed 102 % of the nominal dc
resistanceshowninTable4(ExplanatoryNote6).Whenthedc
resistance is measured at other than 20 °C, it is to be corrected
B341M, B498/B498M, B502/B502M,or B802/B802M,
by using the multiplying factor given in Table 5.
whichever is applicable.
9.4 For conductors to be used in covered or insulated wires
7.2 Rated strength and breaking strength values shall be
orcablesdcresistancemeasurementsmaybeusedinlieuofthe
rounded to three significant figures, in the final value only, in
method outlined in Section 12.
accordance with Practice E29.
7.3 Rated strength of conductors are given in Table 3. 10. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
10.1 The conductor shall be clean and free of imperfections
8. Density
not consistent with good commercial practice.
8.1 For the purpose of calculating mass, mass per unit
length, cross sections, and so forth, the density of aluminum
11. Requirements for Wires
1350 shall be taken from the applicable ASTM wire
11.1 Before stranding and compacting, the round aluminum
specification, B230/B230M.
wire used shall conform to the requirements of Specification
8.2 For the purpose of calculating mass, mass per unit
B230/B230M.
length, cross sections, and so forth, the density of coated steel
wire shall be taken from the applicable ASTM wire 11.2 Aluminum wires shaped before stranding shall meet
the requirements of Specification B230/B230M, except for
specification, B498/B498M or B802/B802M.
shape, tensile and elongation requirements, and diameter
8.3 For the purpose of calculating mass, mass per unit
tolerances. The minimum tensile and elongation requirements
length, cross sections, and so forth, the density of aluminum-
shall be 96 % of those for round wires of the same nominal
clad steel wire shall be taken from the applicable ASTM wire
area, provided the completed conductor is capable of meeting
specification, B502/B502M.
the requirements of Section 7. The area tolerances for the
shaped wires shall be such that the finished conductor con-
9. Mass and Electrical Resistance
forms to Section 12.
9.1 The mass and electrical resistance of a unit length of
stranded conductor are a function of the length of lay. The 11.3 Before stranding, the steel core wire used shall con-
approximate mass and electrical resistance may be determined form to the requirements of Specification B341/B341M, B498/
using an increment of 1
...

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: B401 − 12 (Reapproved 2021) B401 − 22
Standard Specification for
Compact Round Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum
Conductors, Steel-Reinforced (ACSR/COMP)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B401; 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 compact round concentric-lay-stranded conductors made from aluminum 1350-H19 (extra hard)
wires and round zinc-coated, aluminum-coated, or aluminum-clad steel core wires usually used in overhead lines. These
conductors shall be constructed with one steel core wire surrounded by one or more layers of helically-laid compacted or otherwise
shaped aluminum wires (Explanatory Note 1 and Note 2).
1.2 Compact ACSR covered by this specification has five types of steel core wire which are designated by abbreviations as follows
(Explanatory Note 2 and Note 7).
1.2.1 ACSR/GA2/COMP—Compact ACSR using Class A zinc-coated steel wire,
1.2.2 ACSR/GC2/COMP—Compact ACSR using Class C zinc-coated steel wire,
1.2.3 ACSR/AW2/COMP—Compact ACSR using aluminum-clad steel wire, AW2 (Normal Strength),
1.2.4 ACSR/AW3/COMP—Compact ACSR using aluminum-clad steel wire, AW3 (High Strength).
1.3 The SI values of density and resistivity are to be regarded as standard. For all other properties the inch-pound values are to
be regarded as standard and the SI units may be approximate.
NOTE 1—Prior to 1975, aluminum 1350 was designated as EC aluminum.
NOTE 2—The aluminum and temper designations conform to ANSI H35.1. Aluminum 1350 corresponds to Unified Numbering System A91350 in
accordance with Practice E527.
1.4 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 of the issue in effect on date of material purchase form a part of this specification to the extent
referenced herein.
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, 2021Dec. 1, 2022. Published October 2021December 2022. Originally approved in 1963. Last previous edition approved in 20162021
as B401 – 12 (2016).(2021). DOI: 10.1520/B0401-12R21.10.1520/B0401-22.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B401 − 22
2.2 ASTM Standards:
B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
B230/B230M Specification for Aluminum 1350–H19 Wire for Electrical Purposes
B232/B232M Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Coated-Steel Reinforced (ACSR)
B263B263/B263M Test Method for Determination of Cross-Sectional Area of Stranded Conductors
B341/B341M Specification for Aluminum-Coated (Aluminized) Steel Core Wire for Aluminum Conductors, Steel Reinforced
(ACSR/AZ) (Withdrawn 2007)
B354 Terminology Relating to Uninsulated Metallic Electrical Conductors
B498/B498M Specification for Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Core Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Conductors
B500/B500M Specification for Metallic Coated or Aluminum Clad Stranded Steel Core for Use in Overhead Electrical
Conductors
B502B502/B502M Specification for Aluminum-Clad Steel Core Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Aluminum Conductors
B802MB802/B802M Specification for Zinc-5%Zinc–5 % Aluminum-Mischmetal Alloy-Coated Steel Core Wire for Aluminum
Conductors, Steel Reinforced (ACSR)[Metric](Discontinued 1998-Replaced by B 802/B802M)(ACSR) (Withdrawn 1998)
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the Unified Numbering System (UNS)
2.3 Other Documents:
ANSI H35.1 American National Standard Alloy and Temper Designation Systems For Aluminum
NBS Handbook 100 —Copper Wire Tables of the National Bureau of Standards
3. Ordering Information
3.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include the following information:
3.1.1 Quantity of each size and stranding (Table 1),
3.1.2 Conductor size: circular-mil area or AWG (Section 6, and Table 1),
3.1.3 Steel wire coating or aluminum-clad (see 11.3),
3.1.4 Special tension test, if required (see 15.3),
3.1.5 Place of inspection (Section 16), and
TABLE 1 Construction Requirements for Compact Round Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Steel Reinforced
Required Construction Nominal Mass for Conductors With:
Compact
Conductor Size Steel Wire Coated Steel Aluminum-Clad
Number of
Conductor
(Aluminum Wires) Diameter Core Wire Steel Core Wire
Aluminum
Diameter
Wires
cmil mm AWG in. mm in. mm lb/1000 ft kg/km lb/1000 ft kg/km
336 400 170.2 . 18 0.1367 3.47 0.628 15.95 364.8 543.3 357.2 531.1
266 800 135.0 . 18 0.1217 3.09 0.559 14.20 289.1 430.8 283.1 421.1
211 600 107.2 0000 6 0.1878 4.77 0.517 13.13 290.8 433.4 276.5 412.1
167 800 85.1 000 6 0.1672 4.25 0.461 11.71 230.5 343.9.0 219.2 327.1
133 100 67.3 00 6 0.1489 3.78 0.410 10.41 182.8 272.3 173.8 258.9
105 600 53.5 0 6 0.1327 3.37 0.365 9.27 145.2 216.4 138.1 205.8
83 690 42.4 1 6 0.1181 3.00 0.326 8.28 115.0 171.4 109.4 163.0
66 360 33.6 2 7 0.1299 3.30 0.298 7.57 106.6 158.6 99.8 148.4
66 360 33.6 2 6 0.1052 2.67 0.290 7.37 91.2 135.9 86.8 129.2
52 620 26.7 3 6 0.0937 2.38 0.258 6.55 72.4 107.9 68.8 102.6
41 740 21.1 4 7 0.1029 2.61 0.236 5.99 67.0 99.7 62.7 93.4
41 740 21.2 4 6 0.0834 2.12 0.229 5.82 57.3 85.6 54.5 81.4
26 240 13.3 6 6 0.0661 1.68 0.182 4.62 36.0 53.7 . .
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.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available from National Technical Information Service (NTIS), 5301 Shawnee Rd., Alexandria, VA 22312, http://www.ntis.gov.
B401 − 22
3.1.6 Packaging and Package Marking (Section 17).
4. Joints
4.1 Electric-butt welds, electric-butt, cold-upset welds, or cold-pressure welds in the individual round-drawn or shaped aluminum
wires may be made during the stranding process. No weld shall occur within 50 ft (15 m) of a weld in the same wire or in any
other wire of the completed conductor.
4.2 There shall be no joints of any kind made in the finished coated, or aluminum-clad steel wires.
5. Lay
5.1 The preferred length of lay of the aluminum wires of aluminum conductors, steel-reinforced, having a single wire steel core
and one layer of aluminum wires is 14 times the outside diameter of the conductor but the lay shall be not wires, shall not be less
than 13 nor more than 16 times that diameter.the outside diameter of that layer.
5.2 The preferred length of lay of the outside layer of aluminum wires of aluminum conductors, steel-reinforced, having multiple
layers of aluminum wires is 12 times the outside diameter of the conductor but the lay shall be not wires, shall not be less than
11 nor more than 14 times that diameter.the outside diameter of that layer.
5.3 The preferred length of lay of the layer immediately beneath the outside layer of aluminum wires of aluminum conductors,
steel-reinforced, having multiple layers of aluminum wires is 14 times the outside diameter of such layer but the lay shall be not
wires, shall not be less than 11 nor more than 17.5 times that diameter.the outside diameter of that layer.
5.4 The length of lay of the various layers of steel wire shall conform to the requirements of Specification B500/B500M.
5.5 In a conductor having multiple layers of aluminum wires, the length of lay of any aluminum layer shall not be less than the
length of lay of the aluminum layer immediately beneath it.
5.6 The direction of lay of the outside layer of aluminum wires shall be right hand.
5.7 The direction of lay shall be reversed in successive layers.
6. Construction
6.1 The diameter of the steel core wire, the number of aluminum wires, the aluminum cross-sectional area, the diameter and
weight of the compact round concentric-lay-stranded aluminum conductors, steel-reinforced, shall be as shown in Table 1.
7. Rated Strength of Conductor
7.1 The rated strength of a completed conductor shall be taken as the aggregate strength of the aluminum and steel components,
calculated as follows: The strength contribution of the aluminum wires shall be taken as the percentage, according to the number
of layers of aluminum wires, indicated in Table 2, of the sum of the strengths of the 1350-H19 wires, calculated on the basis of
the nominal wire diameter for the corresponding noncompacted construction given in Specification B232/B232M and the
appropriate specified minimum average tensile strength given in Specification B230/B230M. The strength contribution of the steel
TABLE 2 Strength Rating Factors
Stranding Rating Factor, %
Number of Wires Number of Layers
Aluminum Steel
Aluminum Steel Aluminum Steel
A
6 1 1 96 96
A
7 1 1 96 96
A
18 1 2 93 96
A
Central steel wire only: the 96 % Rating Factor is applied to the single steel wire
core in the event it contains a weld (made prior to drawing).
B401 − 22
core shall be taken as 96 % of the strength of the steel wire calculated from its specified nominal diameter and the appropriate
specified minimum stress at 1 % extension given in Specification B341/B341M, B498/B498M, B502B502/B502M, or
B802MB802/B802M, whichever is applicable.
7.2 Rated strength and breaking strength values shall be rounded to three significant figures, in the final value only, in accordance
with Practice E29.
7.3 Rated strength of conductors are given in Table 3.
8. Density
8.1 For the purpose of calculating mass, mass per unit length, cross sections, and so forth, the density of aluminum 1350 shall be
3 3
taken as 2705 kg/mfrom the applicable (0.0975 lb/in. ASTM ) at 20 °C. wire specification, B230/B230M.
8.2 For the purpose of calculating mass, mass per unit length, cross sections, and so forth, the density of coated steel wire shall
3 3
be taken as 7780 kg/mfrom the applicable (0.281 lb ASTM⁄in. ) at 20 °C. wire specification, B498/B498M or B802/B802M.
8.3 For the purpose of calculating mass, mass per unit length, cross sections, and so forth, the density of aluminum-clad steel wire
3 3
shall be taken as 6590 kg/mfrom the applicable (0.2381 lb ASTM⁄in. ) at 20 °C. wire specification, B502/B502M.
9. Mass and Electrical Resistance
9.1 The mass and electrical resistance of a unit length of stranded conductor are a function of the length of lay. The approximate
mass and electrical resistance may be determined using an increment of 1.5 % for conductors composed of 1 steel and 6 or 7
aluminum wires and an increment of 2 % for conductors composed of 1 steel and 18 aluminum wires. When greater accuracy is
desired, the increment based on the specific lay of the conductor may be calculated (Explanatory Note 4).
9.2 In the calculation of the electrical resistance of a completed conductor, coated steel wires may be included.
9.3 The maximum electrical resistance of a unit length of stranded conductor shall not exceed 102 % of the nominal dc resistance
shown in Table 4 (Explanatory Note 6). When the dc resistance is measured at other than 20 °C, it is to be corrected by using the
multiplying factor given in Table 5.
9.4 For conductors to be used in covered or insulated wires or cables dc resistance measurements may be used in lieu of the
method outlined in Section 12.
TABLE 3 Rated Strengths for Compact Round Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Steel-Reinforced
Rated Strength For Conductors With:
Aluminum-
Conductor Size
Coated Aluminum-Clad
Coated Steel Core Wire:
Steel Core Steel Core Wire
Wire
Number of
Class A Class B Class C
Aluminum
cmil mm AWG kips kN kips kN kips kN kips kN kips kN
Wires
336 400 170.2 . 18 8.26 36.3 8.54 37.6 8.68 38.2 8.54 37.5 8.40 36.9
266 800 135.0 . 18 6.54 28.81 6.82 30.0 6.88 30.3 6.77 29.8 6.66 29.3
211 600 107.2 0000 6 7.42 32.9 7.6
...