ASTM B836-00(2021)

Standard Specification for Compact Round Stranded Aluminum Conductors Using Single Input Wire Construction

ABSTRACT
This specification covers compact round stranded aluminium conductors using single input wire construction. Joints may be made in any of the wires of any stranding by electric-butt welding, cold-pressure welding, or electric-butt, cold-upset welding. No joint or splice shall be made in a stranded conductor as a whole. The rated-strength and breaking-strength requirements of conductor are presented in details. Tests for the mechanical and electrical properties of wire composing the conductor shall be made before, but not after, stranding unless otherwise agreed upon by the manufacturer and the purchaser as provided by the reference materials.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers aluminum/single input wire (SIW) stranded conductors made from round or shaped wires for use in covered or insulated electrical wires or cables. These conductors shall be composed of one or more roller or die compacted layers of helically applied wires (Explanatory Note 1, Explanatory Note 2, and Explanatory Note 3).  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.2.1 For density, resistivity, and temperature, the values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
Note 1: The aluminum and temper designations conform to ANSI H35.1. Aluminum 1350 and Aluminum-Alloy 8XXX correspond to Unified Numbering System A91350 and A98XXX, in accordance with Practice E527.  
1.3 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 establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
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: 31-Jan-2021
• ICS: 29.060.10 - Wires
• Technical Committee: B01 - Electrical Conductors
• Drafting Committee: B01.07 - Conductors of Light Metals

Relations

• Refers: ASTM B801-18(2023) - Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Conductors of 8000 Series Aluminum Alloy for Subsequent Covering or Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM B830-18 - Standard Specification for Uniform Test Methods and Frequency
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2018
• Refers: ASTM B801-18 - Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Conductors of 8000 Series Aluminum Alloy for Subsequent Covering or Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM B354-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Uninsulated Metallic Electrical Conductors
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2016
• Refers: ASTM B801-16 - Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Conductors of 8000 Series Aluminum Alloy for Subsequent Covering or Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• 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
• Refers: ASTM B801-07(2012) - Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Conductors of 8000 Series Aluminum Alloy for Subsequent Covering or Insulation
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2012
• Refers: ASTM B609/B609M-12e1 - Standard Specification for Aluminum 1350 Round Wire, Annealed and Intermediate Tempers, for Electrical Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM B609/B609M-12 - Standard Specification for Aluminum 1350 Round Wire, Annealed and Intermediate Tempers, for Electrical Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM B830-11 - Standard Specification for Uniform Test Methods and Frequency
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM B800-05(2011) - Standard Specification for 8000 Series Aluminum Alloy Wire for Electrical Purposes<char: emdash>Annealed and Intermediate Tempers
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM B263-04(2010) - Standard Test Method for Determination of Cross-Sectional Area of Stranded Conductors
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM B609/B609M-99(2010) - Standard Specification for Aluminum 1350 Round Wire, Annealed and Intermediate Tempers, for Electrical Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM E29-08 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008

Overview

ASTM B836-00(2021), Standard Specification for Compact Round Stranded Aluminum Conductors Using Single Input Wire Construction, is a key international standard published by ASTM International. This specification covers the requirements for compact round stranded aluminum conductors constructed using single input wire (SIW) methodology. These conductors are designed for use in covered or insulated electrical wires or cables, providing reliable performance in a range of electrical and power distribution applications.

The standard outlines permissible materials, construction methods, joint types, rated strength, mechanical and electrical testing, and packaging and marking requirements. Its guidance is applicable to conductors made from both round and shaped wires, compacted by roller or die, ensuring compliance with widely accepted safety, performance, and quality practices.

Key Topics

• Material and Construction: Defines requirements for aluminum and aluminum alloy wires, with reference to ANSI H35.1 alloy and temper designations. Both round and shaped wires can be used, arranged in one or more compacted helically applied layers.
• Joint and Splice Regulations: Permits joints in individual strand wires by specific welding methods but prohibits splicing of the entire stranded conductor.
• Mechanical and Electrical Properties: Specifies rated strength and breaking strength calculations, mass and resistance limits, and required testing both before and after stranding unless otherwise agreed.
• Metric and Imperial Units: States that inch-pound units are the default standard, with SI units provided as informational conversions.
• Testing and Inspection: Details optional and required tests for mechanical and electrical compliance, sampling procedures, and inspection responsibilities.
• Packaging and Marking: Requires clear marking of package contents, including conductor size, type, and purchase order details.

Applications

Compact round stranded aluminum conductors specified under ASTM B836-00(2021) are extensively used in:

• Power distribution and transmission: These conductors are used as the core element in covered or insulated cables for overhead and underground electrical systems.
• Utility and industrial wiring: Their robust construction and high conductivity make them ideal for large-scale electrical installations in infrastructure, commercial, and industrial facilities.
• Customization for cable manufacturers: The single input wire construction allows for efficient production of a wide range of conductor sizes from a single wire type, facilitating logistics and inventory management.
• Environments requiring reliable performance: By specifying tensile, elongation, electrical resistance, and dimensional tolerances, the standard ensures suitability for applications where safety and durability are critical.

Related Standards

Several standards complement or are referenced by ASTM B836-00(2021), forming a comprehensive framework for aluminum wire and conductor products:

• ASTM B230/B230M - Requirements for Aluminum 1350–H19 Wire for Electrical Purposes.
• ASTM B400 - Specification for Compact Round Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum 1350 Conductors.
• ASTM B609/B609M - Specification for Aluminum 1350 Round Wire, Annealed and Intermediate Tempers.
• ASTM B800 - Specification for 8000 Series Aluminum Alloy Wire for Electrical Purposes.
• ASTM B801 - Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Conductors of 8000 Series Aluminum Alloy.
• ASTM B354 - Terminology Relating to Uninsulated Metallic Electrical Conductors.
• ANSI H35.1 - Alloy and Temper Designation Systems for Aluminum.
• ASTM E29 - Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications.
• ASTM E527 - Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the Unified Numbering System (UNS).

Practical Value

ASTM B836-00(2021) assists both manufacturers and end users in specifying, producing, and sourcing compact round stranded aluminum conductors that meet stringent mechanical, electrical, and quality requirements. Adherence to this standard ensures safe, reliable, and efficient electrical transmission while supporting regulatory compliance and international trade in electrical conductors.

Keywords: compact stranded aluminum conductor, single input wire construction, ASTM B836, electrical conductors, aluminum 1350, conductor specification, mechanical properties, electrical performance, power cable standards.

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: B836 −00 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
Compact Round Stranded Aluminum Conductors Using
Single Input Wire Construction
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B836; 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 ASTM Standards:
B230/B230M Specification for Aluminum 1350–H19 Wire
1.1 This specification covers aluminum/single input wire
for Electrical Purposes
(SIW) stranded conductors made from round or shaped wires
B263 Test Method for Determination of Cross-Sectional
for use in covered or insulated electrical wires or cables.These
Area of Stranded Conductors
conductors shall be composed of one or more roller or die
B354 Terminology Relating to Uninsulated Metallic Electri-
compacted layers of helically applied wires (Explanatory Note
cal Conductors
1, Explanatory Note 2, and Explanatory Note 3).
B400 Specification for Compact Round Concentric-Lay-
Stranded Aluminum 1350 Conductors
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
B609/B609M Specification for Aluminum 1350 Round
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
Wire, Annealed and Intermediate Tempers, for Electrical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
Purposes
and are not considered standard.
B800 Specification for 8000 Series Aluminum Alloy Wire
1.2.1 For density, resistivity, and temperature, the values
for Electrical Purposes—Annealed and IntermediateTem-
stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
pers
NOTE 1—The aluminum and temper designations conform to ANSI
B801 SpecificationforConcentric-Lay-StrandedConductors
H35.1. Aluminum 1350 and Aluminum-Alloy 8XXX correspond to
of 8000 SeriesAluminumAlloy for Subsequent Covering
Unified Numbering System A91350 and A98XXX, in accordance with
or Insulation
Practice E527.
B830 Specification for Uniform Test Methods and Fre-
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
quency
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Determine Conformance with Specifications
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Unified Numbering System (UNS)
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
2.3 ANSI Standard:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ANSI H35.1 Alloy and Temper Designation Systems for
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Aluminum
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
2.4 NIST Standard:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Handbook 100 Copper Wire Tables NBS
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3. Classification
2. Referenced Documents
3.1 The conductors described in this specification are in-
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on date tendedforsubsequentinsulationorcovering.Theclassification
of these conductors is SIW Compact.
of material purchase form a part of this specification to the
extent referenced herein.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.07 on the ASTM website.
Conductors of Light Metals. Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2021. Published February 2021. Originally 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as B836 – 00 (2015). Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100
DOI: 10.1520/B0836-00R21. Bureau Dr., Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1070, http://www.nist.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B836 − 00 (2021)
4. Ordering Information 7. Construction
4.1 Orders for material in accordance with this specification 7.1 The construction of the conductors shall be as given in
shall include the following information: Table 1.
4.1.1 Quantity of each size and class (Table 1);
7.2 Wire used in the fabrication of conductors shall be of
4.1.2 Conductor size, circular-mil area orAWG (Section 7);
such dimensions as to produce a finished conductor as pre-
4.1.3 Temper (Section 12);
scribed in Table 1.
4.1.4 Lay direction, if nonstandard (see 6.2 and 6.3);
4.1.5 Special tension test, if required (see 16.2); 8. Rated Strength of Conductor
4.1.6 Place of inspection (Section 17);
8.1 The rated strength of SIW conductors made from any
4.1.7 Packaging and package marking (Section 18), and
and all alloys and tempers covered in this specification shall be
4.1.8 Material for conductor.
taken as the percentage, indicated in Table 2, of the sum of the
strengthsofthecomponentwires,calculatedonthebasisofthe
5. Joints
equivalent diameter of these wires and the specified minimum
5.1 Joints may be made in any of the wires of any stranding
average tensile strengths given in Specifications B230/B230M,
by electric-butt welding, cold-pressure welding, or electric-
B609/B609M, and B800.
butt, cold-upset welding.
8.2 Rated-strength and breaking-strength values shall be
5.1.1 Joints in the individual wires in a finished conductor
rounded to three significant figures, in the final value only, in
shall not be closer together than 1 ft (0.3 m) for conductors of
accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.
19 wires or less, or closer than 1 ft (0.3 m) in a layer for
8.3 Rated strengths of conductors are given in Table 3 of
conductors of more than 19 wires.
Specification B400 for conductors made ofAluminum 1350 in
5.2 No joint or splice shall be made in a stranded conductor
all tempers.
as a whole.
8.4 Rated strengths of conductors made from any and all
6. Lay tempers of 8000 series aluminum alloys are given in Table 3 of
Specification B801.
6.1 The length of lay of each layer for SIWconductors shall
not be less than 8 or more than 17.5 times the outside diameter
9. Density
of the finished conductor.
9.1 For the purpose of calculating mass, cross-sections, and
6.2 The direction of lay of the outer layer shall be left-hand
so forth, the density ofAluminum 1350 shall be taken as 2705
and may be reversed or unidirectional in successive layers. 3 3
kg/m (0.0975 lb/in. ) at 20°C, and the density of 8000 series
3 3
6.3 Other lay requirements may be furnished upon special aluminum alloys shall be taken as 2710 kg/m (0.098 lb/in. )
agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser. at 20°C.
TABLE 1 Construction of Compact Round, Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors
Nominal Compact Conductor
Minimum Nominal
Conductor Size Nominal dc Resistance at 20°C
Nominal
Diameter
Number of Mass/1000
Mass/km, kg
A
Wires ft, lb
Circular, mils AWG mm in. mm Ω/1000 ft Ω/km
1 000 000 . 507 53 1.060 26.9 937 1394 0.0173 0.0563
900 000 . 456 53 0.999 25.4 844 1257 0.0193 0.0632
800 000 . 405 53 0.938 23.8 750 1116 0.0217 0.0712
750 000 . 380 53 0.908 23.1 703 1046 0.0231 0.0759
700 000 . 355 34 0.877 22.3 656 976 0.0248 0.0813
650 000 . 329 34 0.845 21.5 609 906 0.0267 0.0875
600 000 . 304 34 0.813 20.7 563 838 0.0289 0.0948
550 000 . 279 34 0.775 19.7 516 768 0.0315 0.103
500 000 . 253 30 0.736 18.7 468 696 0.0347 0.114
450 000 . 228 30 0.700 17.8 422 628 0.0385 0.126
400 000 . 203 24 0.659 16.7 375 558 0.0434 0.142
350 000 . 177 24 0.616 15.6 328 488 0.0495 0.162
300 000 . 152 18 0.570 14.5 281 418 0.0578 0.190
250 000 . 127 18 0.520 13.2 234 348 0.0694 0.228
211 600 0000 107 17 0.475 12.1 198 295 0.0820 0.269
167 800 000 85.0 15 0.423 10.7 157 234 0.103 0.338
133 100 00 67.4 12 0.376 9.55 125 186 0.130 0.428
105 600 0 53.5 7 0.336 8.53 98.9 147 0.164 0.539
83 690 1 42.4 7 0.299 7.59 78.4 117 0.207 0.680
66 360 2 33.6 6 0.268 6.81 62.2 92.6 0.261 0.857
52 620 3 26.7 6 0.238 6.05 49.3 73.3 0.330 1.08
41 740 4 21.2 6 0.213 5.41 39.1 58.2 0.416 1.36
26 240 6 13.3 6 0.169 4.29 24.6 36.6 0.661 2.17
16 510 8 8.37 6 0.134 3.40 15.5 23.1 1.05 3.44
A 3
Weights are based on Aluminum 1350 with a density of 0.0975 lb/in.
B836 − 00 (2021)
TABLE 2 Rating Factors
For the 1350-H19 temper, the minimum tensile and elongation
Stranding Rating Factor, % requirements shall be 96 % of those for round wire of the same
Number of Layers
nominal area, provided the completed conductor is capable of
meeting the requirements of Sections 8 and 16.
12.3 For conductors made from all other alloys and tempers
covered in this specification with shaped wires, the tensile
requirements for the wires shall be the same as those for round
input wires of equal nominal area. The area tolerances for
TABLE 3 Temperature Correction Factors for Conductor
shaped wire of all alloys and tempers shall be such that the
Resistance
finished conductor conforms to Section 13.
Temperature, °C Multiplying Factor for Conversion to 20°C
0 1.088
13. Variation in Area
5 1.064
10 1.042
13.1 The cross-sectional area of the conductor shall not be
15 1.020
less than 98 % of the cross-sectional area as specified in
20 1.000
25 0.980 Colu
...