ASTM B559-12(2017)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Nickel-Coated, Copper-Clad Steel Wire for Electronic Application
Standard Specification for Nickel-Coated, Copper-Clad Steel Wire for Electronic Application
ABSTRACT
This specification covers nickel-coated, round, copper-clad steel wire for electronic applications. The nickel-coated wire shall consist of the basis wire coated with nickel. Tensile strength and elongation of the nickel-coated wire shall conform to the specified requirements for the applicable size and class of copper-clad steel wire. The electrical resistivity shall not exceed the values specified. Continuity, adherence, and mass of the coating shall be determined. Necessary joints in the wire and rod prior to final coating and drawing shall be made.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers nickel-coated, round, copper-clad steel wire for electronic application.
1.2 Nickel coatings in mass percentages of the total mass of the coated wire are as follows: 2, 4, 7, 10, and 27 %. Nickel-coated wire having different minimum mass percentages of nickel may be obtained by mutual agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser. For information purposes, the thickness of coating in microinches provided by the percentages listed above is shown in Table 1.
1.3 Four classes of nickel-coated, copper-clad steel wire are covered as follows:
1.3.1 Class N30HS—Nominal 30 % conductivity, hard drawn.
1.3.2 Class N30A—Nominal 30 % conductivity, annealed.
1.3.3 Class N40HS—Nominal 40 % conductivity, hard drawn.
1.3.4 Class N40A—Nominal 40 % conductivity, annealed.
1.4 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.
1.4.1 Exception—The SI values for resistivity are to be regarded as standard.
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method described in this specification. 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. (Warning—Consideration should be given to toxicity and flammability when selecting solvent cleaners.)
1.6 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.
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Buy Standard
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: B559 −12 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Specification for
Nickel-Coated, Copper-Clad Steel Wire for Electronic
Application
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B559; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1 This specification covers nickel-coated, round, copper-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
clad steel wire for electronic application.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.2 Nickel coatings in mass percentages of the total mass of
2. Referenced Documents
the coated wire are as follows: 2, 4, 7, 10, and 27%.
Nickel-coated wire having different minimum mass percent-
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on date
ages of nickel may be obtained by mutual agreement between
of material purchase form a part of this specification to the
the manufacturer and the purchaser. For information purposes,
extent referenced herein:
the thickness of coating in microinches provided by the
2.2 ASTM Standards:
percentages listed above is shown in Table 1.
B193Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor
1.3 Four classes of nickel-coated, copper-clad steel wire are
Materials
covered as follows:
B258 Specification for Nominal Diameters and Cross-
1.3.1 Class N30HS—Nominal 30 % conductivity, hard
SectionalAreasofAWGSizesofSolidRoundWiresUsed
drawn.
as Electrical Conductors
1.3.2 Class N30A—Nominal 30% conductivity, annealed.
B452Specification for Copper-Clad Steel Wire for Elec-
1.3.3 Class N40HS—Nominal 40 % conductivity, hard
tronic Application
drawn.
E75Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper-Nickel
1.3.4 Class N40A—Nominal 40% conductivity, annealed.
and Copper-Nickel-Zinc Alloys (Withdrawn 2010)
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded 2.3 American Chemical Society:
StandardReagents Tests
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only 2.4 NIST Standard:
NBS Handbook 100 Copper Wire Tables
and are not considered standard.
1.4.1 Exception—The SI values for resistivity are to be
3. Terminology
regarded as standard.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
3.1.1 lot—any amount of wire of one class and size pre-
test method described in this specification. This standard does
sented for acceptance at one time, such amount, however, not
not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,
to exceed 10000 lb (4500 kg) (Note 1).
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
to use. (Warning—Consideration should be given to toxicity
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
and flammability when selecting solvent cleaners.)
the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
www.astm.org.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, American
Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on listed by the American Chemical Society, see Analar Standards for Laboratory
Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.06 on Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia
Bi-Metallic Conductors. and National Formulary,U.S.PharmaceuticalConvention,Inc.(USPC),Rockville,
Current edition approved April 1, 2017. Published April 2017. Originally MD.
approved in 1972. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as B559–12. DOI: Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100
10.1520/B0559-12R17. 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
B559 − 12 (2017)
TABLE 1 Nickel Mass Percent and Thickness of Coating
Thickness of Nickel,µ in.
Diameter Cross-Sectional Area at 20°C
(for information only)
2 2
in. mm cmil in. mm 2.0 % 4.0 % 7.0 % 10.0 % 27.0 %
0.0720 1.829 5 180 0.00407 2.63 334 637 1 181 1 703 4 892
0.0641 1.628 4 110 0.00323 2.08 298 566 1 050 1 514 4 349
0.0571 1.450 3 260 0.00256 1.65 266 505 936 1 350 3 880
0.0508 1.290 2 580 0.00203 1.31 236 450 833 1 200 3 452
0.0453 1.151 2 050 0.00161 1.04 211 401 743 1 071 3 077
0.0403 1.024 1 620 0.00128 0.823 202 357 661 953 2 738
0.0359 0.912 1 290 0.00101 0.653 167 318 589 849 2 439
0.0320 0.813 1 020 0.000804 0.519 149 283 525 757 2 174
0.0285 0.724 812 0.000638 0.412 133 252 467 686 1 937
0.0253 0.643 640 0.000503 0.324 118 224 415 598 1 719
0.0226 0.574 511 0.000401 0.259 105 200 371 535 1 536
0.0201 0.511 404 0.000317 0.205 94 178 330 475 1 366
0.0179 0.455 320 0.000252 0.162 83 158 294 423 1 216
0.0159 0.404 253 0.000199 0.128 74 141 261 376 1 080
0.0142 0.361 202 0.000158 0.102 66 126 233 336 965
0.0126 0.320 159 0.000125 0.0804 59 112 207 298 856
0.0113 0.287 128 0.000100 0.0647 53 100 185 267 768
0.0100 0.254 100 0.0000785 0.0507 47 89 164 237 680
0.0089 0.226 79.2 0.0000622 0.0401 41 80 146 211 605
0.0080 0.203 64.0 0.0000503 0.0324 . 71 131 189 544
0.0071 0.180 50.4 0.0000396 0.0255 . 63 116 168 482
0.0063 0.160 39.7 0.0000312 0.0201 . 56 103 149 428
0.0056 0.142 31.4 0.0000246 0.0159 . 50 92 132 381
0.0050 0.127 25.0 0.0000196 0.0127 . 44 82 118 340
0.0045 0.114 20.2 0.0000159 0.0103 . 40 74 106 306
0.0040 0.102 16.0 0.0000126 0.00811 . . 66 95 272
0.0035 0.089 12.2 0.00000962 0.00621 . . 57 83 238
0.0031 0.079 9.61 0.00000755 0.00487 . . 51 73 211
NOTE1—Alotshouldcomprisematerialtakenfromaproductregularly
5.2 The nickel-coated wire shall consist of the basis wire
meeting the requirements of this specification. Inspection of individual
coated with nickel (Note 2). The quality of the nickel-coated
lots of less than 500 lb (230 kg) of wire cannot be justified economically.
wireshallbesuchthatthefinishedproductmeetstheproperties
For small lots of 500 lb (230 kg) or less, the purchaser may agree to the
and requirements in this specification.
manufacturers’regularinspectionoftheproductasawholeasevidenceof
acceptability of such small lots.
NOTE2—Nickeloncopper-cladsteelwireprovidesaprotectivecoating
3.1.2 sample—a quantity of production units (coils, reels,
for a prevention of oxidation of the copper either during fabrication or
service.
etc.) selected at random from the lot for the purpose of
determining conformance of the lot to the requirements of this
6. General Requirements
specification.
6.1 Tensile strength and elongation of the nickel-coated
3.1.3 specimen—a length of wire removed for test purposes
wire shall conform to the requirements of Specification B452
from any individual production unit of the sample.
for the applicable size and class of copper-clad steel wire.
4. Ordering Information 6.2 Resistivity—The electrical resistivity at a temperature of
20°C shall not exceed the values prescribed in Table 2
4.1 Ordersformaterialunderthisspecificationshallinclude
(Explanatory Note 1).
the following information:
4.1.1 Quantity of each size.
4.1.2 Wire size (see Section 7 and Table 1).
TABLE 2 Resistivity
4.1.3 Class of basis wire (see 1.3).
Resistivity, max at 20°C
4.1.4 Mass percentage of nickel coating (see 1.2 andTable
Class of Wire Nickel Ω-mm /m
1).
Mass %
4.1.5 Package size (see 14.2 and Section 14). Packaging
N30A and N30HS 2 0.05906 (0.059062)
4 0.05951 (0.059513)
inspection, if required (see 9.1.3).
7 0.06021 (0.060210)
4.1.6 Special package marking, if required.
10 0.06093 (0.060926)
4.1.7 Place of inspection (see 13.1).
27 0.06543 (0.065433)
N40A and N40HS 2 0.04442 (0.044418)
5. Materials and Manufacture
4 0.04490 (0.044902)
7 0.04561 (0.045614)
5.1 Thebasismaterialshallconsistofcopper-cladsteelwire
10 0.04636 (0.046362)
conforming to the product description, quality and specifica-
27 0.05122 (0.051216)
tion requirements of Specification B452.
B559 − 12 (2017)
TABLE 3 Sampling for Surface Finish and Packaging Inspection
6.3 Continuity of Coating—The nickel coating shall be
continuous. The continuity of the coating shall be determined Allowable
Number of
Number of Units Number of
on representative samples taken before stranding or insulating
Units in
in Lot Defective
Sample, n
and shall be determined by the sodium polysulfide test, in
Units, c
accordance with 10.2.Wire whose coating weight corresponds
1 to 30, incl all 0
31 to 50, incl 30 0
toathicknesslessthan50µin.(0.00005in.)(1.3µm)shallnot
51 to 100, incl 37 0
be subject to this test.
101 to 200, incl 40 0
201 to 300, incl 70 1
6.4 Adherence of Coating—The nickel coating shall be
301 to 500, incl 100 2
firmlyadheredtothesurfaceofthecopper-cladsteelwire.The
501 to 800, incl 130 3
adherence of coating on the wire shall be determined on
Over 800 155 4
representative samples taken before stranding or insulating.
Theadherenceofcoatingshallbedeterminedbythewrapping,
and immersion test in accordance with 10.3.
8.2 ThefinishofthesamplestakeninaccordancewithTable
6.5 Mass of Coating—Themassofnickelcoatingexpressed
3shallconformtotherequirementsof8.1.Thenumberofunits
inpercentofthetotalmassofthewireshallbenotlessthanthe
in the sample showing surface defects not consistent with
percentage specified and referred to in this specification or the
commercial practice shall not exceed the allowable defect
percentage as agreed on between the manufacturer and pur-
number c in Table 3. Failure to meet this requirement shall
chaser at the time of the placing of the order. For ease of
constitute failure to meet the finish conformance criterion.
comparison, the thickness of coating for various percentages
has been included in Table 1.
9. Sampling
6.6 Joints—Necessary joints in the wire and rods prior to
9.1 The number of production units in a sample (Note 4)
final coating and drawing shall be made in accordance with
shall be as follows:
good commercial practice.
NOTE 4—Cumulative results secured on the product of a single
7. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
manufacturer, indicating continued conformance to the criteria, are
necessary to ensure an over-all product meeting the requirements of this
7.1 The wire sizes shall be expressed as the diameter of the
specification. The sample size and conformance criteria given for the
wire in decimal fractions of an inch to the nearest 0.0001 in.
various characteristics are applicable only to lots produced under these
(0.003 mm) (Note 3). For diameters under 0.0100 in. (0.254
conditions.
mm), the wire shall not vary from the specified diameter by
9.1.1 For tensile strength, elongation, resistivity, mass of
more than+0.0003 in. (0.009 mm) and−0.0001 in. (0.003
coating and adhesion and other defects, the sample shall
mm) and for diameters of 0.0100 in. (0.254 mm) and over, the
consistoffourproductionunits.Forsurfacefinishthesampling
wire shall not vary from the specified diameter by more
shall be in accordance with Table 3. From each unit, one test
than+3% and−1%, expressed to the nearest 0.0001 in.
specimen of sufficient length shall be removed for the perfor-
(0.003 mm).
mance of required tests.
9.1.2 For dimensional measurements, the sample shall con-
NOTE 3—The values of the wire diameters in Table 1 are given to the
nearest 0.0001 in. (0.003 mm) and correspond to the standard sizes given
sist of a quantity of production units shown in Table 4 under
inSpecificationB258.Theuseofgagenumberstospecifywiresizesisnot
heading“ First Sample.”
recognizedinthisspecificationbecauseofthepossibilityofconfusion.An
9.1.3 For packaging inspection (when specified by the
excellentdiscussionofwiregagesandrelatedsubjectsiscontainedin NBS
purchaser at the time of placing the order), the sample shall
Handbook 100.
consist of a quantity of production units as shown in Table 3.
8. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
10. Test Methods
8.1 Thenickelcoatingshallconsistofasmooth,continuous
layer, firmly adherent to the surface of the copper. The wire 10.1 Tensile Properties—For tensile strength, elongation,
shall be bright and free from all imperfections not consistent resistivity, dimensional measurement, and the quality of the
with good commercial practice. basis wire, the latest issue of Specification B452 shall apply
TABLE 4 Sampling for Dimensional Measurements
First Sample Second Sample
Number of Units
Allowable Number Allowable Number
Number of Units Number of Units
in Lot
of Defects in n + n of Defects in Both
1 2
in Sample, n in Sample n
1 2
Sample c Samples, c
1 2
1 to 14, incl all 0 . . 0
15 to 50, incl 14 0 . . 0
51 to 100, incl 19 0 23 42 1
101 to 200, incl 24 0 46 70 2
201 to 400, incl 29 0 76 105 3
401 to 800, incl 33 0 112 145 4
Over 800 34 0 116 150 4
B559 − 12 (2017)
and the tests shall be performed on the nickel-coated wire 10.3.2.1 Wrapping—Wrap the test specimen slowly in a
(Explanatory Note 2). suitable manner in an open helix around a wire of its own
diameter. Take care not to stretch the specimen during the
10.2 Continuity of Coating:
wrapping operation.The spacing of the consecutive turns shall
10.2.1 Specimens:
be approximately equal to the diameter of the wire. For wire
10.2.1.1 Length of Specimens—Test specimens shall each
sizes 0.021 in. (0.53 mm) and smaller, use approximately six
have a length of about 6 in. (150 mm).They shall be tagged or
helical turns for the test. For wire larger than 0.021 in., use
marked to correspond with the coil, spool, or reel from which
approximately three turns.
they were cut.
10.3.2.2 Immersion Test—Remove the helically wrapped
10.2.1.2 Treatment of Specimens—The specimens shall be
portion of the test specimen from the mandrel and co
...
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: B559 − 12 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Specification for
Nickel-Coated, Copper-Clad Steel Wire for Electronic
Application
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B559; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1 This specification covers nickel-coated, round, copper-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
clad steel wire for electronic application.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.2 Nickel coatings in mass percentages of the total mass of
2. Referenced Documents
the coated wire are as follows: 2, 4, 7, 10, and 27 %.
Nickel-coated wire having different minimum mass percent-
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on date
ages of nickel may be obtained by mutual agreement between
of material purchase form a part of this specification to the
the manufacturer and the purchaser. For information purposes,
extent referenced herein:
the thickness of coating in microinches provided by the
2.2 ASTM Standards:
percentages listed above is shown in Table 1.
B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor
1.3 Four classes of nickel-coated, copper-clad steel wire are
Materials
covered as follows:
B258 Specification for Nominal Diameters and Cross-
1.3.1 Class N30HS—Nominal 30 % conductivity, hard
Sectional Areas of AWG Sizes of Solid Round Wires Used
drawn.
as Electrical Conductors
1.3.2 Class N30A—Nominal 30 % conductivity, annealed.
B452 Specification for Copper-Clad Steel Wire for Elec-
1.3.3 Class N40HS—Nominal 40 % conductivity, hard
tronic Application
drawn.
E75 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper-Nickel
1.3.4 Class N40A—Nominal 40 % conductivity, annealed.
and Copper-Nickel-Zinc Alloys (Withdrawn 2010)
2.3 American Chemical Society:
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical Standard Reagents Tests
2.4 NIST Standard:
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard. NBS Handbook 100 Copper Wire Tables
1.4.1 Exception—The SI values for resistivity are to be
3. Terminology
regarded as standard.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
3.1.1 lot—any amount of wire of one class and size pre-
test method described in this specification. This standard does
sented for acceptance at one time, such amount, however, not
not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,
to exceed 10 000 lb (4500 kg) (Note 1).
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
to use. (Warning—Consideration should be given to toxicity
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
and flammability when selecting solvent cleaners.)
the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
www.astm.org.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, American
Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on listed by the American Chemical Society, see Analar Standards for Laboratory
Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.06 on Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia
Bi-Metallic Conductors. and National Formulary, U.S. Pharmaceutical Convention, Inc. (USPC), Rockville,
Current edition approved April 1, 2017. Published April 2017. Originally MD.
approved in 1972. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as B559 – 12. DOI: Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100
10.1520/B0559-12R17. 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
B559 − 12 (2017)
TABLE 1 Nickel Mass Percent and Thickness of Coating
Thickness of Nickel,µ in.
Diameter Cross-Sectional Area at 20°C
(for information only)
2 2
in. mm cmil in. mm 2.0 % 4.0 % 7.0 % 10.0 % 27.0 %
0.0720 1.829 5 180 0.00407 2.63 334 637 1 181 1 703 4 892
0.0641 1.628 4 110 0.00323 2.08 298 566 1 050 1 514 4 349
0.0571 1.450 3 260 0.00256 1.65 266 505 936 1 350 3 880
0.0508 1.290 2 580 0.00203 1.31 236 450 833 1 200 3 452
0.0453 1.151 2 050 0.00161 1.04 211 401 743 1 071 3 077
0.0403 1.024 1 620 0.00128 0.823 202 357 661 953 2 738
0.0359 0.912 1 290 0.00101 0.653 167 318 589 849 2 439
0.0320 0.813 1 020 0.000804 0.519 149 283 525 757 2 174
0.0285 0.724 812 0.000638 0.412 133 252 467 686 1 937
0.0253 0.643 640 0.000503 0.324 118 224 415 598 1 719
0.0226 0.574 511 0.000401 0.259 105 200 371 535 1 536
0.0201 0.511 404 0.000317 0.205 94 178 330 475 1 366
0.0179 0.455 320 0.000252 0.162 83 158 294 423 1 216
0.0159 0.404 253 0.000199 0.128 74 141 261 376 1 080
0.0142 0.361 202 0.000158 0.102 66 126 233 336 965
0.0126 0.320 159 0.000125 0.0804 59 112 207 298 856
0.0113 0.287 128 0.000100 0.0647 53 100 185 267 768
0.0100 0.254 100 0.0000785 0.0507 47 89 164 237 680
0.0089 0.226 79.2 0.0000622 0.0401 41 80 146 211 605
0.0080 0.203 64.0 0.0000503 0.0324 . 71 131 189 544
0.0071 0.180 50.4 0.0000396 0.0255 . 63 116 168 482
0.0063 0.160 39.7 0.0000312 0.0201 . 56 103 149 428
0.0056 0.142 31.4 0.0000246 0.0159 . 50 92 132 381
0.0050 0.127 25.0 0.0000196 0.0127 . 44 82 118 340
0.0045 0.114 20.2 0.0000159 0.0103 . 40 74 106 306
0.0040 0.102 16.0 0.0000126 0.00811 . . 66 95 272
0.0035 0.089 12.2 0.00000962 0.00621 . . 57 83 238
0.0031 0.079 9.61 0.00000755 0.00487 . . 51 73 211
NOTE 1—A lot should comprise material taken from a product regularly
5.2 The nickel-coated wire shall consist of the basis wire
meeting the requirements of this specification. Inspection of individual
coated with nickel (Note 2). The quality of the nickel-coated
lots of less than 500 lb (230 kg) of wire cannot be justified economically.
wire shall be such that the finished product meets the properties
For small lots of 500 lb (230 kg) or less, the purchaser may agree to the
and requirements in this specification.
manufacturers’ regular inspection of the product as a whole as evidence of
acceptability of such small lots.
NOTE 2—Nickel on copper-clad steel wire provides a protective coating
3.1.2 sample—a quantity of production units (coils, reels, for a prevention of oxidation of the copper either during fabrication or
service.
etc.) selected at random from the lot for the purpose of
determining conformance of the lot to the requirements of this
6. General Requirements
specification.
6.1 Tensile strength and elongation of the nickel-coated
3.1.3 specimen—a length of wire removed for test purposes
wire shall conform to the requirements of Specification B452
from any individual production unit of the sample.
for the applicable size and class of copper-clad steel wire.
4. Ordering Information 6.2 Resistivity—The electrical resistivity at a temperature of
20°C shall not exceed the values prescribed in Table 2
4.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
(Explanatory Note 1).
the following information:
4.1.1 Quantity of each size.
4.1.2 Wire size (see Section 7 and Table 1).
TABLE 2 Resistivity
4.1.3 Class of basis wire (see 1.3).
Resistivity, max at 20°C
4.1.4 Mass percentage of nickel coating (see 1.2 and Table
Class of Wire Nickel Ω-mm /m
1).
Mass %
4.1.5 Package size (see 14.2 and Section 14). Packaging
N30A and N30HS 2 0.05906 (0.059062)
4 0.05951 (0.059513)
inspection, if required (see 9.1.3).
7 0.06021 (0.060210)
4.1.6 Special package marking, if required.
10 0.06093 (0.060926)
4.1.7 Place of inspection (see 13.1).
27 0.06543 (0.065433)
N40A and N40HS 2 0.04442 (0.044418)
5. Materials and Manufacture
4 0.04490 (0.044902)
7 0.04561 (0.045614)
5.1 The basis material shall consist of copper-clad steel wire
10 0.04636 (0.046362)
conforming to the product description, quality and specifica-
27 0.05122 (0.051216)
tion requirements of Specification B452.
B559 − 12 (2017)
TABLE 3 Sampling for Surface Finish and Packaging Inspection
6.3 Continuity of Coating—The nickel coating shall be
continuous. The continuity of the coating shall be determined Allowable
Number of
Number of Units Number of
on representative samples taken before stranding or insulating
Units in
in Lot Defective
Sample, n
and shall be determined by the sodium polysulfide test, in
Units, c
accordance with 10.2. Wire whose coating weight corresponds
1 to 30, incl all 0
to a thickness less than 50 µ in. (0.00005 in.) (1.3 µm) shall not 31 to 50, incl 30 0
51 to 100, incl 37 0
be subject to this test.
101 to 200, incl 40 0
201 to 300, incl 70 1
6.4 Adherence of Coating—The nickel coating shall be
301 to 500, incl 100 2
firmly adhered to the surface of the copper-clad steel wire. The
501 to 800, incl 130 3
adherence of coating on the wire shall be determined on
Over 800 155 4
representative samples taken before stranding or insulating.
The adherence of coating shall be determined by the wrapping,
and immersion test in accordance with 10.3.
8.2 The finish of the samples taken in accordance with Table
6.5 Mass of Coating—The mass of nickel coating expressed
3 shall conform to the requirements of 8.1. The number of units
in percent of the total mass of the wire shall be not less than the
in the sample showing surface defects not consistent with
percentage specified and referred to in this specification or the
commercial practice shall not exceed the allowable defect
percentage as agreed on between the manufacturer and pur-
number c in Table 3. Failure to meet this requirement shall
chaser at the time of the placing of the order. For ease of
constitute failure to meet the finish conformance criterion.
comparison, the thickness of coating for various percentages
has been included in Table 1.
9. Sampling
6.6 Joints—Necessary joints in the wire and rods prior to
9.1 The number of production units in a sample (Note 4)
final coating and drawing shall be made in accordance with
shall be as follows:
good commercial practice.
NOTE 4—Cumulative results secured on the product of a single
7. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
manufacturer, indicating continued conformance to the criteria, are
necessary to ensure an over-all product meeting the requirements of this
7.1 The wire sizes shall be expressed as the diameter of the
specification. The sample size and conformance criteria given for the
wire in decimal fractions of an inch to the nearest 0.0001 in.
various characteristics are applicable only to lots produced under these
(0.003 mm) (Note 3). For diameters under 0.0100 in. (0.254
conditions.
mm), the wire shall not vary from the specified diameter by
9.1.1 For tensile strength, elongation, resistivity, mass of
more than + 0.0003 in. (0.009 mm) and − 0.0001 in. (0.003
coating and adhesion and other defects, the sample shall
mm) and for diameters of 0.0100 in. (0.254 mm) and over, the
consist of four production units. For surface finish the sampling
wire shall not vary from the specified diameter by more
shall be in accordance with Table 3. From each unit, one test
than + 3 % and − 1 %, expressed to the nearest 0.0001 in.
specimen of sufficient length shall be removed for the perfor-
(0.003 mm).
mance of required tests.
9.1.2 For dimensional measurements, the sample shall con-
NOTE 3—The values of the wire diameters in Table 1 are given to the
nearest 0.0001 in. (0.003 mm) and correspond to the standard sizes given
sist of a quantity of production units shown in Table 4 under
in Specification B258. The use of gage numbers to specify wire sizes is not
heading“ First Sample.”
recognized in this specification because of the possibility of confusion. An
9.1.3 For packaging inspection (when specified by the
excellent discussion of wire gages and related subjects is contained in NBS
purchaser at the time of placing the order), the sample shall
Handbook 100.
consist of a quantity of production units as shown in Table 3.
8. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
10. Test Methods
8.1 The nickel coating shall consist of a smooth, continuous
layer, firmly adherent to the surface of the copper. The wire 10.1 Tensile Properties—For tensile strength, elongation,
shall be bright and free from all imperfections not consistent resistivity, dimensional measurement, and the quality of the
with good commercial practice. basis wire, the latest issue of Specification B452 shall apply
TABLE 4 Sampling for Dimensional Measurements
First Sample Second Sample
Number of Units
Allowable Number Allowable Number
Number of Units Number of Units
in Lot
of Defects in n + n of Defects in Both
1 2
in Sample, n in Sample n
1 2
Sample c Samples, c
1 2
1 to 14, incl all 0 . . 0
15 to 50, incl 14 0 . . 0
51 to 100, incl 19 0 23 42 1
101 to 200, incl 24 0 46 70 2
201 to 400, incl 29 0 76 105 3
401 to 800, incl 33 0 112 145 4
Over 800 34 0 116 150 4
B559 − 12 (2017)
and the tests shall be performed on the nickel-coated wire 10.3.2.1 Wrapping—Wrap the test specimen slowly in a
(Explanatory Note 2). suitable manner in an open helix around a wire of its own
diameter. Take care not to stretch the specimen during the
10.2 Continuity of Coating:
wrapping operation. The spacing of the consecutive turns shall
10.2.1 Specimens:
be approximately equal to the diameter of the wire. For wire
10.2.1.1 Length of Specimens—Test specimens shall each
sizes 0.021 in. (0.53 mm) and smaller, use approximately six
have a length of about 6 in. (150 mm). They shall be tagged or
helical turns for the test. For wire larger than 0.021 in., use
marked to correspond with the coil, spool, or reel from which
approximately three turns.
they were cut.
10.3.2.2 Immersion Test—Remove the helically wrapped
10.2.1.2
...
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: B559 − 12 B559 − 12 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Specification for
Nickel-Coated, Copper-Clad Steel Wire for Electronic
Application
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B559; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers nickel-coated, round, copper-clad steel wire for electronic application.
1.2 Nickel coatings in mass percentages of the total mass of the coated wire are as follows: 2, 4, 7, 10, and 27 %. Nickel-coated
wire having different minimum mass percentages of nickel may be obtained by mutual agreement between the manufacturer and
the purchaser. For information purposes, the thickness of coating in microinches provided by the percentages listed above is shown
in Table 1.
1.3 Four classes of nickel-coated, copper-clad steel wire are covered as follows:
1.3.1 Class N30HS—Nominal 30 % conductivity, hard drawn.
1.3.2 Class N30A—Nominal 30 % conductivity, annealed.
1.3.3 Class N40HS—Nominal 40 % conductivity, hard drawn.
1.3.4 Class N40A—Nominal 40 % conductivity, annealed.
1.4 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.
1.4.1 Exception—The SI values for resistivity are to be regarded as standard.
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method described in this specification. 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
(Warning—Consideration should be given to toxicity and flammability when selecting solvent cleaners.)
1.6 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:
2.2 ASTM Standards:
B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
B258 Specification for Nominal Diameters and Cross-Sectional Areas of AWG Sizes of Solid Round Wires Used as Electrical
Conductors
B452 Specification for Copper-Clad Steel Wire for Electronic Application
E75 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Copper-Nickel and Copper-Nickel-Zinc Alloys (Withdrawn 2010)
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.06 on Bi-Metallic
Conductors.
Current edition approved Oct. 15, 2012April 1, 2017. Published November 2012April 2017. Originally approved in 1972. Last previous edition approved in 20072012
as B559 – 93 (2007).B559 – 12. DOI: 10.1520/B0559-12.10.1520/B0559-12R17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. 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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B559 − 12 (2017)
TABLE 1 Nickel Mass Percent and Thickness of Coating
Thickness of Nickel,μ in.
Diameter Cross-Sectional Area at 20°C
(for information only)
2 2
in. mm cmil in. mm 2.0 % 4.0 % 7.0 % 10.0 % 27.0 %
0.0720 1.829 5 180 0.00407 2.63 334 637 1 181 1 703 4 892
0.0641 1.628 4 110 0.00323 2.08 298 566 1 050 1 514 4 349
0.0571 1.450 3 260 0.00256 1.65 266 505 936 1 350 3 880
0.0508 1.290 2 580 0.00203 1.31 236 450 833 1 200 3 452
0.0453 1.151 2 050 0.00161 1.04 211 401 743 1 071 3 077
0.0403 1.024 1 620 0.00128 0.823 202 357 661 953 2 738
0.0359 0.912 1 290 0.00101 0.653 167 318 589 849 2 439
0.0320 0.813 1 020 0.000804 0.519 149 283 525 757 2 174
0.0285 0.724 812 0.000638 0.412 133 252 467 686 1 937
0.0253 0.643 640 0.000503 0.324 118 224 415 598 1 719
0.0226 0.574 511 0.000401 0.259 105 200 371 535 1 536
0.0201 0.511 404 0.000317 0.205 94 178 330 475 1 366
0.0179 0.455 320 0.000252 0.162 83 158 294 423 1 216
0.0159 0.404 253 0.000199 0.128 74 141 261 376 1 080
0.0142 0.361 202 0.000158 0.102 66 126 233 336 965
0.0126 0.320 159 0.000125 0.0804 59 112 207 298 856
0.0113 0.287 128 0.000100 0.0647 53 100 185 267 768
0.0100 0.254 100 0.0000785 0.0507 47 89 164 237 680
0.0089 0.226 79.2 0.0000622 0.0401 41 80 146 211 605
0.0080 0.203 64.0 0.0000503 0.0324 . 71 131 189 544
0.0071 0.180 50.4 0.0000396 0.0255 . 63 116 168 482
0.0063 0.160 39.7 0.0000312 0.0201 . 56 103 149 428
0.0056 0.142 31.4 0.0000246 0.0159 . 50 92 132 381
0.0050 0.127 25.0 0.0000196 0.0127 . 44 82 118 340
0.0045 0.114 20.2 0.0000159 0.0103 . 40 74 106 306
0.0040 0.102 16.0 0.0000126 0.00811 . . 66 95 272
0.0035 0.089 12.2 0.00000962 0.00621 . . 57 83 238
0.0031 0.079 9.61 0.00000755 0.00487 . . 51 73 211
2.3 American Chemical Society:
Standard Reagents Tests
2.4 NIST Standard:
NBS Handbook 100 Copper Wire Tables
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 lot—any amount of wire of one class and size presented for acceptance at one time, such amount, however, not to exceed
10 000 lb (4500 kg) (Note 1).
NOTE 1—A lot should comprise material taken from a product regularly meeting the requirements of this specification. Inspection of individual lots
of less than 500 lb (230 kg) of wire cannot be justified economically. For small lots of 500 lb (230 kg) or less, the purchaser may agree to the
manufacturers’ regular inspection of the product as a whole as evidence of acceptability of such small lots.
3.1.2 sample—a quantity of production units (coils, reels, etc.) selected at random from the lot for the purpose of determining
conformance of the lot to the requirements of this specification.
3.1.3 specimen—a length of wire removed for test purposes from any individual production unit of the sample.
4. Ordering Information
4.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include the following information:
4.1.1 Quantity of each size.
4.1.2 Wire size (see Section 7 and Table 1).
4.1.3 Class of basis wire (see 1.3).
4.1.4 Mass percentage of nickel coating (see 1.2 and Table 1).
4.1.5 Package size (see 14.2 and Section 14). Packaging inspection, if required (see 9.1.3).
4.1.6 Special package marking, if required.
4.1.7 Place of inspection (see 13.1).
Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, American Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not listed by
the American Chemical Society, see Analar Standards for Laboratory Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia and National
Formulary, U.S. Pharmaceutical Convention, Inc. (USPC), Rockville, MD.
Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100 Bureau Dr., Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1070, http://www.nist.gov.
B559 − 12 (2017)
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 The basis material shall consist of copper-clad steel wire conforming to the product description, quality and specification
requirements of Specification B452.
5.2 The nickel-coated wire shall consist of the basis wire coated with nickel (Note 2). The quality of the nickel-coated wire shall
be such that the finished product meets the properties and requirements in this specification.
NOTE 2—Nickel on copper-clad steel wire provides a protective coating for a prevention of oxidation of the copper either during fabrication or service.
6. General Requirements
6.1 Tensile strength and elongation of the nickel-coated wire shall conform to the requirements of Specification B452 for the
applicable size and class of copper-clad steel wire.
6.2 Resistivity—The electrical resistivity at a temperature of 20°C shall not exceed the values prescribed in Table 2 (Explanatory
Note 1).
6.3 Continuity of Coating—The nickel coating shall be continuous. The continuity of the coating shall be determined on
representative samples taken before stranding or insulating and shall be determined by the sodium polysulfide test, in accordance
with 10.2. Wire whose coating weight corresponds to a thickness less than 50 μ in. (0.00005 in.) (1.3 μm) shall not be subject to
this test.
6.4 Adherence of Coating—The nickel coating shall be firmly adhered to the surface of the copper-clad steel wire. The
adherence of coating on the wire shall be determined on representative samples taken before stranding or insulating. The adherence
of coating shall be determined by the wrapping, and immersion test in accordance with 10.3.
6.5 Mass of Coating—The mass of nickel coating expressed in percent of the total mass of the wire shall be not less than the
percentage specified and referred to in this specification or the percentage as agreed on between the manufacturer and purchaser
at the time of the placing of the order. For ease of comparison, the thickness of coating for various percentages has been included
in Table 1.
6.6 Joints—Necessary joints in the wire and rods prior to final coating and drawing shall be made in accordance with good
commercial practice.
7. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
7.1 The wire sizes shall be expressed as the diameter of the wire in decimal fractions of an inch to the nearest 0.0001 in. (0.003
mm) (Note 3). For diameters under 0.0100 in. (0.254 mm), the wire shall not vary from the specified diameter by more
than + 0.0003 in. (0.009 mm) and − 0.0001 in. (0.003 mm) and for diameters of 0.0100 in. (0.254 mm) and over, the wire shall
not vary from the specified diameter by more than + 3 % and − 1 %, expressed to the nearest 0.0001 in. (0.003 mm).
NOTE 3—The values of the wire diameters in Table 1 are given to the nearest 0.0001 in. (0.003 mm) and correspond to the standard sizes given in
Specification B258. The use of gage numbers to specify wire sizes is not recognized in this specification because of the possibility of confusion. An
excellent discussion of wire gages and related subjects is contained in NBS Handbook 100.
8. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
8.1 The nickel coating shall consist of a smooth, continuous layer, firmly adherent to the surface of the copper. The wire shall
be bright and free from all imperfections not consistent with good commercial practice.
8.2 The finish of the samples taken in accordance with Table 3 shall conform to the requirements of 8.1. The number of units
in the sample showing surface defects not consistent with commercial practice shall not exceed the allowable defect number c in
Table 3. Failure to meet this requirement shall constitute failure to meet the finish conformance criterion.
TABLE 2 Resistivity
Resistivity, max at 20°C
Class of Wire Nickel Ω-mm /m
Mass %
N30A and N30HS 2 0.05906 (0.059062)
4 0.05951 (0.059513)
7 0.06021 (0.060210)
10 0.06093 (0.060926)
27 0.06543 (0.065433)
N40A and N40HS 2 0.04442 (0.044418)
4 0.04490 (0.044902)
7 0.04561 (0.045614)
10 0.04636 (0.046362)
27 0.05122 (0.051216)
B559 − 12 (2017)
TABLE 3 Sampling for Surface Finish and Packaging Inspection
Allowable
Number of
Number of Units Number of
Units in
in Lot Defective
Sample, n
Units, c
1 to 30, incl all 0
31 to 50, incl 30 0
51 to 100, incl 37 0
101 to 200, incl 40 0
201 to 300, incl 70 1
301 to 500, incl 100 2
501 to 800, incl 130 3
Over 800 155 4
9. Sampling
9.1 The number of production units in a sample (Note 4) shall be as follows:
NOTE 4—Cumulative results secured on the product of a single manufacturer, indicating continued conformance to the criteria, are necessary to ensure
an over-all product meeting the requirements of this specification. The sample size and conformance criteria given for the various characteristics are
applicable only to lots produced under these conditions.
9.1.1 For tensile strength, elongation, resistivity, mass of coating and adhesion and other defects, the sample shall consist of four
production units. For surface finish the sampling shall be in accordance with Table 3. From each unit, one test specimen of
sufficient length shall be removed for the performance of required tests.
9.1.2 For dimensional measurements, the sample shall consist of a quantity of production units shown in Table 4 under heading“
First Sample.”
9.1.3 For packaging inspection (when specified by the purchaser at the time of placing the order), the sample shall consist of
a quantity of production units as shown in Table 3.
10. Test Methods
10.1 Tensile Properties—For tensile strength, elongation, resistivity, dimensional measurement, and the quality of the basis
wire, the latest issue of Specification B452 shall apply and the tests shall be performed on the nickel-coated wire (Explanatory Note
2).
10.2 Continuity of Coating:
10.2.1 Specimens:
10.2.1.1 Length of Specimens—Test specimens shall each have a length of about 6 in. (150 mm). They shall be tagged or marked
to correspond with the coil, spool, or reel from which they were cut.
10.2.1.2 Treatment of Specimens—The specimens shall be thoroughly cleaned by immersion in a suitable organic solvent for
at least 3 min, then removed and wiped dry with a clean, soft cloth (Warning—See 1.5). The specimen thus cleaned shall be kept
wrapped in a clean, dry cloth until tested. That part of the specimen to be immersed in the test solution shall not be handled. Care
shall be taken to avoid abrasion by the cut ends.
10.2.2 Special Solution (sp gr 1.142)—Make concentrated solution by dissolving sodium sulfide crystals (cp) in distilled water
until the solution is saturated at about 21°C (70°F), and add sufficient flowers of sulfur (in excess of 250 g/L of solut
...
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