ASTM B1010/B1010M-19

Standard Specification for Copper-Clad Steel Electrical Conductor for Tracer Wire Applications

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
14.1 Twist Test—This test is designed to detect surface related issues such as flaking or cracking in the shell as well as core integrity of the wire related to elongation. Failures under the specified requirements could lead to insulation failures allowing moisture and other factors to affect wire performance.  
14.2 Reverse Torsion—This test is designed to detect copper and core steel bonding issues which could lead to corrosion and eventual signal failure through the wire.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers bare round 21 % conductivity copper-clad steel wire for the center conductor in tracer wire, also known as locating wire.  
1.2 Two grades of copper-clad steel wire are covered as follows:  
1.2.1 21EHS: Nominal 21 % Conductivity Extra High Strength  
1.2.2 21EHS-A: Nominal 21 % Conductivity Extra High Strength-Annealed  
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2019
• ICS: 29.060.01 - Electrical wires and cables in general
• Technical Committee: B01 - Electrical Conductors
• Drafting Committee: B01.06 - Bi-Metallic Conductors

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-24 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-16 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2016
• Refers: ASTM B193-16 - Standard Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-15 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Refers: ASTM B193-02(2014) - Standard Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2014
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-13 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM E8/E8M-11 - Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM B193-02(2008) - Standard Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2008
• Refers: ASTM B193-01 - Standard Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002
• Refers: ASTM B193-02 - Standard Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002
• Refers: ASTM B193-00 - Standard Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002

Overview

ASTM B1010/B1010M-19, developed by ASTM International, is the standard specification for copper-clad steel electrical conductors utilized specifically in tracer wire, also known as locating wire, applications. This standard defines the requirements for bare round 21% conductivity copper-clad steel wire used as the center conductor to ensure reliable subsurface utility locating. Copper-clad steel combines the high conductivity of copper with the strength of steel, making it ideal for demanding underground environments. The standard outlines various physical, mechanical, and inspection requirements to support product consistency and long-term performance under field conditions.

Key Topics

• Material Grades: Covers two grades:
  • 21EHS (Extra High Strength)
  • 21EHS-A (Extra High Strength-Annealed)
• Physical Properties: Specifies requirements for tensile strength, elongation, surface finish, and copper thickness.
• Electrical Performance: Defines maximum electrical resistivity for reliable signal transmission.
• Dimensional Standards: Describes permissible diameter variations and copper layer requirements.
• Testing and Inspection: Details methods and significance of:
  • Twist Test: Detects surface defects and core integrity.
  • Reverse Torsion Test: Identifies copper-to-steel bonding issues which may cause corrosion and eventual signal failure.
• Workmanship: Ensures the wire has no copper discontinuities, exposed steel, or imperfections that can affect durability.
• Packaging and Marking: Recommends packaging standards to prevent damage during handling and shipping, and marking for product traceability.

Applications

Copper-clad steel tracer wire covered under ASTM B1010/B1010M-19 is primarily used for identifying and locating underground utility lines such as water, gas, sewer, and electrical systems. Its unique construction allows for a robust, yet conductive, solution where pure copper might lack adequate tensile strength and pure steel might not provide sufficient conductivity.

Typical applications include:

• Underground Utility Locating: Installation alongside non-metallic pipes or conduits to enable precise detection using electronic locating equipment.
• Harsh Environmental Conditions: Suitable for environments where both corrosion resistance and mechanical durability are critical.
• Long-Distance Installations: High strength permits longer continuous runs without risk of breakage.
• Municipal, Commercial, and Industrial Projects: Used by utility companies, contractors, and facility managers to ensure compliance and efficient maintenance.

Related Standards

ASTM B1010/B1010M-19 references and aligns with several related industry standards to ensure comprehensive material and performance verification:

• ASTM B193: Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials - determines electrical properties of the conductor.
• ASTM E8/E8M: Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials - used for tensile and elongation measurements.
• NIST Handbook 100: Copper Wire Tables - provides reference data for wire sizes and properties.

Other standards relevant to tracer wire and underground detection:

• ASTM D1248: Polyethylene plastics extrusion materials for insulation.
• ASTM F2619: Standard for piping systems where tracer wire installation may be required.

Keywords: Copper-clad steel electrical conductor, tracer wire, locating wire, ASTM B1010, underground utility locating, utility trace wire, copper-clad steel wire, electrical conductor standards, utility detection wire, tracer wire specification.

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Following ASTM B1010/B1010M-19 helps ensure trace wire installations are durable, reliable, and compliant with industry best practices, supporting effective utility management and minimizing installation risks.

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:B1010/B1010M −19
Standard Specification for
Copper-Clad Steel Electrical Conductor for Tracer Wire
Applications
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B1010/B1010M; 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 E8/E8MTest Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Ma-
terials
1.1 This specification covers bare round 21% conductivity
2.2 NIST Standards:
copper-clad steel wire for the center conductor in tracer wire,
NBS Handbook 100Copper Wire Tables
also known as locating wire.
1.2 Two grades of copper-clad steel wire are covered as 3. Terminology
follows:
3.1 Definitions:
1.2.1 21EHS: Nominal 21 % Conductivity Extra High
3.1.1 lot—any amount of wire of one class and size pre-
Strength
sented for acceptance at one time, such amount, however, not
1.2.2 21EHS-A: Nominal 21 % Conductivity Extra High
to exceed 10 000 lb [4500 kg].
Strength-Annealed
3.1.1.1 Discussion—Alotshouldcompriseofmaterialtaken
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units from a product regularly meeting the requirements of this
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
specification. Inspection of individual lots of less than 500 lb
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each [230 kg] of wire cannot be justified economically. For small
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
lots of 500 lb [230 kg] or less, the purchaser may agree to the
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance manufacturer’s regular inspection of the product as a whole as
with the standard.
evidence of acceptability of such small lots.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1.2 sample—a quantity of production units (coils, reels,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the etc.) selected at random from the lot for the purpose of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- determining conformance of the lot to the requirements of this
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- specification.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.3 specimen—a length of wire removed for test purposes
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
from any individual production unit of the sample.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 4. Ordering Information
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.1 Ordersformaterialunderthisspecificationshallinclude
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
the following information:
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1.1 Quantity of each size and grade,
4.1.2 Wire size, diameter in inches (Table 1),
2. Referenced Documents
4.1.3 Packaging and shipping (Section 16),
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1.4 If inspection is required (Section 15).
B193Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor
5. Materials and Manufacture
Materials
5.1 The wire shall consist of a core of homogeneous
open-hearth, electric-furnace, or basic oxygen steel with a
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on
continuous outer cladding of high conductivity oxygen free
Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.06 on
copper thoroughly bonded to the core throughout, and shall be
Bi-Metallic Conductors.
ofsuchqualityastomeettherequirementsofthisspecification
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2019. Published October 2019. DOI: 10.1520/
(Note 1).
B1010_B1010M-19.
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 Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100
the ASTM website. 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
B1010/B1010M−19
TABLE 1 Properties of Tracer Wire
A, B
Diameter Cross-Sectional Area at 20°C Breaking Strength, lbf [N]
21EHS-A, 21EHS,
2 2
in. mm cmil in. mm minimum minimum
0.1285 3.264 16 512 0.01297 8.367 868.9 [3865] 2 594 [11 540]
0.1019 2.588 10 384 0.008155 5.261 546.4 [2431] 1 631 [7 255]
0.08080 2.052 6 529 0.005128 3.308 343.5 [1528] 1 026 [4 562]
0.06408 1.628 4 106 0.003225 2.081 216.2 [961.8] 645.4 [2 871]
0.05082 1.291 2 583 0.002028 1.309 135.8 [604.1] 405.4 [1 803]
0.04030 1.024 1 624 0.001276 0.8229 85.46 [380.2] 255.1 [1 135]
0.03589 0.912 1 288 0.001012 0.6527 67.82 [301.7] 202.4 [900.5]
0.03196 0.8118 1 021 0.0008022 0.5176 53.88 [239.7] 160.8 [715.5]
0.02846 0.7229 810 0.0006362 0.4104 42.74 [190.1] 127.6 [567.5]
0.02535 0.6439 643 0.0005047 0.3256 33.68 [149.8] 100.5 [447.2]
0.02257 0.5733 509 0.0004001 0.2581 26.88 [119.6] 80.23 [356.9]
0.02010 0.5105 404 0.0003173 0.2047 21.26 [94.57] 63.46 [282.3]
A
Metric equivalents: 1 lbf = 4.448 N.
B
Breaking strengths are calculated using the nominal wire diameter.
NOTE1—Thecopper-cladsteelwireprovidesahigh-strengthconductor
9.2 Joints—Necessary joints in the wire and rods prior to
for use in wire and cable where greater strength is required and a lower
final drawing shall be made in accordance with good commer-
conductivity can be tolerated.At high frequencies the reduced conductiv-
cialpractice.Thefinishedwireshallcontainnojointsorsplices
ity is less pronounced due to concentration of the current in the outer
made at finished size.
periphery of the wire.
9.3 Finish—The wire shall be free from copper discontinui-
6. Physical Properties
ties and all imperfections not consistent with good commercial
practiceoragreeduponbythemanufacturerandthepurchaser.
6.1 For all wire diameters specified in Table 1, a surface
finish inspection shall be made with the unaided eye (normal
9.4 Copper Thickness—The minimum copper thickness,
spectacles excepted).
tested in accordance with 13.7, shall not be less than 1.5 % of
the wire diameter or 0.015 times the diameter at any point
6.2 The wire, when tested in accordance with 9.3, shall be
around the circumference of the wire.
freefrompits,slivers,exposedsteel,orotherimperfectionsnot
consistent with good commercial practice.
10. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
10.1 Thewiresizesshallbeexpressedasthediameterofthe
7. Tensile and Elongation
wire in decimal fractions of an inch to the nearest 0.0001in.
7.1 Tensile Strength:
[0.003mm]. The wire shall not vary from the specified
7.1.1 The tensile strength for the 21EHS-Aproduct shall be
diameter by more than 61%, expressed to the nearest
no less than 67 000 psi [461.95 MPa].
0.0001in. [0.003mm].
7.1.2 Thetensilestrengthforthe21EHSproductshallbeno
11. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
less than 200 000 psi [1378.95 MPa].
11.1 For wire diameters of 0.0808 in. [2.053 mm] and
7.2 Elongation:
larger,surfacefinishinspectionshallbemadewiththeunaided
7.2.1 Grade 21EHS-Aproducts shall have an elongation no
eye (normal spectacles excepted), and for wire diameters
less than 15% minimum.
smaller than 0.0808 in. [2.053 mm], surface finish inspection
7.2.2 Grade 21EHS products shall have an elongation no
shall be made at a magnification not to exceed 10×.
less than 1% minimum.
12. Sampling
8. Resistivity
12.1 Thenumberofproductionunitsinasampleshallbeas
8.1 The electrical resistivity at a temperature of 20°C shall
follows:
not exceed 54.58 Ω·cmil/ft [0.0907 Ω·mm /m]. See Test
12.1.1 For tensile strength, elongation, resistivity, and ad-
Method B193 for calculating electrical resistivity.
hesion and other defects, the sample shall consist of four
production units. Failure of a specimen tested for tensile
9. Other Requirements
strength, elongation, resistivity, or adhesion and other defects
9.1 Adhesion and Other Defects—The copper-clad steel shall be considered nonconforming to this specification. For
wire, when tested in accordance with 13.4 and 13.5, shall not surfacefinishthesamplingshallbeinaccordancewithTable3.
reveal any seams, pits, slivers, or other imperfection of From each unit, one test specimen of sufficient length shall be
sufficient magnitude to indicate inherent defects or imperfec- removed for the performance of the required tests.
tions. Examination of the wire at the break or after reverse 12.1.2 For dimensional
...