ASTM B606/B606M-23

Standard Specification for High-Strength Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Core Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Conductors

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the standard requirements for round, high-strength, zinc-coated (galvanized), steel core wire with Class A zinc coating used for mechanical reinforcement in the manufacture of special steel reinforced aluminum and aluminum-alloy conductors. The base metal shall be steel produced by the open-hearth, electric-furnace, or basic-oxygen process and the wire shall be cold drawn and coated with zinc. Joints may be made at any stage of processing prior to final cold drawing by the electric butt-weld or flash-welding process. Chemical analysis shall be conducted; wherein, the steel shall conform to the chemical composition requirements for carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and silicon. The zinc-coated steel core wire shall conform to the tensile strength and elongation requirements which shall be obtained using a tensile test method. The material shall also undergo wrap and adherence tests; wherein, the wire shall be capable of being wrapped in a close helix without cracking or flaking.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers round, high-strength, zinc-coated (galvanized), steel core wire with Class A zinc coating (GA3) for use in overhead electrical conductors.  
1.2 This specification covers wire of diameter from 0.0500 in. to 0.1900 in. inclusive or 1.27 mm to 4.82 mm inclusive.  
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 are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
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-Sep-2023
• ICS: 29.060.10 - Wires
• Technical Committee: B01 - Electrical Conductors
• Drafting Committee: B01.05 - Conductors of Ferrous Metals

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM B606/B606M-22 - Standard Specification for High-Strength Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Core Wire for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Conductors, Steel Reinforced
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM A370-24 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM A370-23 - Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2023
• Referred By: ASTM B711-22 - Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum-Alloy Conductors, Steel Reinforced (AACSR) (6201)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM B779-22 - Standard Specification for Shaped Wire Compact Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Steel-Reinforced (ACSR/TW)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM B701/B701M-22e1 - Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Self-Damping Aluminum Conductors, Steel Reinforced (ACSR/SD)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM B857-22 - Standard Specification for Shaped Wire Compact Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Coated-Steel Supported (ACSS/TW)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM B232/B232M-22 - Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Coated-Steel Reinforced (ACSR)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM B500/B500M-22 - Standard Specification for Metallic Coated or Aluminum Clad Stranded Steel Core for Use in Overhead Electrical Conductors
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM B856-22 - Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Coated Steel Supported (ACSS)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Referred By: ASTM B1006-17(2023) - Standard Specification for Electrical Overhead Conductor Code Word Names
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023

Overview

ASTM B606/B606M-23 establishes the requirements for high-strength, zinc-coated (galvanized) steel core wire used in overhead electrical conductors. This standard is essential for manufacturers and utilities using steel-reinforced aluminum and aluminum-alloy conductors in power transmission and distribution lines. The specification outlines the manufacturing processes, chemical and mechanical properties, testing protocols, and packaging guidelines crucial for providing mechanical reinforcement and long-term performance in electrical conductors.

The wire covered by ASTM B606/B606M-23 must have a Class A zinc coating (GA3) and be produced by cold drawing steel made via open-hearth, electric-furnace, or basic-oxygen processes. The standard covers wire diameters from 0.0500 in. to 0.1900 in. (1.27 mm to 4.82 mm), making it applicable to a wide range of electrical conductor configurations.

Key Topics

• Material Requirements

  • Steel base metal must be produced by approved processes.
  • Mandatory cold drawing and Class A galvanization for corrosion protection.
  • Zinc used for coating must conform to recognized standards for purity.

• Chemical and Mechanical Properties

  • The steel wire must meet specific requirements for carbon, manganese, silicon, phosphorus, and sulfur content.
  • Strict tensile strength and elongation criteria ensure high mechanical performance.

• Testing and Quality Control

  • Tensile and elongation tests verify mechanical properties.
  • Wrap and adherence tests evaluate coating integrity and ductility.
  • Zinc coating thickness and uniformity are verified according to set criteria.

• Dimensional Tolerances

  • Wire diameters must fall within defined tolerances.
  • The finished wire must be free from surface imperfections, maintaining smooth and even galvanization.

• Packaging and Identification

  • Packaging, length tolerances, and clear labeling are explicitly defined.
  • Each package must be marked with diameter, length, weight, order number, and manufacturer.

Applications

High-strength galvanized steel core wire as specified by ASTM B606/B606M-23 is used primarily in:

• Overhead power transmission and distribution lines, where it serves as the central strength member in Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR) and similar cables.
• Reinforcing conductors exposed to challenging environments, where zinc coating provides essential corrosion resistance for long-term reliability.
• Utility infrastructure and large-scale energy projects, where consistent, verified performance in terms of tensile strength and fatigue resistance is mandatory.

These wires are selected for high-performance, durability, and longevity in critical power grid components, ensuring continuous electrical service and minimizing maintenance.

Related Standards

Several related ASTM standards complement or are referenced in ASTM B606/B606M-23, including:

• ASTM A90/A90M - Test Method for Weight [Mass] of Coating on Iron and Steel Articles with Zinc or Zinc-Alloy Coatings
• ASTM A370 - Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• ASTM A751 - Test Methods and Practices for Chemical Analysis of Steel Products
• ASTM B6 - Specification for Zinc
• ASTM B193 - Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials

Additional guidelines from the World Trade Organization's Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee underscore its international applicability and harmonization with global best practices.

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Keywords: ASTM B606/B606M-23, galvanized steel core wire, high strength, zinc-coated steel wire, overhead electrical conductors, ACSR, power transmission, utility standards, mechanical reinforcement, corrosion-resistant wire

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: B606/B606M − 23
Standard Specification for
High-Strength Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Core Wire for
Use in Overhead Electrical Conductors
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B606/B606M; 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 B6 Specification for Zinc
B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor
1.1 This specification covers round, high-strength, zinc-
Materials
coated (galvanized), steel core wire with Class A zinc coating
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
(GA3) for use in overhead electrical conductors.
Determine Conformance with Specifications
1.2 This specification covers wire of diameter from
0.0500 in. to 0.1900 in. inclusive or 1.27 mm to 4.82 mm
3. Terminology
inclusive.
3.1 Definitions:
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
3.1.1 lot, n—unless otherwise specified in the contract or
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
order, a lot shall consist of all coils of wire of the same
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
diameter and unit lengths submitted for inspection at the same
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
time.
used independently of the other, and values from the two
3.1.2 product code, n—defines product coating type, coating
systems shall not be combined.
class and strength grade; this specification covers only High
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
Strength Class A Zinc Coated products and identified as
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
product code GA3.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4. Ordering Information
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
the following information:
4.1.1 Quantity of each size,
2. Referenced Documents
4.1.2 Wire diameter in inches or millimeters (Section 13),
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on date
4.1.3 Certification, if required (Section 18),
of material purchase form a part of this specification to the
4.1.4 Test report, if required (Section 18), and
extent referenced herein.
4.1.5 Package size (Section 19).
4.1.6 Order Example—Five multiple lengths of 12 000 ft
2.2 ASTM Standards:
each, 0.1327 in. GA3 wire, packaged onto wooden non-
A90/A90M Test Method for Weight [Mass] of Coating on
returnable reels, with certified test report.
Iron and Steel Articles with Zinc or Zinc-Alloy Coatings
4.1.7 Product code (see paragraph 3.1.2).
A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing
of Steel Products
5. Materials and Manufacture
A751 Test Methods and Practices for Chemical Analysis of
Steel Products
5.1 The base metal shall be steel produced by the open-
hearth, electric-furnace, or basic-oxygen process.
5.2 The wire shall be cold drawn and coated with zinc to
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on
produce the desired properties.
Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.05 on
Conductors of Ferrous Metals.
5.3 The slab zinc used for coating shall be high grade or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2023. Published October 2023. Originally
better, conforming to Specification B6.
approved in 1975. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as B606/B606M – 22.
DOI: 10.1520/B0606_B0606M-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 6. Chemical Composition
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
6.1 The steel shall conform to the requirements prescribed
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. in Table 1.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B606/B606M − 23
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
10. Adherence of Coating Test
Element Composition, %
10.1 The zinc-coated wire shall be capable of being
Carbon 0.50 to 0.88
wrapped in a close helix at a rate not exceeding 15 turns/min
Manganese 0.50 to 1.30
around a cylindrical mandrel having a diameter as prescribed in
Phosphorus, max 0.035
Sulfur, max 0.045
Table 8 or Table 9, without cracking or flaking the zinc coating
Silicon 0.10 to 0.35
to such an extent that any zinc can be removed by rubbing with
the bare fingers.
NOTE 1—Loosening or detachment during the adhesion test of
superficial, small particles of zinc formed by mechanical polishing of the
surface of the coated wire shall not be considered cause for rejection.
6.2 Chemical analysis shall be conducted in accordance
with Test Methods and Practices A751.
11. Joints
7. Tensile Test 11.1 No joints shall be made in the finished wire.
7.1 The zinc-coated steel core wire shall conform to the
11.2 Joints may be made at any stage of processing prior to
tensile and elongation requirements prescribed in Table 2 or final cold drawing, by the electric butt-weld or flash-welding
Table 3 and a minimum breaking strength (lb [N]) calculated
process.
from the minimum required tensile and nominal wire diameter.
11.3 Welding equipment and procedure shall be such that it
The wire tensile strength used to determine compliance to
can be demonstrated that the ultimate tensile strength of a
Table 2 or Table 3 shall be calculated using the actual wire
finished wire specimen containing the welded section shall be
breaking strength and the nominal finished diameter of the
not less than 96 % of the specified minimum stress at 1 %
wire.
extension.
7.2 Tensile tests shall be conducted in accordance with Test
11.4 A welded section shall not be required to meet the
Methods and Definitions A370, using the initial settings for
stress at 1 % extension, elongation, and wrap tests.
determining stress at 1 % extension given in Table 4 or Table
5 of this specification.
12. Density and Resistivity
7.3 Test Specimens—The test specimens shall be free of
12.1 For the purpose of calculating mass per unit length,
bends or kinks other than the curvature resulting from the usual
cross sections, and so forth, the density of galvanized steel wire
coiling operations. Any hand straightening necessary to permit
3 3
at 20 °C shall be taken as 0.281 lb/in. [7780 kg/m ].
insertion of the specimen in the jaws of the testing machine
12.2 A maximum resistivity of galvanized steel wire is not
shall be performed by drawing between wood blocks or by
guaranteed but a typical value of 0.19157 Ω·mm /m may be
some other equally satisfactory means.
used for calculating purposes. For conversion to other units of
conductivity or resistivity, refer to Test Method B193.
8. Wrap Test
8.1 The material, as represented by the test specimens, shall
13. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
not fracture when the galvanized wire is wrapped at a rate not
exceeding 15 turns/min in a helix of at least eight turns around 13.1 The specified diameter of the zinc-coated wire shall be
expressed in decimal fractions of an inch to four decimal
a cylindrical mandrel with a diameter equal to three times the
specified diameter of the wire under test, 65 %. The edge-to- places, or in millimeters to two decimal places.
edge spacing of consecutive turns shall not exceed two times
13.2 To determine the applicable tolerance range from Table
the diameter of the wire.
10 or Table 11, round the specified diameter to the nearest
0.001 in. [0.01 mm], in accordance with the rounding method
9. Coating Test
of Practice E29.
9.1 The zinc-coated wire shall conform to the coating
13.3 Measure the largest and smallest diameter taken at the
requirements prescribed in Table 6 or Table 7.
same cross section rounded to the nearest 0.001 in. [0.01 mm]
9.2 The coating test shall be conducted in accordance with in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.
Test Method A90/A90M. Calculate the average of the two measurements. The calculated
TABLE 2 Tensile Requirements
Specified Diameter Stress at 1 % Extension, min Ultimate Tensile Strength, min Elongation in 10 in.,
min %
in. kpsi kpsi
0.0500 to 0.0899, incl 210 235 3.0
0.0900 to 0.1199, incl 205 230 3.0
0.1200 to 0.1399, incl 200 225 3.5
0.1400 to 0.1900, incl 195 220 3.5
B606/B606M − 23
TABLE 3 Tensile Requirements [Metric]
Specified Diameter Stress at 1 % Extension, min Ultimate Tensile Strength, min Elongation in 250 m
...

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: B606/B606M − 22 B606/B606M − 23
Standard Specification for
High-Strength Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Core Wire for
Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Conductors, Steel
ReinforcedUse in Overhead Electrical Conductors
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B606/B606M; 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 round, high-strength, zinc-coated (galvanized), steel core wire with Class A zinc coating (GA3) for
use in overhead electrical conductors.
1.2 This specification covers wire of diameter from 0.05000.0500 in. to 0.1900 in. inclusive or 1.271.27 mm to 4.82 mm inclusive.
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 are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used
independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
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.
2.2 ASTM Standards:
A90/A90M Test Method for Weight [Mass] of Coating on Iron and Steel Articles with Zinc or Zinc-Alloy Coatings
A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
A751 Test Methods and Practices for Chemical Analysis of Steel Products
B6 Specification for Zinc
B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.05 on Conductors
of Ferrous Metals.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2022Oct. 1, 2023. Published October 2022October 2023. Originally approved in 1975. Last previous edition approved in 20192022 as
B606/B606M – 19.B606/B606M – 22. DOI: 10.1520/B0606_B0606M-22.10.1520/B0606_B0606M-23.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B606/B606M − 23
3.1.1 lot—lot, n—unless otherwise specified in the contract or order, a lot shall consist of all coils of wire of the same diameter
and unit lengths submitted for inspection at the same time.
3.1.2 product code—code, n—defines product coating type, coating class and strength grade; this specification covers only High
Strength Class A Zinc Coated products and identified as product code GA3.
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 diameter in inches or millimeters (Section 13),
4.1.3 Certification, if required (Section 18),
4.1.4 Test report, if required (Section 18), and
4.1.5 Package size (Section 19).
4.1.6 Order Example—Five multiple lengths of 12 000 ft each, 0.1327 in. GA3 wire, packaged onto wooden non-returnable reels,
with certified test report.
4.1.7 Product code (see paragraph 3.1.2).
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 The base metal shall be steel produced by the open-hearth, electric-furnace, or basic-oxygen process.
5.2 The wire shall be cold drawn and coated with zinc to produce the desired properties.
5.3 The slab zinc used for coating shall be high grade or better, conforming to Specification B6.
6. Chemical Composition
6.1 The steel shall conform to the requirements prescribed in Table 1.
6.2 Chemical analysis shall be conducted in accordance with Test Methods and Practices A751.
7. Tensile Test
7.1 The zinc-coated steel core wire shall conform to the tensile and elongation requirements prescribed in Table 2 or Table 3 and
a minimum breaking strength (lb [N]) calculated from the minimum required tensile and nominal wire diameter. The wire tensile
strength used to determine compliance to Table 2 or Table 3 shall be calculated using the actual wire breaking strength and the
nominal finished diameter of the wire.
7.2 Tensile tests shall be conducted in accordance with Test Methods and Definitions A370, using the initial settings for
determining stress at 1 % extension given in Table 4 or Table 5 of this specification.
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Element Composition, %
Carbon 0.50 to 0.88
Manganese 0.50 to 1.30
Phosphorus, max 0.035
Sulfur, max 0.045
Silicon 0.10 to 0.35
B606/B606M − 23
TABLE 2 Tensile Requirements
Specified Diameter Stress at 1 % Extension, min Ultimate Tensile Strength, min Elongation in 10 in.,
min %
in. kpsi kpsi
0.0500 to 0.0899, incl 210 235 3.0
0.0900 to 0.1199, incl 205 230 3.0
0.1200 to 0.1399, incl 200 225 3.5
0.1400 to 0.1900, incl 195 220 3.5
TABLE 3 Tensile Requirements [Metric]
Specified Diameter Stress at 1 % Extension, min Ultimate Tensile Strength, min Elongation in 250 mm,
min %
mm MPa MPa
1.27 to 2.28, incl 1450 1620 3.0
2.29 to 3.04, incl 1410 1590 3.0
3.05 to 3.55, incl 1380 1550 3.5
3.56 to 4.82, incl 1340 1520 3.5
TABLE 4 Initial Settings for Determining Stress at 1 % Extension
Initial Setting
Specified Diameter Initial Stress
of Extensometer
in. kpsi in./in.
0.0500 to 0.0899, incl 15 0.0005
(0.05 %
extension)
0.0900 to 0.1199, incl 30 0.0010
(0.10 %
extension)
0.1200 to 0.1900, incl 46 0.0015
(0.15 %
extension)
TABLE 5 Initial Settings for Determining Stress at 1 % Extension
[Metric]
Initial Setting of
Specified Diameter Initial Stress
Extensometer
mm MPa mm/mm
1.27 to 2.28, incl 110 0.0005 (0.05 %
extension)
2.29 to 3.04, incl 210 0.0010 (0.10 %
extension)
3.05 to 4.82, incl 320 0.0015 (0.15 %
extension)
7.3 Test Specimens—The test specimens shall be free of bends or kinks other than the curvature resulting from the usual coiling
operations. Any hand straightening necessary to permit insertion of the specimen in the jaws of the testing machine shall be
performed by drawing between wood blocks or by some other equally satisfactory means.
8. Wrap Test
8.1 The material, as represented by the test specimens, shall not fracture when the galvanized wire is wrapped at a rate not
exceeding 15 turns/min in a helix of at least eight turns around a cylindrical mandrel with a diameter equal to three times the
specified diameter of the wire under test, 65 %. The edge-to-edge spacing of consecutive turns shall not exceed two times the
diameter of the wire.
9. Coating Test
9.1 The zinc-coated wire shall conform to the coating requirements prescribed in Table 6 or Table 7.
9.2 The coating test shall be conducted in accordance with Test Method A90/A90M.
B606/B606M − 23
TABLE 6 Zinc Coating
Area Density of Coating, min,
of Uncoated Wire Surface, oz/
Specified Diameter of Coated Wire, in. 2
ft
Class A
0.0500 to 0.0599, incl 0.60
0.0600 to 0.0749, incl 0.65
0.0750 to 0.0899, incl 0.70
0.0900 to 0.1039, incl 0.75
0.1040 to 0.1199, incl 0.80
0.1200 to 0.1399, incl 0.85
0.1400 to 0.1799, incl 0.90
0.1800 to 0.1900, incl 1.00
TABLE 7 Zinc Coating [Metric]
Area Density of Coating,
Specified Diameter of Coated Wire min, of Uncoated Wire
Surface, g/m
mm Class A
1.27 to 1.52, incl 183
1.53 to 1.90, incl 198
1.91 to 2.28, incl 214
2.29 to 2.64, incl 229
2.65 to 3.04, incl 244
3.05 to 3.55, incl 259
3.56 to 4.57, incl 274
4.58 to 4.82, incl 305
10. Adherence of Coating Test
10.1 The zinc-coated wire shall be capable of being wrapped in a close helix at a rate not exceeding 15 turns/min around a
cylindrical mandrel having a diameter as prescribed in Table 8 or Table 9, without cracking or flaking the zinc coating to such an
extent that any zinc can be removed by rubbing with the bare fingers.
NOTE 1—Loosening or detachment during the adhesion test of superficial, small particles of zinc formed by mechanical polishing of the surface of the
coated wire shall not be considered cause for rejection.
11. Joints
11.1 No joints shall be made in the finished wire.
11.2 Joints may be made at any stage of processing prior to final cold drawing, by the electric butt-weld or flash-welding process.
11.3 We
...