ASTM B47-95a(2017)

Standard Specification for Copper Trolley Wire

ABSTRACT
This specification covers round and grooved hard-drawn copper- and silver-bearing copper trolley wires. Copper materials shall be of such quality and purity that the finished product shall have the properties and characteristics prescribed herein. All wires shall conform to the following physical properties: tensile strength, elongation, dimensions, density, and electrical resistivity. Three twist tests shall be made on round wires between the holders of the testing machine for the purpose of determining developing defects that may be prejudicial to the life of the trolley wire. Wires that do not withstand at least nine twists without breaking shall not be considered satisfactory. The twist test shall be omitted for grooved wires. All wires shall be of uniform size, shape, and quality throughout, and shall be free from all scale, flaws, splits, and scratches not consistent with the best commercial practice.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers round and grooved hard-drawn copper and silver-bearing copper trolley wire.  
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.  
1.3 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-Mar-2017
• ICS: 29.280 - Electric traction equipment
• Technical Committee: B01 - Electrical Conductors
• Drafting Committee: B01.04 - Conductors of Copper and Copper Alloys

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM B47-95a(2012) - Standard Specification for Copper Trolley Wire
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM B49-20 - Standard Specification for Copper Rod for Electrical Purposes
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM B49-17 - Standard Specification for Copper Rod for Electrical Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM B49-16 - Standard Specification for Copper Rod for Electrical Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM B193-16 - Standard Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM B49-15a - Standard Specification for Copper Rod for Electrical Purposes
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM B49-15 - Standard Specification for Copper Rod for Electrical Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM B193-02(2014) - Standard Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2014
• Refers: ASTM B49-10 - Standard Specification for Copper Rod Drawing Stock for Electrical Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM B49-09 - Standard Specification for Copper Rod Drawing Stock for Electrical Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM B49-08a - Standard Specification for Copper Rod Drawing Stock for Electrical Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM B193-02(2008) - Standard Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2008
• Refers: ASTM B49-08 - Standard Specification for Copper Rod Drawing Stock for Electrical Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2008
• Refers: ASTM B49-98(2004) - Standard Specification for Copper Rod Drawing Stock for Electrical Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-May-2004
• Refers: ASTM B193-00 - Standard Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002

Overview

ASTM B47-95a(2017) - Standard Specification for Copper Trolley Wire sets forth requirements for round and grooved hard-drawn copper and silver-bearing copper trolley wires, primarily used in electrically powered transportation systems. This internationally recognized standard ensures that all copper trolley wires meet essential physical, mechanical, and electrical properties, including tensile strength, elongation, dimensions, density, and electrical resistivity. The specification is developed under the auspices of ASTM International, following World Trade Organization principles for standardization.

Key Topics

• Scope and Coverage: Applies to both round and grooved hard-drawn copper and silver-bearing copper trolley wires.
• Material Quality: Copper must be of high purity to achieve specified properties.
• Physical and Mechanical Properties:
  • Minimum requirements for tensile strength and elongation.
  • Dimensional tolerances for round and grooved wire sections.
  • Density specification for calculations related to weight and cross-sectional area.
• Electrical Properties:
  • Limits on the electrical resistivity to ensure consistent conductivity.
• Testing Methods:
  • Twist test for round wires to identify potential defects; a minimum standard of nine twists is required.
  • Use of slip gauges for dimensional inspection of grooves.
• Workmanship: Wires must be uniform and free from flaws, splits, or scratches that could impact performance.
• Inspection and Packaging: Detailed procedures for inspection, acceptance, and marking of packages and reels for shipment.

Applications

Copper trolley wires standardized by ASTM B47-95a(2017) are essential in several industries and applications:

• Electric Railways and Transit Systems: Provides the conductive path for current in overhead trolley systems used for trams, trolleys, and light rail.
• Industrial Electrified Transportation: Used in mining operations, ports, and industrial facilities where electrically powered vehicles require overhead wiring.
• Silver-Bearing Copper: When specified, enhances resistance to softening at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for prolonged high-current applications.
• Replacement and Maintenance: Facilitates consistent and reliable copper wire supply for replacement and ongoing infrastructure upgrades.

The standard's rigorous requirements help ensure long-term durability, efficient conductivity, and safety in electrically powered transport networks, supporting both public infrastructure and private industrial sites.

Related Standards

Several documents and standards are relevant to ASTM B47-95a(2017):

• ASTM B49 - Specification for Copper Rod for Electrical Purposes, which defines suitable copper material for trolley wires.
• ASTM B193 - Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials, referenced for electrical testing.
• American Standard Grooved Trolley Wire Sections - Standard designs referenced for groove dimensions and inspection.
• WTO TBT Principles - Assures international recognition and harmonization with global trade requirements.

Ensuring compliance with ASTM B47-95a(2017) and its referenced documents maximizes compatibility and quality for copper trolley wire installations worldwide, meeting the highest industry and safety standards for electrical conductors.

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Keywords: ASTM B47, copper trolley wire, grooved wire, hard-drawn copper, silver-bearing copper, electrical conductors, tensile strength, electrical resistivity, overhead lines, transit systems, industrial standards, material specification, wire inspection, packaging requirements.

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:B47 −95a (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Specification for
Copper Trolley Wire
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B47; 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.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.8 Size of arbor hole, if special (see 18.2),
3.1.9 Special package marking, if required (see 18.4), and
1.1 Thisspecificationcoversroundandgroovedhard-drawn
3.1.10 Place of inspection (Section 16).
copper and silver-bearing copper trolley wire.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
4. Materials and Manufacture
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
4.1 The material shall be copper of such quality and purity
and are not considered standard.
that the finished product shall have the properties and charac-
teristics prescribed in this specification.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
NOTE 1—Specification B49 defines the materials suitable for use.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.2 Copper redraw rod of special qualities, forms, or types,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
as may be agreed upon between the manufacturer and the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
purchaser,andthatwillconformtotherequirementsprescribed
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
in this specification may also be used.
2. Referenced Documents
4.3 Either oxygen-free or tough pitch copper may be sup-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
plied. Tests for oxygen content of the copper are not a
B49 Specification for Copper Rod for Electrical Purposes
requirement of this specification.
B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor
ROUND WIRE
Materials
3. Ordering Information
5. Tensile Properties
3.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
5.1 Round wire shall conform to the requirements as to
the following information:
tensile properties specified in Table 1.
3.1.1 Quantity of each size and section,
5.2 Tests on a specimen of round wire containing a joint
3.1.2 Wire size: diameter in inches (see 6.1 and Table 1)or
shall show at least 95 % of the tensile strength specified in
area in circular mils (see 10.1 and Fig. 1),
Table 1. Elongation tests shall not be made on specimens
3.1.3 Shape of section (Section 1),
containing joints.
3.1.4 Type of copper, if the addition of silver of 25 troy
oz./short ton minimum, is required (see Section 4 and Explana-
5.3 Tension tests shall be made on representative samples.
tory Note 1),
The elongation shall be determined as the permanent increase
3.1.5 Package size (see 18.3),
in length, due to the breaking of the wire in tension, measured
3.1.6 Lagging, if required (see 18.1),
between gage marks placed originally 10 in. apart upon the test
3.1.7 Relation between vertical axis of grooved wire and
specimen (Explanatory Note 2). The fracture shall be between
axis of reel (see 18.1),
the gage marks and not closer than 1 in. to either gage mark.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on
6. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of B01.04 on Conductors of
Copper and Copper Alloys. 6.1 The size of round trolley wire shall be expressed as the
Current edition approved April 1, 2017. April 2017. Originally approved in 1923
diameter of the wire in decimal fractions of an inch, to the
to replace portions of B1. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as B47 – 95a
nearest 0.1 mil (0.0001 in.).
(2012). DOI: 10.1520/B0047-95AR17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
6.2 Wire shall be truly cylindrical in form. The diameter
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
shall not vary more than plus and minus 1 % from that
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. specified.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B47−95a (2017)
TABLE 1 Tensile Requirements (See Explanatory Note 2)
10.3 Conformance of the trolley wire to the specified
Tensile Strength, min. psi dimensions shall be determined by taking the measurements
Elongation
Diameter, Area,
25 troy oz. showninFig.1undertheheading,“DimensionsforInspection,
in 10 in.,
No silver
in. cmils
min./short
min, % in.” The shape of the groove shall be checked with the
added
ton added
appropriate “go” and “no-go” slip gages described in Fig. 2.
0.5477 300 000 46 400 48 500 4.50
The gages shall be applied to the ends of the samples taken
0.4600 211 600 49 000 51 500 3.75
0.4096 167 800 51 000 53 000 3.25 from each reel. Samples shall be clean and ends free from
0.3648 133 100 52 800 54 000 2.80
burrs. The groove shall be considered as conforming to these
0.3249 105 600 54 500 55 000 2.40
specifications if the “go” gage can be pushed on the straight-
ened wire by hand and the “no-go” gage cannot be pushed on
the wire.
7. Twist Test
11. Twist Test
7.1 For the purpose of determining and developing defects
11.1 The twist test shall be omitted.
whichmaybeprejudicialtothelifeoftrolleywire,owingtoits
peculiar service as compared to that of wire for other purposes, ROUND AND GROOVED WIRE
round wire shall be subjected to the twist test described in 7.2.
12. Resistivity
Round wire that does not withstand at least 9 twists without
breaking shall not be considered satisfactory.
12.1 Electrical resistivity shall be determined on represen-
tative samples by resistance measurements (Explanatory Note
7.2 Three twist tests shall be made on specimens 10 in. (254
4). At a temperature of 20°C the resistivity shall not exceed
mm) in length between the holders of the testing machine. The
900.77Ω· lb/mile .
twisting machine shall be so constructed that there is a linear
motionofthetailstockwithrespecttothehead.Thetwistshall
12.2 Electrical resistivity shall be determined in accordance
be applied not faster than 10 turns/min. All three specimens
with Test Method B193.
shall be twisted to destruction and shall not reveal under test
any seams, pits, slivers, or surface imperfections of sufficient
13. Density
magnitude to indicate inherent defects or imperfections in the
13.1 For the purpose of calculating weights, cross sections,
wire. At the time of fracture, the wire shall twist with
etc., the density of the copper shall be taken as 8.89 g/cm
reasonable uniformity.
(0.32117 lb/in. ) at 20°C (Explanatory Note 5).
GROOVED WIRE
14. Joints
8. Tensile Properties
14.1 Nojointsshallbemadeinthecompletedwire.Jointsin
the wire and rods made prior to final drawings shall be in
8.1 Grooved wire shall conform to the requirements as to
accordance with the best commercial practice, and shall be
tensile properties specified in Table 2.
capable of meeting the tensile strength requirements in 5.2 or
8.2 Tests on a specimen of grooved wire containing a joint
8.2.
shall show at least 95 % of the tensile strength specified in
Table 2. Elongation tests shall not be made on specimens
15. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
containing joints.
15.1 The wire shall be of uniform size, shape, and quality
8.3 The tension and elongation tests for grooved wire shall
throughout, and shall be free from all scale, flaws, splits and
be made in the same manner as those on round wire as
scratches not consistent with the best commercial practice.
described in 5.3.
16. Inspection
9. Sections
16.1 All tests governing the acceptance or rejection of the
9.1 Standard sections of grooved trolley wire shall be those
wire, unless otherwise specified, shall be made at the place of
known as the “American Standard Grooved Trolley Wire
manufacture with apparatus furnished by the manufacturer and
Sections” (the Standard Design of the American Transit Engi-
inthepresenceofthepurchaserorhisrepresentative,whoshall
neering Association) shown in Fig. 1.
be furnished a copy of the tests. The manufacturer shall afford
the inspector representing the purchaser all reasonable
10. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
facilities, without charge, to satisfy him as to the reliability of
10.1 The size of grooved trolley wire shall be expressed as
the results before the wire is delivered. If the purchaser waives
the nominal area of cross section in circular mils, the standard
inspection, and if he so elects at that time, he shall be furnished
sizes being as specified in Fig. 1.
with a certified copy of tests made by the manufacturer.
10.2 The weight in pounds per mile of grooved trolley wire
17. Rejection
calculated from the weight o
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