ASTM B189-05(2015)

Standard Specification for Lead-Coated and Lead-Alloy-Coated Soft Copper Wire for Electrical Purposes

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the standard general requirements for lead-coated and lead-alloy-coated, round, soft or annealed copper wire for electrical purposes. The base metal shall be made of copper while the coating material shall be a commercially pure lead or a lead alloy which consists of lead, tin, and antimony elements. Ammonium persulfate test or sodium polysulfide-hydrochloric acid test shall be employed to determine the continuity of the coatings. The wire shall undergo dimensional measurements using a micrometer caliper with a vernier, as well as tension and resistivity tests. The specimen shall conform to the required tensile strength, elongation, and electrical resistivity specifications.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers lead-coated and lead-alloy-coated, round, soft or annealed copper wire for electrical purposes.  
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. The SI values for density and resistivity are to be regarded as the standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. The hazard statement applies only to Section 6 of this specification.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2015
• ICS: 29.060.10 - Wires
• Technical Committee: B01 - Electrical Conductors
• Drafting Committee: B01.04 - Conductors of Copper and Copper Alloys

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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:B189 −05 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Specification for
Lead-Coated and Lead-Alloy-Coated Soft Copper Wire for
Electrical Purposes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B189; 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 3. Ordering Information
1.1 This specification covers lead-coated and lead-alloy-
3.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
coated, round, soft or annealed copper wire for electrical
the following information:
purposes.
3.1.1 Quantity of each size and type of coating;
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.1.2 Wire size: diameter in inches (see 5.3 and Table 1);
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.1.3 Type of coating (see Section 1);
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.1.4 Type of copper, if special (see 4.2);
and are not considered standard. The SI values for density and
3.1.5 Package size (see 8.1);
resistivity are to be regarded as the standard.
3.1.6 Special package marking, if required; and
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.7 Place of inspection (see 6.1).
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4. Material
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. The hazard
4.1 Coating Material—The coating material shall be com-
statement applies only to Section 6 of this specification.
mercially pure lead or a lead alloy. The lead alloy shall
conform to the following requirements as to chemical compo-
2. Referenced Documents
sition as determined by analysis of samples from the coating
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect at the
bath:
time of reference form a part of these methods to the extent
Lead, min, % 25
A
referenced herein: Tin, max, % 75
Antimony, max, % 6
2.2 ASTM Standards:
A
B49 Specification for Copper Rod Drawing Stock for Elec-
It is permissible to use alloying constituents other than those specified above to
trical Purposes replace a portion of the tin.
B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor
4.2 Copper-Base Metal—The base metal shall be copper of
Materials
such quality and purity that the finished product shall have
B258 Specification for Nominal Diameters and Cross-
properties and characteristics prescribed in this specification.
SectionalAreasofAWGSizesofSolidRoundWiresUsed
4.2.1 Copper of special qualities, forms, or types, as may be
as Electrical Conductors
agreed upon between the manufacturer and the purchaser, and
2.3 NIST:
which will conform to the requirements prescribed in this
NBS Handbook 100 Copper Wire Tables
specification may also be used.
NOTE 1—Specification B49 defines copper suitable for use.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on
Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.04 on
5. General Requirements (See Section 9)
Conductors of Copper and Copper Alloys.
Current edition approved April 1, 2015. Published April 2015. Originally
5.1 Tensile Strength and Elongation (Explanatory Note
approved in 1944. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as B189 – 05 (2010).
1)—The coated wire shall conform to the requirements for
DOI: 10.1520/B0189-05R15.
elongation prescribed in Table 1. No requirements for tensile
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
strength are specified. For wire whose nominal diameter is
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
more than 0.001 in. (1 mil) greater than a size listed in Table 1,
the ASTM website.
butlessthanthatofthenextlargersize,therequirementsofthe
Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100
Bureau Dr., Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1070, http://www.nist.gov. next larger size shall apply.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B189−05 (2015)
TABLE 1 Tensile Requirements
5.3 Dimensions and Permissible Variations (Explanatory
Area at 20°C Note 1)—The wire sizes shall be expressed as the diameter of
Elongation in 10
Diameter, in.
in., min, %
cmils in. thewireindecimalfractionsofaninchtothenearest0.0001in.
0.4600 211 600 0.1662 30 (0.1 mil). The coated wire shall not vary from the specified
0.4096 167 800 0.1318 30
diameter by more than the amounts prescribed in Table 3.
0.3648 133 100 0.1045 30
0.3249 105 600 0.08291 30
5.4 Continuity of Coating—The lead or lead-alloy coating
shall be continuous.The continuity of coating on the wire shall
0.2893 83 690 0.06573 25
be determined on representative samples taken before strand-
0.2576 66 360 0.05212 25
0.2294 52 620 0.04133 25
ing or insulating.The continuity of coating shall be determined
0.2043 41 740 0.03278 25
by the ammonium persulfate test in accordance with 6.4 or by
the sodium polysulfide-hydrochloric acid test in accordance
0.1819 33 090 0.02599 25
0.1620 26 240 0.02061 25
with 6.5. In case the results obtained in the sodium polysulfide-
0.1443 20 820 0.01635 25
hydrochloric acid test are not conclusive, the ammonium
0.1285 16 510 0.01297 25
persulfate test shall be employed and the results obtained by
0.1144 13 090 0.01028 25
this latter test shall be final.
0.1019 10 380 0.008155 20
0.0907 8 230 0.00646 20 5.5 Joints—Necessary joints in the completed wire and in
0.0808 6 530 0.00513 20
the wire and rods prior to final drawing shall be made in
accordance with the best commercial practice.
0.0720 5 180 0.00407 20
0.0641 4 110 0.00323 20
5.6 Finish—The coating shall consist of a smooth continu-
0.0571 3 260 0.00256 20
ouslayer,firmlyadherenttothesurfaceofthecopper.Thewire
0.0508 2 580 0.00203 20
shall be free of all imperfections not consistent with the best
0.0453 2 050 0.00161 20
commercial practice.
0.0403 1 620 0.00128 20
0.0359 1 290 0.00101 20
0.0320 1 020 0.000804 20
6. Test Methods
0.0285 812 0.000638 20 6.1 Tensile Strength and Elongation (Explanatory Note
0.0253 640 0.000503 20
3)—No test for tensile strength shall be required.
0.0226 511 0.000401 20
6.1.1 The elongation of wire whose nominal diameter is
0.0201 404 0.000317 15
larger than 0.0808 in. (2.052 mm) in diameter shall be
0.0179 320 0.000252 15
determined as the permanent increase in length, expressed in
0.0159 253 0.000199 15
percent of the original length, due to the breaking of the wire
0.0142 202 0.000158 15
0.0126 159 0.000125 15
in tension, measured between gage marks placed originally 10
in. (254 mm) apart upon the test specimen. The elongation of
0.0113 128 0.000100 15
the wire whose nominal diameter is 0.0808 in. (2.052 mm) and
0.0100 100 0.0000785 10
0.0089 79.2 0.0000622 10
undermaybedeterminedasjustdescribedorbymeasurements
0.0080 64.0 0.0000503 10
made between the jaws of the testing machine. When the latter
method is used, the zero length shall be the distance between
0.0071 50.4 0.0000396 10
0.0063 39.7 0.0000312 10 thejawsatthestartofthetensiontestandbeasnear10in.(254
0.0056 31.4 0.0000246 10
mm) as practical, and the final length shall be the distance
0.0050 25.0 0.0000196 10
between the jaws at the time of rupture. The fracture shall be
0.0045 20.2 0.0000159 10
between gage marks in the case of specimens so marked or
0.0040 16.0 0.0000126 10
between the jaws of the testing machine and not closer than 1
0.0035 12.2 0.00000962 10
in. (25.4 mm) to either gage mark or either jaw.
0.0031 9.61 0.00000755 10
6.2 Resistivity (Explanatory Note 2)—The electrical resis-
tivity of the material shall be determined in accordance with
Test Method B193. The purchaser may accept certification that
5.2 Resistivity (Explanatory Note 2)—The electrical resis-
the wire was drawn from rod stock meeting the international
tivity of the coated wire at a temperature of 20°C shall not
standard for annealed copper in lieu of resistivity tests on the
exceed the values prescribed in Table 2.
finished wire.
TABLE 2 Electrical Resistivity Requirements
Resistivity at
Nominal Diameter, in. 20°C,
TABLE 3 Permissible Variations in Diameter
Ω·lb/mile
Nominal Diameter of Permissible Variations in Diameter
0.460 to 0.290, incl 896.15
Wire, in. plus minus
Under 0.290 to 0.103, incl 900.77
Under 0.0100 0.0003 in. (0.3 mil) 0.0001 in. (0.1 mil)
Under 0.103 to 0.0201, incl 910.15
A A
0.0100 and over 3 % 1%
Under 0.0201 to 0.0111, incl 929.52
A
Under 0.0111 to 0.0030, incl 939.51
Expressed to the nearest 0.0001 in. (0.1 mil).
B189−05 (2015)
6.3 Dimensional Measurements—Dimensional measure- comparison by viewing the solutions lengthwise of the test
ments shall be made with a micrometer caliper equipped with tubes. The color of the test solution after immersion of the test
a vernier graduated in 0.0001 in. (0.1 mil). Measurements shall specimen shall not be darker than that of the reference
be made on at least three places on each unit selected for this color-standard solution.
test. If accessible, one measurement shall be taken on each end
6.5 Continuity of Coating (Sodium Polysulfide-
and one near the middle. The average of the three measure-
Hydrochloric Acid Test):
ments shall determine compliance with the requirements.
6.5.1 Specimens:
6.4 Continuity of Coating (Ammonium Persulfate Test):
6.5.1.1 Length of Specimens—The test specimens shall each
6.4.1 Specimens:
have a length of about 6 in. (152 mm). They shall be tagged or
6.4.1.1 Length of Specimens—The length of test specimens
marked to correspond with the coil, spool, or reel from which
shall be determined by substituting the appropriate value of K,
they were cut.
as given in Table 4, in the following equation:
6.5.1.2 Treatment of Specimens—The test specimens shall
be thoroughly cleaned by immersion in a suitable organic
L 5 K/D
solvent, such as benzene, ether, or trichloroethylene for at least
where:
3 min, then removed and wiped dry with a clean, soft cloth.
L = length of test specimen, in. (or mm), and
(Caution: Explanatory Note 4.) The specimens thus cleaned
D = diameter of the coated wire, in. (or mm).
shall be kept wrapped in a clean, dry cloth until tested.
In cases where the length of a specimen, determined by the (Warning:Thatpartofthespecimentobeimmersedinthetest
above equation, is such that it cannot be immersed as a single
solution shall not be handled. Care shall be taken to avoid
length in the specified manner, it may be divided into shorter abrasion by the cut ends.)
sections which will permit complete immersion.
6.5.2 Special Solutions (Explanatory Note 5):
6.4.1.2 Treatment of Specimens—The specimens shall be
6.5.2.1 Sodium Polysulfide Solution (sp gr 1.142)—A con-
thoroughly cleaned by immersion in a suitable organic solvent
centrated solution shall be made by dissolving sodium sulfide
such as benzene, ether, or trichloroethylene for at least 3 min,
cp crystals in distilled water until the solution is saturated at
then removed and wiped dry with a clean soft cloth. (Caution:
about 21°C and adding sufficient flowers of sulfur (in excess of
Explanatory Note 4.) The ends of each specimen shall be
250 g/L of solution) to provide complete saturation, as shown
completely coated with wax to protect the exposed copper.The
by the presence in the solution of an excess of sulfur after the
wax-coated length shall not be included in determining the
solution has been allowed to stand for at least 24 h. The test
length of the specimen.
solution shall be made by diluting a portion of the concentrated
6.4.2 Special Solutions:
solution with distilled water to a specific gravity of 1.142 at
6.4.2.1 Test Solution (Ammonium Persulfate)—Dissolve 10
16°C. The sodium polysulfide test solution should have suffi-
g of ammonium persulfate (cp crystals containing not less than
cient strength to blacken thoroughly a piece of clean, untinned
95 % of ammonium persulfate) in 500 mL of distilled water.
copperwirein5s.Aportionofthetestsolutionusedfortesting
Add 75 mL of cp NH OH (sp gr 0.90) and dilute to 1 L with
specimens shall not be considered to be exhausted until it fails
distilled water. The ammonium persulfate solution shall be
to blacken a piece of clean copper as described above.
freshly prepared each day. Tests are to be conducted and shall
6.5.2.2 Hydrochloric Acid Solution (sp gr 1.088)—
not be subjected to temperatures above 100°F (38°C).
Commercial HCl (sp gr 1.12) shall be diluted with distilled
6.4.2.2 Reference Color Standard (Copper Sulfate-
watertoaspecificgravityof1.088measuredat16°C.Aportion
Ammonium Hydroxide)—Dissolve 0.100 g of anhydrous cop-
ofHClsolutionhavingavolumeof180mLshallbeconsidered
per sulfate in distilled water, add 75 mL of cp NH OH (sp gr
4 to be exhausted when the number of test specimens prescribed
0.90), and dilute to 1 L.
in Table 5 have been immersed in it for two cycles.
6.4.3 Procedure—Immerse a specimen of the required
6.5.3 Procedure—Immerse a length of at least 4.5 in. (114
length (see section 6.4.1.1) in the quantity of test solution
mm) from each of the cleaned specimens in accordance with
prescribed in Table 4, using as the container a test tube of
the following cycles, in test solutions maintained at a tempera-
appropriate dimensions. Immerse the specimen in the test
ture between 16 and 21°C:
solution at a temperature between 83 and 87°F (28 and 31°C)
foraperiodof15min.Thenremovethespecimenandcompare
the test solution with an equal depth of the reference color
standard contained in a similar test tube. Make the color
TABLE 5 Limiting Number of Test Specimens for Hydrochloric
Acid Test
Maximum Number of Specimens
TABLE 4 Data for Ammonium Persulfate Test
Diameter, in. to be Tested for Two Cycles in
Quantity of Test 180 mL of Acid Solution
Wire Diameter, in. K
Solutions, mL
0.460 to 0.141, incl 2
0.460 to 0.321, incl 1.2 150 Under 0.141 to 0.0851, incl 4
Under 0.321 to 0.161, incl 0.8 100 Under 0.0851 to 0.0501, incl 6
Under 0.161 to 0.0810, incl 0.4 50 Under 0.0501 to 0.0381, incl 10
Under 0.0810 to 0.0400, incl 0.2 25 Under 0.0381 to 0.0301, incl 12
Under 0.0400 to 0.0030, incl 0.1 12.5 Under 0.0301 to 0.0030, incl 14
B189−05 (2015)
6.5.3.1 Immerse the specimen for 30 s in the sodium 7.2.1 lot (Explanatory Note 7)—any amount of wire of one
polysulfide solution, wash, and then shake lightly to remove type and size presented for accept
...

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: B189 − 05 (Reapproved 2010) B189 − 05 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Specification for
Lead-Coated and Lead-Alloy-Coated Soft Copper Wire for
Electrical Purposes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B189; 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 lead-coated and lead-alloy-coated, round, soft or annealed copper wire for electrical purposes.
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. The SI values for density and
resistivity are to be regarded as the standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use. The hazard statement applies only to Section 6 of this specification.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect at the time of reference form a part of these methods to the extent referenced
herein:
2.2 ASTM Standards:
B49 Specification for Copper Rod Drawing Stock for Electrical Purposes
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
2.3 NIST:
NBS Handbook 100 Copper Wire Tables
3. Ordering Information
3.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include the following information:
3.1.1 Quantity of each size and type of coating;
3.1.2 Wire size: diameter in inches (see 5.3 and Table 1);
3.1.3 Type of coating (see Section 1);
3.1.4 Type of copper, if special (see 4.2);
3.1.5 Package size (see 8.1);
3.1.6 Special package marking, if required; and
3.1.7 Place of inspection (see 6.1).
4. Material
4.1 Coating Material—The coating material shall be commercially pure lead or a lead alloy. The lead alloy shall conform to
the following requirements as to chemical composition as determined by analysis of samples from the coating bath:
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.04 on Conductors
of Copper and Copper Alloys.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2010April 1, 2015. Published December 2010April 2015. Originally approved in 1944. Discontinued July 2003 and reinstated as
B189 – 05.Last previous edition approved in 20052010 as B189 – 05.B189 – 05 (2010). DOI: 10.1520/B0189-05R10.10.1520/B0189-05R15.
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’sstandard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from National Technical Information Service (NTIS), U.S. Department of Commerce, 5285 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, VA 22161.Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST), 100 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
B189 − 05 (2015)
TABLE 1 Tensile Requirements
Area at 20°C
Elongation in 10
Diameter, in.
in., min, %
cmils in.
0.4600 211 600 0.1662 30
0.4096 167 800 0.1318 30
0.3648 133 100 0.1045 30
0.3249 105 600 0.08291 30
0.2893 83 690 0.06573 25
0.2576 66 360 0.05212 25
0.2294 52 620 0.04133 25
0.2043 41 740 0.03278 25
0.1819 33 090 0.02599 25
0.1620 26 240 0.02061 25
0.1443 20 820 0.01635 25
0.1285 16 510 0.01297 25
0.1144 13 090 0.01028 25
0.1019 10 380 0.008155 20
0.0907 8 230 0.00646 20
0.0808 6 530 0.00513 20
0.0720 5 180 0.00407 20
0.0641 4 110 0.00323 20
0.0571 3 260 0.00256 20
0.0508 2 580 0.00203 20
0.0453 2 050 0.00161 20
0.0403 1 620 0.00128 20
0.0359 1 290 0.00101 20
0.0320 1 020 0.000804 20
0.0285 812 0.000638 20
0.0253 640 0.000503 20
0.0226 511 0.000401 20
0.0201 404 0.000317 15
0.0179 320 0.000252 15
0.0159 253 0.000199 15
0.0142 202 0.000158 15
0.0126 159 0.000125 15
0.0113 128 0.000100 15
0.0100 100 0.0000785 10
0.0089 79.2 0.0000622 10
0.0080 64.0 0.0000503 10
0.0071 50.4 0.0000396 10
0.0063 39.7 0.0000312 10
0.0056 31.4 0.0000246 10
0.0050 25.0 0.0000196 10
0.0045 20.2 0.0000159 10
0.0040 16.0 0.0000126 10
0.0035 12.2 0.00000962 10
0.0031 9.61 0.00000755 10
Lead, min, % 25
A
Tin, max, % 75
Antimony, max, % 6
A
It is permissible to use alloying constituents other than those specified above to replace a portion of the tin.
4.2 Copper-Base Metal—The base metal shall be copper of such quality and purity that the finished product shall have
properties and characteristics prescribed in this specification.
4.2.1 Copper of special qualities, forms, or types, as may be agreed upon between the manufacturer and the purchaser, and
which will conform to the requirements prescribed in this specification may also be used.
NOTE 1—Specification B49 defines copper suitable for use.
B189 − 05 (2015)
5. General Requirements (See Section 9)
5.1 Tensile Strength and Elongation (Explanatory Note 1)—The coated wire shall conform to the requirements for elongation
prescribed in Table 1. No requirements for tensile strength are specified. For wire whose nominal diameter is more than 0.001 in.
(1 mil) greater than a size listed in Table 1, but less than that of the next larger size, the requirements of the next larger size shall
apply.
5.2 Resistivity (Explanatory Note 2)—The electrical resistivity of the coated wire at a temperature of 20°C shall not exceed the
values prescribed in Table 2.
5.3 Dimensions and Permissible Variations (Explanatory Note 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. (0.1 mil). The coated wire shall not vary from the specified diameter by
more than the amounts prescribed in Table 3.
5.4 Continuity of Coating—The lead or lead-alloy coating shall be continuous. The continuity of coating on the wire shall be
determined on representative samples taken before stranding or insulating. The continuity of coating shall be determined by the
ammonium persulfate test in accordance with 6.4 or by the sodium polysulfide-hydrochloric acid test in accordance with 6.5. In
case the results obtained in the sodium polysulfide-hydrochloric acid test are not conclusive, the ammonium persulfate test shall
be employed and the results obtained by this latter test shall be final.
5.5 Joints—Necessary joints in the completed wire and in the wire and rods prior to final drawing shall be made in accordance
with the best commercial practice.
5.6 Finish—The coating shall consist of a smooth continuous layer, firmly adherent to the surface of the copper. The wire shall
be free of all imperfections not consistent with the best commercial practice.
6. Test Methods
6.1 Tensile Strength and Elongation (Explanatory Note 3)—No test for tensile strength shall be required.
6.1.1 The elongation of wire whose nominal diameter is larger than 0.0808 in. (2.052 mm) in diameter shall be determined as
the permanent increase in length, expressed in percent of the original length, due to the breaking of the wire in tension, measured
between gage marks placed originally 10 in. (254 mm) apart upon the test specimen. The elongation of the wire whose nominal
diameter is 0.0808 in. (2.052 mm) and under may be determined as just described or by measurements made between the jaws of
the testing machine. When the latter method is used, the zero length shall be the distance between the jaws at the start of the tension
test and be as near 10 in. (254 mm) as practical, and the final length shall be the distance between the jaws at the time of rupture.
The fracture shall be between gage marks in the case of specimens so marked or between the jaws of the testing machine and not
closer than 1 in. (25.4 mm) to either gage mark or either jaw.
6.2 Resistivity (Explanatory Note 2)—The electrical resistivity of the material shall be determined in accordance with Test
Method B193. The purchaser may accept certification that the wire was drawn from rod stock meeting the international standard
for annealed copper in lieu of resistivity tests on the finished wire.
6.3 Dimensional Measurements—Dimensional measurements shall be made with a micrometer caliper equipped with a vernier
graduated in 0.0001 in. (0.1 mil). Measurements shall be made on at least three places on each unit selected for this test. If
accessible, one measurement shall be taken on each end and one near the middle. The average of the three measurements shall
determine compliance with the requirements.
6.4 Continuity of Coating (Ammonium Persulfate Test):
6.4.1 Specimens:
6.4.1.1 Length of Specimens—The length of test specimens shall be determined by substituting the appropriate value of K, as
given in Table 4, in the following equation:
L 5 K/D
where:
L = length of test specimen, in. (or mm), and
TABLE 2 Electrical Resistivity Requirements
Resistivity at
Nominal Diameter, in. 20°C,
Ω·lb/mile
0.460 to 0.290, incl 896.15
Under 0.290 to 0.103, incl 900.77
Under 0.103 to 0.0201, incl 910.15
Under 0.0201 to 0.0111, incl 929.52
Under 0.0111 to 0.0030, incl 939.51
B189 − 05 (2015)
TABLE 3 Permissible Variations in Diameter
Nominal Diameter of Permissible Variations in Diameter
Wire, in.
plus minus
Under 0.0100 0.0003 in. (0.3 mil) 0.0001 in. (0.1 mil)
A A
0.0100 and over 3 % 1 %
A
Expressed to the nearest 0.0001 in. (0.1 mil).
TABLE 4 Data for Ammonium Persulfate Test
Quantity of Test
Wire Diameter, in. K
Solutions, mL
0.460 to 0.321, incl 1.2 150
Under 0.321 to 0.161, incl 0.8 100
Under 0.161 to 0.0810, incl 0.4 50
Under 0.0810 to 0.0400, incl 0.2 25
Under 0.0400 to 0.0030, incl 0.1 12.5
D = diameter of the coated wire, in. (or mm).
where:
L = length of test specimen, in. (or mm), and
D = diameter of the coated wire, in. (or mm).
In cases where the length of a specimen, determined by the above equation, is such that it cannot be immersed as a single length
in the specified manner, it may be divided into shorter sections which will permit complete immersion.
6.4.1.2 Treatment of Specimens—The specimens shall be thoroughly cleaned by immersion in a suitable organic solvent such
as benzene, ether, or trichloroethylene for at least 3 min, then removed and wiped dry with a clean soft cloth. (Caution:
Explanatory Note 4.) The ends of each specimen shall be completely coated with wax to protect the exposed copper. The
wax-coated length shall not be included in determining the length of the specimen.
6.4.2 Special Solutions:
6.4.2.1 Test Solution (Ammonium Persulfate)—Dissolve 10 g of ammonium persulfate (cp crystals containing not less than 95 %
of ammonium persulfate) in 500 mL of distilled water. Add 75 mL of cp NH OH (sp gr 0.90) and dilute to 1 L with distilled water.
The ammonium persulfate solution shall be freshly prepared each day. Tests are to be conducted and shall not be subjected to
temperatures above 100°F (38°C).
6.4.2.2 Reference Color Standard (Copper Sulfate-Ammonium Hydroxide)—Dissolve 0.100 g of anhydrous copper sulfate in
distilled water, add 75 mL of cp NH OH (sp gr 0.90), and dilute to 1 L.
6.4.3 Procedure—Immerse a specimen of the required length (see section 6.4.1.1) in the quantity of test solution prescribed in
Table 4, using as the container a test tube of appropriate dimensions. Immerse the specimen in the test solution at a temperature
between 83 and 87°F (28 and 31°C) for a period of 15 min. Then remove the specimen and compare the test solution with an equal
depth of the reference color standard contained in a similar test tube. Make the color comparison by viewing the solutions
lengthwise of the test tubes. The color of the test solution after immersion of the test specimen shall not be darker than that of the
reference color-standard solution.
6.5 Continuity of Coating (Sodium Polysulfide-Hydrochloric Acid Test):
6.5.1 Specimens:
6.5.1.1 Length of Specimens—The test specimens shall each have a length of about 6 in. (152 mm). They shall be tagged or
marked to correspond with the coil, spool, or reel from which they were cut.
6.5.1.2 Treatment of Specimens—The test specimens shall be thoroughly cleaned by immersion in a suitable organic solvent,
such as benzene, ether, or trichloroethylene for at least 3 min, then removed and wiped dry with a clean, soft cloth. (Caution:
Explanatory Note 4.) The specimens thus cleaned shall be kept wrapped in a clean, dry cloth until tested. (Warning: 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.)
6.5.2 Special Solutions (Explanatory Note 5):
6.5.2.1 Sodium Polysulfide Solution (sp gr 1.142)—A concentrated solution shall be made by dissolving sodium sulfide cp
crystals in distilled water until the solution is saturated at about 21°C and adding sufficient flowers of sulfur (in excess of 250 g/L
of solution) to provide complete saturation, as shown by the presence in the solution of an excess of sulfur after the solution has
been allowed to stand for at least 24 h. The test solution shall be made by diluting a portion of the concentrated solution with
distilled water to a specific gravity of 1.142 at 16°C. The sodium polysulfide test solution should have sufficient strength to blacken
thoroughly a piece of clean, untinned copper wire in 5 s. A portion of the test solution used for testing specimens shall not be
considered to be exhausted until it fails to blacken a piece of clean copper as described above.
B189 − 05 (2015)
6.5.2.2 Hydrochloric Acid Solution (sp gr 1.088)—Commercial HCl (sp gr 1.12) shall be diluted with distilled water to a specific
gravity of 1.088 measured at 16°C. A portion of HCl solution having a volume of 180 mL shall be considered to be exhausted when
the number of test specimens pres
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