ASTM B401-12(2021)

Standard Specification for Compact Round Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Steel-Reinforced (ACSR/COMP)

ABSTRACT
This specification covers compact round concentric-lay stranded conductors made from aluminum 1350-H19 (extra hard) wires and round zinc-coated, aluminum-coated, or aluminum-clad steel core wires usually used in overhead lines. Compact ACSR covered by this specification has five types of steel core wire which are designated by ACSR/GA/COMP, ACSR/GB/COMP, ACSR/GC/COMP, ACSR/AZ/COMP, ACSR/AW/COMP. Electric-butt welds, electric-butt, cold-upset welds, or cold-pressure welds in the individual round-drawn or shaped aluminum wires shall be made during the stranding process. The preferred lay of the aluminum wires of aluminum conductors, steel-reinforced, having a single wire steel core and one layer of aluminum wires shall be 14 times the outside diameter of the conductor but the lay shall be not less than 13 nor more than 16 times that diameter. The diameter of the steel core wire, the number of aluminum wires, the aluminum cross-sectional area, the diameter and weight of the compact round concentric-lay-stranded aluminum conductors, steel-reinforced, shall conform to the construction requirements. The rated strength of a completed conductor shall be taken as the aggregate strength of the aluminum and steel components, and shall be calculated according to the prescribed computation. The mass and electrical resistance of a unit length of stranded conductor shall be a function of the length of lay. Tests for mechanical and electrical properties of aluminum wires composing the conductors shall be made before stranding.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers compact round concentric-lay-stranded conductors made from aluminum 1350-H19 (extra hard) wires and round zinc-coated, aluminum-coated, or aluminum-clad steel core wires usually used in overhead lines. These conductors shall be constructed with one steel core wire surrounded by one or more layers of helically-laid compacted or otherwise shaped aluminum wires (Explanatory Note 1 and Note 2).  
1.2 Compact ACSR covered by this specification has five types of steel core wire which are designated by abbreviations as follows (Explanatory Note 2 and Note 7).  
1.2.1 ACSR/GA2/COMP—Compact ACSR using Class A zinc-coated steel wire,  
1.2.2 ACSR/GC2/COMP—Compact ACSR using Class C zinc-coated steel wire,  
1.2.3 ACSR/AW2/COMP—Compact ACSR using aluminum-clad steel wire, AW2 (Normal Strength),  
1.2.4 ACSR/AW3/COMP—Compact ACSR using aluminum-clad steel wire, AW3 (High Strength).  
1.3 The SI values of density and resistivity are to be regarded as standard. For all other properties the inch-pound values are to be regarded as standard and the SI units may be approximate.  
Note 1: Prior to 1975, aluminum 1350 was designated as EC aluminum.
Note 2: The aluminum and temper designations conform to ANSI H35.1. Aluminum 1350 corresponds to Unified Numbering System A91350 in accordance with Practice E527.  
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: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2021
• ICS: 29.060.20 - Cables
• Technical Committee: B01 - Electrical Conductors
• Drafting Committee: B01.07 - Conductors of Light Metals

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: B401 −12 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
Compact Round Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum
Conductors, Steel-Reinforced (ACSR/COMP)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B401; 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 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This specification covers compact round concentric-lay- 2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on date
stranded conductors made from aluminum 1350-H19 (extra of material purchase form a part of this specification to the
hard) wires and round zinc-coated, aluminum-coated, or extent referenced herein.
aluminum-clad steel core wires usually used in overhead lines. 2
2.2 ASTM Standards:
These conductors shall be constructed with one steel core wire
B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor
surrounded by one or more layers of helically-laid compacted
Materials
or otherwise shaped aluminum wires (Explanatory Note 1 and
B230/B230M Specification for Aluminum 1350–H19 Wire
Note 2).
for Electrical Purposes
1.2 Compact ACSR covered by this specification has five B232/B232M Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded
types of steel core wire which are designated by abbreviations Aluminum Conductors, Coated-Steel Reinforced (ACSR)
as follows (Explanatory Note 2 and Note 7). B263 Test Method for Determination of Cross-Sectional
1.2.1 ACSR/GA2/COMP—Compact ACSR using Class A Area of Stranded Conductors
zinc-coated steel wire, B341/B341M Specification for Aluminum-Coated (Alumi-
1.2.2 ACSR/GC2/COMP—Compact ACSR using Class C nized) Steel Core Wire for Aluminum Conductors, Steel
zinc-coated steel wire, Reinforced (ACSR/AZ) (Withdrawn 2007)
1.2.3 ACSR/AW2/COMP—Compact ACSR using B354 Terminology Relating to Uninsulated Metallic Electri-
aluminum-clad steel wire, AW2 (Normal Strength), cal Conductors
1.2.4 ACSR/AW3/COMP—Compact ACSR using B498/B498M Specification for Zinc-Coated (Galvanized)
aluminum-clad steel wire, AW3 (High Strength). Steel Core Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Conduc-
tors
1.3 The SI values of density and resistivity are to be
B502 Specification for Aluminum-Clad Steel Core Wire for
regarded as standard. For all other properties the inch-pound
Use in Overhead Electrical Aluminum Conductors
values are to be regarded as standard and the SI units may be
B802M Specification for Zinc-5% Aluminum-Mischmetal
approximate.
Alloy-Coated Steel Core Wire forAluminum Conductors,
NOTE 1—Prior to 1975, aluminum 1350 was designated as EC
Steel Reinforced (ACSR)[Metric](Discontinued 1998-
aluminum. 3
Replaced by B 802/B802M) (Withdrawn 1998)
NOTE 2—The aluminum and temper designations conform to ANSI
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
H35.1. Aluminum 1350 corresponds to Unified Numbering System
Determine Conformance with Specifications
A91350 in accordance with Practice E527.
E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
Unified Numbering System (UNS)
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
2.3 Other Documents:
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
ANSI H35.1 American National StandardAlloy and Temper
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Designation Systems For Aluminum
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.07 on the ASTM website.
Conductors of Light Metals. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2021. Published October 2021. Originally www.astm.org.
approved in 1963. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as B401 – 12 (2016). Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
DOI: 10.1520/B0401-12R21. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B401 − 12 (2021)
NBS Handbook 100 —Copper Wire Tables of the National 14 times the outside diameter of such layer but the lay shall be
Bureau of Standards not less than 11 nor more than 17.5 times that diameter.
5.4 The direction of lay of the outside layer of aluminum
3. Ordering Information
wires shall be right hand.
3.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
5.5 The direction of lay shall be reversed in successive
the following information:
layers.
3.1.1 Quantity of each size and stranding (Table 1),
3.1.2 Conductor size: circular-mil area or AWG (Section 6,
6. Construction
and Table 1),
6.1 The diameter of the steel core wire, the number of
3.1.3 Steel wire coating or aluminum-clad (see 11.3),
aluminum wires, the aluminum cross-sectional area, the diam-
3.1.4 Special tension test, if required (see 15.3),
eter and weight of the compact round concentric-lay-stranded
3.1.5 Place of inspection (Section 16), and
aluminum conductors, steel-reinforced, shall be as shown in
3.1.6 Packaging and Package Marking (Section 17).
Table 1.
4. Joints
7. Rated Strength of Conductor
4.1 Electric-butt welds, electric-butt, cold-upset welds, or
7.1 The rated strength of a completed conductor shall be
cold-pressure welds in the individual round-drawn or shaped
taken as the aggregate strength of the aluminum and steel
aluminumwiresmaybemadeduringthestrandingprocess.No
components, calculated as follows: The strength contribution
weld shall occur within 50 ft (15 m) of a weld in the same wire
of the aluminum wires shall be taken as the percentage,
or in any other wire of the completed conductor.
accordingtothenumberoflayersofaluminumwires,indicated
4.2 There shall be no joints of any kind made in the finished
in Table 2, of the sum of the strengths of the 1350-H19 wires,
coated, or aluminum-clad steel wires.
calculated on the basis of the nominal wire diameter for the
corresponding noncompacted construction given in Specifica-
5. Lay
tion B232/B232M and the appropriate specified minimum
5.1 The preferred lay of the aluminum wires of aluminum
average tensile strength given in Specification B230/B230M.
conductors, steel-reinforced, having a single wire steel core
The strength contribution of the steel core shall be taken as
and one layer of aluminum wires is 14 times the outside
96 % of the strength of the steel wire calculated from its
diameter of the conductor but the lay shall be not less than 13
specified nominal diameter and the appropriate specified mini-
nor more than 16 times that diameter.
mum stress at 1 % extension given in Specification B341/
B341M, B498/B498M, B502,or B802M, whichever is appli-
5.2 Thepreferredlayoftheoutsidelayerofaluminumwires
cable.
of aluminum conductors, steel-reinforced, having multiple
layers of aluminum wires is 12 times the outside diameter of
7.2 Rated strength and breaking strength values shall be
the conductor but the lay shall be not less than 11 nor more
rounded to three significant figures, in the final value only, in
than 14 times that diameter.
accordance with Practice E29.
5.3 The preferred lay of the layer immediately beneath the
7.3 Rated strength of conductors are given in Table 3.
outside layer of aluminum wires of aluminum conductors,
8. Density
steel-reinforced, having multiple layers of aluminum wires is
8.1 For the purpose of calculating mass, mass per unit
length, cross sections, and so forth, the density of aluminum
Available from National Technical Information Service (NTIS), 5301 Shawnee
3 3
1350 shall be taken as 2705 kg/m (0.0975 lb/in.)at20°C.
Rd., Alexandria, VA 22312, http://www.ntis.gov.
TABLE 1 Construction Requirements for Compact Round Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Steel Reinforced
Required Construction Nominal Mass for Conductors With:
Compact
Conductor Size Steel Wire Coated Steel Aluminum-Clad
Number of
Conductor
(Aluminum Wires) Diameter Core Wire Steel Core Wire
Aluminum
Diameter
Wires
cmil mm AWG in. mm in. mm lb/1000 ft kg/km lb/1000 ft kg/km
336 400 170.2 . 18 0.1367 3.47 0.628 15.95 364.8 543.3 357.2 531.1
266 800 135.0 . 18 0.1217 3.09 0.559 14.20 289.1 430.8 283.1 421.1
211 600 107.2 0000 6 0.1878 4.77 0.517 13.13 290.8 433.4 276.5 412.1
167 800 85.1 000 6 0.1672 4.25 0.461 11.71 230.5 343.9.0 219.2 327.1
133 100 67.3 00 6 0.1489 3.78 0.410 10.41 182.8 272.3 173.8 258.9
105 600 53.5 0 6 0.1327 3.37 0.365 9.27 145.2 216.4 138.1 205.8
83 690 42.4 1 6 0.1181 3.00 0.326 8.28 115.0 171.4 109.4 163.0
66 360 33.6 2 7 0.1299 3.30 0.298 7.57 106.6 158.6 99.8 148.4
66 360 33.6 2 6 0.1052 2.67 0.290 7.37 91.2 135.9 86.8 129.2
52 620 26.7 3 6 0.0937 2.38 0.258 6.55 72.4 107.9 68.8 102.6
41 740 21.1 4 7 0.1029 2.61 0.236 5.99 67.0 99.7 62.7 93.4
41 740 21.2 4 6 0.0834 2.12 0.229 5.82 57.3 85.6 54.5 81.4
26 240 13.3 6 6 0.0661 1.68 0.182 4.62 36.0 53.7 . .
B401 − 12 (2021)
TABLE 2 Strength Rating Factors
11.3 Before stranding, the steel core wire used shall con-
Stranding Rating Factor, % form to the requirements of Specification B341/B341M, B498/
Number of Wires Number of Layers
B498M, B502,or B802M, whichever is applicable.
Aluminum Steel
Aluminum Steel Aluminum Steel
A
61 1 96 96
A
12. Variation in Area
71 1 96 96
A
18 1 2 93 96
12.1 The cross-sectional area of the aluminum in wires of a
A
Central steel wire only: the 96 % Rating Factor is applied to the single steel wire
compact round ACSR shall be not less than 98 % of the
core in the event it contains a weld (made prior to drawing).
cross-sectional area as specified in column 1 of Table 1. The
manufacturer shall determine the cross-sectional area by Test
Method B263. In applying this method, the increment in
weight resulting from stranding may be the applicable value
8.2 For the purpose of calculating mass, mass per unit specified in 9.1 or may be calculated from the measured
length, cross sections, and so forth, the density of coated steel dimensions of the sample under test. In case of question
3 3
wire shall be taken as 7780 kg/m (0.281 lb⁄in.)at20°C. regarding area compliance, the actual mass increment due to
stranding shall be calculated.
8.3 For the purpose of calculating mass, mass per unit
length, cross sections, and so forth, the density of aluminum-
13. Variation in Diameter
3 3
clad steel wire shall be taken as 6590 kg/m (0.2381 lb⁄in. )at
13.1 The diameter of the compact round ACSR shall vary
20 °C.
by not more than +1 –2 % from the diameter specified in Table
1.
9. Mass and Electrical Resistance
9.1 The mass and electrical resistance of a unit length of
14. Sampling
stranded conductor are a function of the length of lay. The
14.1 The aluminum cross-sectional area (Section 12) and
approximate mass and electrical resistance may be determined
the conductor diameter (Section 13) shall be measured on a
using an increment of 1.5 % for conductors composed of 1
sample of completed conductor. At least one sample shall be
steel and 6 or 7 aluminum wires and an increment of 2 % for
tested for each size of conductor on each order of quantities
conductors composed of 1 steel and 18 aluminum wires. When
from 5000 to 100 000 ft (1500 to 30 000 m) and one additional
greater accuracy is desired, the increment based on the specific
sample tested from each 100 000 ft thereafter.
lay of the conductor may be calculated (Explanatory Note 4).
9.2 In the calculation of the electrical resistance of a
15. Mechanical and Electrical Tests
completed conductor, coated steel wires may be included.
15.1 Tests for mechanical and electrical properties of alu-
9.3 The maximum electrical resistance of a unit length of
minum wires composing the conductors shall be made before
stranded conductor shall not exceed 102 % of the nominal dc
stranding (Explanatory Note 5).
resistanceshowninTable4(ExplanatoryNote6).Whenthedc
15.2 Testsforthemechanicalandelectricalpropertiesofthe
resistance is measured at other than 20 °C, it is to be corrected
steel core wire shall be made before, but not after stranding,
by using the multiplying factor given in Table 5.
unless otherwise agreed by the manufacturer and the purchaser
9.4 For conductors to be used in covered or insulated wires
as provided in 15.3 (Explanatory Note 5).
orcablesdcresistancemeasurementsmaybeusedinlieuofthe
15.3 At the option of the purchaser, at the time of placing
method outlined in Section 12.
the order, tension and elongation tests of wire before stranding
may be waived, and the completed conductor may be tested as
10. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
a unit. The minimum breaking strength of conductors so tested
10.1 The conductor shall be clean and free of imperfections
shall be not less than the rated strength if failure occurs in the
not consistent with good commercial practice.
free length at least 1 in. (25 mm) beyond the end of either
gripping device, or shall be not less than 95 % of the rated
11. Requirements for Wires
strength if failure occurs inside, or within 1 in. of the end of,
eithergrippingdevice.Thefreelengthbetweengripsofthetest
11.1 Before stranding and compacting, the round aluminum
specimen shall be not less than 24 in. (600 mm), and care shall
wire used shall conform to the requirements of Specification
be taken to ensure that the wires in the conductor are evenly
B230/B230M.
gripped during the test (Explanatory Note 3).
11.2 Aluminum wires shaped before stranding shall meet
the requirements of Specification B230/B230M, except for
16. Inspection
shape, tensile and elongation requirements, and diameter
16.1 Unless otherwise specified in the contract or purchase
tolerances. The minimum tensile and elongation requirements
order, the manufacturer shall be responsible for the perfor-
shall be 96 % of those for round wires of the same nominal
mance of all inspection and test requirements specified.
area, provided the completed conductor is capable of meeting
the requirements of Section 7. The area tolerances for the 16.2 All inspections and tests shall be made at the place of
shaped wires shall be such that the finished conductor con- manufacture unless otherwise agreed to between the manufac-
forms to Section 12. turer and the purchaser at the time of purchase.
---------------------
...

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: B401 − 12 (Reapproved 2016) B401 − 12 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
Compact Round Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum
Conductors, Steel-Reinforced (ACSR/COMP)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B401; 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 compact round concentric-lay-stranded conductors made from aluminum 1350-H19 (extra hard)
wires and round zinc-coated, aluminum-coated, or aluminum-clad steel core wires usually used in overhead lines. These
conductors shall be constructed with one steel core wire surrounded by one or more layers of helically-laid compacted or otherwise
shaped aluminum wires (Explanatory Note 1 and Note 2).
1.2 Compact ACSR covered by this specification has five types of steel core wire which are designated by abbreviations as follows
(Explanatory Note 2 and Note 7).
1.2.1 ACSR/GA2/COMP—Compact ACSR using Class A zinc-coated steel wire,
1.2.2 ACSR/GC2/COMP—Compact ACSR using Class C zinc-coated steel wire,
1.2.3 ACSR/AW2/COMP—Compact ACSR using aluminum-clad steel wire, AW2 (Normal Strength).Strength),
1.2.4 ACSR/AW3/COMP—Compact ACSR using aluminum-clad steel wire, AW3 (High Strength).
1.3 The SI values of density and resistivity are to be regarded as standard. For all other properties the inch-pound values are to
be regarded as standard and the SI units may be approximate.
NOTE 1—Prior to 1975, aluminum 1350 was designated as EC aluminum.
NOTE 2—The aluminum and temper designations conform to ANSI H35.1. Aluminum 1350 corresponds to Unified Numbering System A91350 in
accordance with Practice E527.
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.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.07 on Conductors
of Light Metals.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2016Oct. 1, 2021. Published October 2016October 2021. Originally approved in 1963. Last previous edition approved in 20122016 as
B401 – 12.B401 – 12 (2016). DOI: 10.1520/B0401-12R16.10.1520/B0401-12R21.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B401 − 12 (2021)
2.2 ASTM Standards:
B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
B230/B230M Specification for Aluminum 1350–H19 Wire for Electrical Purposes
B232/B232M Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Coated-Steel Reinforced (ACSR)
B263 Test Method for Determination of Cross-Sectional Area of Stranded Conductors
B341/B341M Specification for Aluminum-Coated (Aluminized) Steel Core Wire for Aluminum Conductors, Steel Reinforced
(ACSR/AZ) (Withdrawn 2007)
B354 Terminology Relating to Uninsulated Metallic Electrical Conductors
B498/B498M Specification for Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Core Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Conductors
B502 Specification for Aluminum-Clad Steel Core Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Aluminum Conductors
B802M Specification for Zinc-5% Aluminum-Mischmetal Alloy-Coated Steel Core Wire for Aluminum Conductors, Steel
Reinforced (ACSR)[Metric](Discontinued 1998-Replaced by B 802/B802M) (Withdrawn 1998)
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the Unified Numbering System (UNS)
2.3 Other Documents:
ANSI H35.1 American National Standard Alloy and Temper Designation Systems For Aluminum
NBS Handbook 100 —Copper Wire Tables of the National Bureau of Standards
3. Ordering Information
3.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include the following information:
3.1.1 Quantity of each size and stranding (Table 1),
3.1.2 Conductor size: circular-mil area or AWG (Section 6, and Table 1),
3.1.3 Steel wire coating or aluminum-clad (see 11.3),
3.1.4 Special tension test, if required (see 15.3),
3.1.5 Place of inspection (Section 16), and
3.1.6 Packaging and Package Marking (Section 17).
TABLE 1 Construction Requirements for Compact Round Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Steel Reinforced
Required Construction Nominal Mass for Conductors With:
Compact
Conductor Size Steel Wire Coated Steel Aluminum-Clad
Number of
Conductor
(Aluminum Wires) Diameter Core Wire Steel Core Wire
Aluminum
Diameter
Wires
cmil mm AWG in. mm in. mm lb/1000 ft kg/km lb/1000 ft kg/km
336 400 170.2 . 18 0.1367 3.47 0.628 15.95 364.8 543.3 357.2 531.1
266 800 135.0 . 18 0.1217 3.09 0.559 14.20 289.1 430.8 283.1 421.1
211 600 107.2 0000 6 0.1878 4.77 0.517 13.13 290.8 433.4 276.5 412.1
167 800 85.1 000 6 0.1672 4.25 0.461 11.71 230.5 343.9.0 219.2 327.1
133 100 67.3 00 6 0.1489 3.78 0.410 10.41 182.8 272.3 173.8 258.9
105 600 53.5 0 6 0.1327 3.37 0.365 9.27 145.2 216.4 138.1 205.8
83 690 42.4 1 6 0.1181 3.00 0.326 8.28 115.0 171.4 109.4 163.0
66 360 33.6 2 7 0.1299 3.30 0.298 7.57 106.6 158.6 99.8 148.4
66 360 33.6 2 6 0.1052 2.67 0.290 7.37 91.2 135.9 86.8 129.2
52 620 26.7 3 6 0.0937 2.38 0.258 6.55 72.4 107.9 68.8 102.6
41 740 21.1 4 7 0.1029 2.61 0.236 5.99 67.0 99.7 62.7 93.4
41 740 21.2 4 6 0.0834 2.12 0.229 5.82 57.3 85.6 54.5 81.4
26 240 13.3 6 6 0.0661 1.68 0.182 4.62 36.0 53.7 . .
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.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available from National Technical Information Service (NTIS), 5301 Shawnee Rd., Alexandria, VA 22312, http://www.ntis.gov.
B401 − 12 (2021)
4. Joints
4.1 Electric-butt welds, electric-butt, cold-upset welds, or cold-pressure welds in the individual round-drawn or shaped aluminum
wires may be made during the stranding process. No weld shall occur within 50 ft (15 m) of a weld in the same wire or in any
other wire of the completed conductor.
4.2 There shall be no joints of any kind made in the finished coated, or aluminum-clad steel wires.
5. Lay
5.1 The preferred lay of the aluminum wires of aluminum conductors, steel-reinforced, having a single wire steel core and one
layer of aluminum wires is 14 times the outside diameter of the conductor but the lay shall be not less than 13 nor more than 16
times that diameter.
5.2 The preferred lay of the outside layer of aluminum wires of aluminum conductors, steel-reinforced, having multiple layers of
aluminum wires is 12 times the outside diameter of the conductor but the lay shall be not less than 11 nor more than 14 times that
diameter.
5.3 The preferred lay of the layer immediately beneath the outside layer of aluminum wires of aluminum conductors,
steel-reinforced, having multiple layers of aluminum wires is 14 times the outside diameter of such layer but the lay shall be not
less than 11 nor more than 17.5 times that diameter.
5.4 The direction of lay of the outside layer of aluminum wires shall be right hand.
5.5 The direction of lay shall be reversed in successive layers.
6. Construction
6.1 The diameter of the steel core wire, the number of aluminum wires, the aluminum cross-sectional area, the diameter and
weight of the compact round concentric-lay-stranded aluminum conductors, steel-reinforced, shall be as shown in Table 1.
7. Rated Strength of Conductor
7.1 The rated strength of a completed conductor shall be taken as the aggregate strength of the aluminum and steel components,
calculated as follows: The strength contribution of the aluminum wires shall be taken as the percentage, according to the number
of layers of aluminum wires, indicated in Table 2, of the sum of the strengths of the 1350-H19 wires, calculated on the basis of
the nominal wire diameter for the corresponding noncompacted construction given in Specification B232/B232M and the
appropriate specified minimum average tensile strength given in Specification B230/B230M. The strength contribution of the steel
core shall be taken as 96 % of the strength of the steel wire calculated from its specified nominal diameter and the appropriate
specified minimum stress at 1 % extension given in Specification B341/B341M, B498/B498M, B502, or B802M, whichever is
applicable.
7.2 Rated strength and breaking strength values shall be rounded to three significant figures, in the final value only, in accordance
with Practice E29.
7.3 Rated strength of conductors are given in Table 3.
TABLE 2 Strength Rating Factors
Stranding Rating Factor, %
Number of Wires Number of Layers
Aluminum Steel
Aluminum Steel Aluminum Steel
A
6 1 1 96 96
A
7 1 1 96 96
A
18 1 2 93 96
A
Central steel wire only: the 96 % Rating Factor is applied to the single steel wire
core in the event it contains a weld (made prior to drawing).
B401 − 12 (2021)
TABLE 3 Rated Strengths for Compact Round Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Steel-Reinforced
Rated Strength For Conductors With:
Aluminum-
Conductor Size
Coated Aluminum-Clad
Coated Steel Core Wire:
Steel Core Steel Core Wire
Wire
Number of
Class A Class B Class C
Aluminum
cmil mm AWG kips kN kips kN kips kN kips kN kips kN
Wires
336 400 170.2 . 18 8.26 36.3 8.54 37.6 8.68 38.2 8.54 37.5 8.40 36.9
266 800 135.0 . 18 6.54 28.81 6.82 30.0 6.88 30.3 6.77 29.8 6.66 29.3
211 600 107.2 0000 6 7.42 32.9 7.69 34.1 8.35 37.1 8.08 35.9 7.95 35.3
167 800 85.1 000 6 5.88 26.1 6.30 28.0 6.62 29.4 6.41 28.5 6.30 28.1
133 100 67.3 00 6 4.88 21.4 5.13 22.5 5.30 23.3 5.13 22.5 5.05 22.2
105 600 53.5 0 6 3.98 17.6 4.25 18.8 4.38 19.4 4.25 18.8 4.12 18.2
83 690 42.4 1 6 3.29 14.4 3.45 15.1 3.55 15.6 3.45 15.1 3.34 14.7
66 360 33.6 2 7 3.26 14.4 3.51 15.6 3.64 16.1 3.51 15.6 3.39 15.0
66 360 33.7 2 6 2.64 11.7 2.76 12.3 2.85 12.7 2.76 12.3 2.68 11.9
52 620 26.7 3 6 2.13 9.44 2.23 9.89 2.29 10.2 2.23 9.91 2.17 9.61
41 740 21.1 4 7 2.16 9.60 2.28 10.1 2.36 10.5 2.28 10.2 2.20 9.81
41 740 21.2 4 6 1.76 7.83 1.78 7.95 1.86 8.30 1.81 8.07 1.76 7.83
26 240 13.3 6 6 1.12 4.98 Not Not 1.19 5.28 1.16 5.13 1.12 4.98
Standard Standard
TABLE 4 Nominal dc Resistance Values
Required Construction Nominal dc Resistance @ 20°Cat 20 °C for Conductors With:
Conductor Size Steel Wire Coated Steel Aluminum-Clad
Number of
(Aluminum Wires) Diameter Core Wire Steel Core Wire
Aluminum
Wires
cmil mm AWG in. mm ohm/1000 ft ohm/km ohm/1000 ft ohm/km
336 400 170.2 . 18 0.1367 3.472 0.05113 0.1680 0.05060 0.1662
266 800 135.0 . 18 0.1217 3.091 0.06451 0.2118 0.06384 0.2096
211 600 107.2 0000 6 0.1878 4.770 0.07956 0.2611 0.07720 0.2533
167 800 85.1 000 6 0.1672 4.247 0.1004 0.3288 0.09739 0.3191
133 100 67.3 00 6 0.1489 3.782 0.1266 0.4157 0.1228 0.4033
105 600 53.5 0 6 0.1327 3.371 0.1594 0.5230 0.1546 0.5074
83 690 42.4 1 6 0.1181 3.000 0.2012 0.6600 0.1952 0.6403
66 360 33.6 2 7 0.1299 3.299 0.2503 0.8239 0.2393 0.7874
66 360 33.6 2 6 0.1052 2.672 0.2536 0.8332 0.2460 0.8084
52 620 26.7 3 6 0.0937 2.380 0.3203 1.049 0.3107 1.017
41 740 21.1 4 7 0.1029 2.614 0.3985 1.309 0.3809 1.251
41 740 21.2 4 6 0.0834 2.118 0.4034 1.322 0.3914 1.282
26 240 13.3 6 6 0.0661 1.679 0.6423 2.104 . .
8. Density
8.1 For the purpose of calculating mass, mass per unit length, cross sections, and so forth, the density of aluminum 1350 shall be
3 3
taken as 2705 kg/m (0.0975 lb/in. ) at 20°C.20 °C.
8.2 For the purpose of calculating mass, mass per unit length, cross sections, and so forth, the density of coated steel wire shall
3 3
be taken as 7780 kg/m (0.281 lb ⁄in. ) at 20°C.20 °C.
8.3 For the purpose of calculating mass, mass per unit length, cross sections, and so forth, the density of aluminum-clad steel wire
3 3
shall be taken as 6590 kg/m (0.2381 lb/in.lb ⁄in. ) at 20°C.20 °C.
9. Mass and Electrical Resistance
9.1 The mass and electrical resistance of a unit length of stranded conductor are a function of the length of lay. The approximate
mass and electrical resistance may be determined using an increment of 1.5 % for conductors composed of 1 steel and 6 or 7
aluminum wires and an increment of 2 % for conductors composed of 1 steel and 18 aluminum wires. When greater accuracy is
desired, the increment based on the specific lay of the conductor may be calculated (Explanatory Note 4).
9.2 In the calculation of the electrical resistance of a completed conductor, coated steel wires may be included.
B401 − 12 (2021)
9.3 The maximum electrical resistance of a unit length of stranded conductor shall not exceed 102 % of the nominal dc resistance
shown in Table 4 (Explanatory Note 6). When the dc resistance is measured at other than 20°C,20 °C, it is to be corrected by using
the multiplying factor given in Table 5.
9.4 For conductors to be used in covered or insulated wires or cables dc resistance measurements may be used in lieu of the
method outlined in Section 12.
10. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
10.1 The conductor shall be clean and free of imperfections not consistent with good commercial practice.
11. Requirements for Wires
11.1 Before stranding and compacting, the round aluminum wire used shall conform to the requirements of Specification
B230/B230M.
11.2 Aluminum wires shaped before stranding shall meet the requirements of Specification B230/B230M, except for shape, tensile
and elongation requirements, and diameter tolerances. The minimum tensile and elongation requirements shall be 96 % of those
for round wires of the same nominal area, provided the completed conductor is capable of meeting the requi
...