Designation: B 1 – 01

Standard Specification for

Hard-Drawn Copper Wire1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B 1; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope 3.1.2 Wire size: diameter in inches (5.4 and Table 1),
1.1 This specification covers hard-drawn round copper wire 3.1.3 Type of copper, if special (Section 4),
for electrical purposes. 3.1.4 Whether certification of resistivity of rod stock is
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound or SI units are to be acceptable instead of resistivity tests on the finished wire
regarded separately as standard. Each system shall be used (6.2),
independently of the other. Combining values from the two 3.1.5 Package size (8.1),
systems may result in non-conformance with the specification. 3.1.6 Special package marking, if required, and
For conductor sizes designated by AWG or kcmil sizes, the 3.1.7 Place of inspection (7.1).
requirements in SI units are numerically converted from the
corresponding requirements in inch-pound units. For 4. Materials and Manufacture
conductor sizes designation by AWG or kcmil, the 4.1 The material shall be copper of such quality and purity
requirements in SI units have been numerically converted that the finished product shall have the properties and charac-
from corresponding values stated or derived in inch-pound teristics prescribed in this specification.
units. For conductor sizes designated by SI units only, the
NOTE 1—Specification B 49 defines the materials suitable for use.
requirements are stated or derived in SI units.
1.2.1 For density, resistivity and temperature, the values 5. General Requirements (see Section 8)
stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
5.1 Tensile Strength and Elongation—The wire shall con-
2. Referenced Documents form to the requirements as to tensile strength and elongation
prescribed in Table 1 (see Explanatory Note 1 and Note 2).
2.1 ASTM Standards:
For wire whose nominal diameter is more than 0.001 in. (1
B 49 Specification for Copper Redraw Rod for Electrical
mil) (0.025 mm) greater than a size listed in Table 1 and less
Purposes2
than that of the next larger size, the requirements of the next
B 193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor
larger size shall apply.
Materials3
5.2 Joints—No joints shall be made in the completed wire
B 258 Specification for Standard Nominal Diameters and
(see Explanatory Note 3). Joints in the wire and rods made
Cross-Sectional Areas of AWG Sizes of Solid Round Wires
prior to final drawing shall be in accordance with the best
Used as Electrical Conductors2
commercial practice. Tests on a specimen containing a joint
2.2 National Institute of Standards and Technology:
shall show at least 95% of the tensile strength given in Table
NBS Handbook 100 —Copper Wire Tables4
1. Elongation tests shall not be made on a specimen containing
a joint.
3. Ordering Information 5.3 Resistivity—The electrical resistivity at 20°C shall not
3.1 Orders for material under this specification shall exceed the following values:
include the following information: Nominal Diameter, in. Resistivity at 20°C,
V·lb/mile2
3.1.1 Quantity of each size, 0.460 to 0.325, incl 900.77
Under 0.325 to 0.0403, incl 910.15

Nominal Diameter, in. Resistivity at 20°C,

1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on V·g/m2
Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.04 on 11.68 to 8.25, incl Under 0.15775
Conductors of Copper and Copper Alloys. 8.25 to 1.02, incl 0.15940
Current edition approved Mar. 10, 2001. Published May 2001. Originally Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
published as B 1 – 09. Last previous edition B 1 – 95.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 02.01.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 02.03.
4
Available from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal
Road, Springfield, VA 22161.

1
 5.4 Dimensions and Permissible Variations—The wire
sizes shall be expressed as the diameter of the wire in decimal
fractions of an inch to the nearest 0.0001 in. (or 0.001 mm)
(see Explanatory Note 4). Within the range of diameters
given in

2
 B
TABLE 1 Tensile Properties
Nominal Tensile Nominal
DiameterA Area at 20°C StrengthB (see Explanatory
Elongation,%B
Note 2)
in. mm cmil in.2 mm2 psi MPa in 10 in. (250 mm)
0.4600 11.684 211 600 0.1662 107.0 49 000 340 3.8
0.4096 10.464 167 800 0.1318 85.0 51 000 350 3.3
0.3648 9.266 133 100 0.1045 67.4 52 800 365 2.8
0.3249 8.252 105 600 0.08291 53.5 54 500 375 2.4
0.2893 7.348 83 690 0.06573 42.4 56 100 385 2.2
0.2576 6.543 66 360 0.05213 33.6 57 600 395 2.0
0.2294 5.827 52 620 0.04133 26.7 59 000 405 1.8
0.2043 5.189 41 740 0.03278 21.2 60 100 415 1.7
0.1819 4.620 33 090 0.02599 16.8 61 200 420 1.6
0.1650* 4.191 27 220 0.02138 13.8 62 000 425 1.5
0.1620 4.115 26 240 0.02061 13.3 62 100 430 1.4
0.1443 3.665 20 820 0.01635 10.5 63 000 435 1.3
0.1340* 3.404 17 960 0.01410 9.10 63 400 435 1.3
0.1285 3.264 16 510 0.01297 8.37 63 700 440 1.3
0.1144 2.906 13 090 0.01028 6.63 64 300 445 1.2
0.1040* 2.642 10 820 0.008495 5.48 64 800 445 1.2
0.1019 2.588 10 380 0.008155 5.26 64 900 445 1.2
0.0920* 2.387 8 460 0.00665 4.29 65 400 450 1.1
0.0907 2.304 8 230 0.00646 4.17 65 400 450 1.1
0.0808 2.052 6 530 0.00513 3.31 65 700 455 1.1
0.0800* 2.032 6 400 0.00503 3.24 65 700 455 1.1
0.0720 1.829 5 180 0.00407 2.63 65 900 455 1.1
0.0650* 1.651 4 220 0.00332 2.14 66 200 455 1.0
0.0641 1.628 4 110 0.00323 2.08 66 200 455 1.0
0.0571 1.450 3 260 0.00256 1.65 66 400 460 1.0
0.0508 1.290 2 580 0.00203 1.31 66 600 460 1.0
0.0453 1.151 2 050 0.00161 1.04 66 800 460 1.0
0.0403 1.024 1 620 0.00128 0.823 67 000 460 1.0
A
The diameters marked by asterisks (*) are often employed by purchasers for communication lines, but are not in the American Wire Gage (B & S Wire Gage) series, as are the other
diameters listed (see Explanatory Note 4).
B
These values are subject to the requirements of conformance criteria in Section 8 in determining acceptability of wire under this specification. They are intended to be used as the
“minimum values” in design and in all dependent specifications.

Table 1, the wire shall not vary from the specified diameter by 6.3 Dimensional Measurements—Dimensional measure-
more than plus and minus 1 %, expressed to the nearest 0.0001 ments shall be made with equipment capable of measuring to
in. (or 0.001 mm). a graduation of 0.0001 in. (0.001 mm). Take measurements on
5.5 Finish—The wire shall be free of all imperfections not at least three places on each unit selected for this test. If
consistent with the best commercial practice. accessible, take one measurement on each end and one near
6. Test Methods the middle. The average of the three measurements shall
determine compliance with the requirements.
6.1 Tensile Strength and Elongation: 6.4 Surface Finish—Make a surface-finish inspection with
6.1.1 Obtain the tensile strength, expressed in pounds per the unaided eye (normal spectacles accepted).
square inch, by dividing the maximum load carried by the
specimen during the tension test, by the original cross- 7. Inspection
sectional area of the specimen. Tensile strength and elongation 7.1 General (see Explanatory Note 7)—Unless otherwise
may be determined simultaneously on the same specimen. specified in the contract or purchaser order, the manufacturer
6.1.2 Determine the elongation of the wire as the shall be responsible for the performance of all inspection and
permanent increase in length due to the breaking of the wire in test requirements specified.
tension, measured between gage marks placed originally 10 7.1.1 All inspections and tests shall be made at the place of
in. (250 mm) apart upon the test specimen (see Explanatory manufacture unless otherwise specifically agreed to between
Note 5). the manufacturer and the purchaser at the time of the purchase.
6.1.3 If any part of the fracture takes place outside the gage 7.1.2 The manufacturer shall afford the inspector represent-
marks or in the jaws of the testing machine, or if an examina- ing the purchaser all reasonable manufacturer’s facilities to
tion of the specimen indicates a flaw, the value obtained may satisfy him that the material is being furnished in accordance
not be representative of the material. In such cases the test with this specification.
may be discarded and a new test made. 7.1.3 Unless otherwise agreed upon between the purchaser
6.2 Resistivity—Determine the electrical resistivity of the and the manufacturer, conformance of the wire to the various
material in accordance with Test Method B 193 (see Explana- requirements listed in Section 5 shall be determined on
tory Note 6). The purchaser may accept certification that the samples taken from each lot of wire presented for
wire was drawn from rod stock meeting the International acceptance.
Standard for Annealed Copper instead of resistivity tests on the 7.1.4 The manufacturer shall, if requested prior to inspec-
finished wire. tion, certify that all wire in the lot was made under such
3
 B
conditions that the product as a whole conforms to the
TABLE 3 Sampling for Surface Finish and Packaging Inspection
requirements of this specification as determined by regularly Number of Units Number of Units in Allowable Number
made and recorded tests. in Lot Sample, n of Defective
Units, c
7.2 Inspection and Testing Terms:
7.2.1 Lot—A lot is any amount of wire of one type and size 1 to 30, incl all 0
31 to 50, incl 30 0
presented for acceptance at one time, such amount, however, 51 to 100, incl 37 0
not to exceed 100 000 lb (45 000 kg) (see Explanatory Note 101 to 200, incl 40 0
201 to 300, incl 70 1
8).
301 to 500, incl 100 2
7.2.2 Sample—A sample is a quantity of production units 501 to 800, incl 130 3
(coils, reels, etc.) selected at random from the lot for the Over 800 155 4
purpose of determining conformance of the lot to the require-
ments of this specification.
7.2.3 Specimen—A specimen is a length of wire removed not less than the appropriate tensile strength of Table 1 minus
for test purposes from any individual production unit of the 400 psi (3 MPa); however, any individual production unit, the
sample. specimen from which has a tensile strength less than the
7.3 Sample Size—The number of production units in a appropriate tensile strength value in Table 1 minus 1700 psi
sample (see Explanatory Note 7) shall be as follows: (12 MPa) shall be rejected.
7.3.1 For tension, elongation, and resistivity 9.1.1.1 The lot shall be considered to have failed to meet
determinations, the sample shall consist of four production the tensile conformance criterion if the average of the four
units. From each unit, one test specimen of sufficient length specimens is less than the tensile strength in Table 1 minus
shall be removed for the performance of the required tests. 400 psi (3 MPa) and the tensile strength of any of the
7.3.2 For dimensional measurements, the sample shall con- individual specimens is less than the value in Table 1 minus
sist of a quantity of production units shown in Table 2 under 1700 psi (12 MPa).
the heading “First Sample.” 9.1.1.2 If the average of the four specimens is less than the
7.3.3 For surface-finish inspection and for packaging in- tensile strength in Table 1 minus 400 psi (3 MPa) and the
spection (when specified by the purchaser at the time of tensile strength of each of the individual specimens is equal to
placing the order) the sample shall consist of a quantity of or more than the value in Table 1 minus 1700 psi (12 MPa),
production units shown in Table 3. six additional specimens from six production units other than
the four originally sampled shall be tested. The lot shall be
8. Packaging and Package Marking considered conforming if the tensile strength of each of the ten
8.1 Package sizes shall be agreed upon between the manu- specimens is not less than the appropriate tensile strength
facturer and the purchaser in the placing of individual orders. value in Table 1 minus 1700 psi and the average of the ten
8.2 The wire shall be protected against damage in ordinary specimens is not less than the value in Table 1 minus 400 psi.
handling and shipping. The lot shall be considered to have failed to meet the tensile
strength requirement if the tensile strength of any of the
9. Conformance Criteria (see Explanatory Note 7) individual specimens is less than the value in Table 1 minus
9.1 Any lot of wire, the samples of which comply with the 1700 psi or if the average of the ten specimens is less than the
conformance criteria of this section, shall be considered as value in Table 1 minus 400 psi.
complying with the requirements of Section 5. Individual 9.1.2 Elongation—The lot shall be considered conforming
production units that fail to meet one or more of the require- if the average elongation of the four specimens is not less than
ments shall be rejected. Failure of a sample group from a lot to the appropriate elongation value in Table 1 minus 0.1 percent-
meet one or more of the following criteria shall constitute age points; however, any individual production unit, the
cause for rejection of the lot. The conformance criteria for specimen from which has an elongation less than the appro-
each of the prescribed properties given in Section 5 are as priate elongation value in Table 1 minus 0.2 percentage points
follows: shall be rejected.
9.1.1 Tensile Strength—The lot shall be considered con- 9.1.2.1 The lot shall be considered to have failed to meet the
forming if the average tensile strength of the four specimens is

TABLE 2 Sampling for Dimensional Measurements

First Sample Second Sample

Number of Allowable Number Allowable

Number of Units in Lot Number of
Units in Sample, of Defects in Number of Units
n, plus n Defects in Both
n1 First Sample, c1 in Sample, n2 2 Samples, c2
1 to 14, incl all 0 ... ... ...
15 to 50, incl 14 0 ... ... ...
51 to 100, incl 19 0 23 42 1
101 to 200, incl 24 0 46 70 2
210 to 400, incl 29 0 76 105 3
401 to 800, incl 33 0 112 145 4
Over 800 34 0 116 150 4

4
 B

5
 B
elongation conformance criterion if the average of the four
specimens is less than the appropriate elongation value in in the sample, a second sample equal to n2 shall be taken and
Table 1 minus 0.1 percentage points the elongation of any of the total defects of the n1 plus n2 units shall not exceed the
the individual specimens is less than the elongation value in allowable defect number, c2. Failure to meet this requirement
Table 1 minus 0.2 percentage points. shall constitute failure to meet the dimensional conformance
9.1.2.2 If the average of the four specimens is less than the criterion.
appropriate elongation value in Table 1 minus 0.1 percentage 9.1.5 Surface Finish—The surface finish of the samples
points and the elongation of each of the individual specimens taken in accordance with Table 3 shall conform to the require-
is equal to or more than the elongation value in Table 1 minus ments of 5.5. The number of units in the sample showing
0.2 percentage points, six additional specimens from six surface defects not consistent with commercial practice shall
production units other than the four originally sampled shall not exceed the allowable defect number, c, in Table 3. Failure
be tested. The lot shall be considered conforming if the to meet this requirement shall constitute failure to meet the
elongation of each of the ten specimens is not less than the surface-finish conformance criterion.
appropriate elongation value in Table 1 minus 0.2 percentage 9.1.6 Packaging—Conformance to the packaging require-
points and the average of the ten specimens is not less than the ments specified by the purchaser shall be determined in
value in Table 1 minus 0.1 percentage points. The lot shall be accordance with Table 3. The number of units in the sample
considered to have failed to meet the elongation requirement if showing nonconformance to the requirement shall not exceed
any of the ten specimens is less than the appropriate the allowable defect number, c, in Table 3. Failure to meet this
elongation value in Table 1 minus 0.2 percentage points or if requirement shall constitute failure to meet the packaging
the average of the ten specimens is lessthan the elongation conformance criterion.
value in Table 1 minus 0.1 percentage points.
9.1.3 Resistivity—The electrical resistivity of each of the 10. Density
four specimens shall conform to the requirements of 5.3. 10.1 For the purpose of calculating mass per unit length,
Failure to meet this requirement shall constitute failure to cross sections, etc., the density of the copper shall be taken as
meet the resistivity conformance criterion. 8.89 g/cm3(0.32117 lb/in.3) at 20°C (see Explanatory Note 9).
9.1.4 Dimensions—The dimensions of the first sample
(Table 2) shall conform to the requirements of 5.4. If there are 11. Keywords
no failures, the lot conforms to this requirement. If there are
failures but the number of these does not exceed the allowable 11.1 copper electrical conductor; copper wire; electrical
defect number, c2 (Table 2), for the respective number of units conductor; electrical conductor—copper; hard-drawn copper
wire.

EXPLANATORY NOTES

NOTE 1—Other tests than those provided in this specification have been
copper affects the performance of the sample to a greater or lesser extent,
considered at various times, such as twist tests, wrap tests, tests for elastic
depending upon many factors. In general, tested values of tensile strength
limit, etc. It is the opinion of the committee that twist and wrap tests on
are increased and tested values of elongation are reduced with increase of
hard-drawn wire do not serve a useful purpose and should be regarded as
speed of the moving head of the testing machine. These effects are
undesirable, as well as inconclusive as to results and significance. Tests
pronounced when the speed of the moving head is excessive in the testing
for values of elastic limit are likewise indefinite as to results. Tests to
of hard-drawn wires. It is suggested that tests be made at speeds of
determine elastic properties of hard-drawn wire from which wire
stringing and sagging data may be compiled are considered to be outside moving head which, under no-load conditions, are not greater than 3 in.
the scope of the acceptance tests contemplated in this specification. (75 mm)/min, but in no case at a speed greater than that at which correct
readings can be made.
NOTE 2—The tensile strength values given in Table 1 cannot always be
met if the wire is drawn into coils of less than 19 in. (48 mm) inside NOTE 6—Resistivity units are based on the International Annealed
diameter or if the wire has been rewound. Lower tensile strength values, Copper Standard (IACS) adopted by IEC in 1913, which is 1/58
therefore, are permissible for smaller-diameter coils, or rewound wire, V·mm2/m at 20°C for 100 % conductivity. The value of 0.017241
through mutual agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser at V·mm2/m and the value of 0.15328 V·g/m2 at 20°C are respectively the
the time the order is placed. international equivalent of volume and weight resistivity of annealed
copper equal (to 5 significant figures) to 100 % conductivity. The latter
NOTE 3—Mechanical joints made during inspection at the request of
the purchaser are permissible if agreed upon at the time of placing the term means that a copper wire 1 m in length and weighing 1 g would
order. have a resistance of 0.15328 V. This is equivalent to a resistivity value of
875.20 V·lb/mile2, which signifies the resistance of a copper wire 1 mile
NOTE 4—The values of the wire diameters in Table 1 which correspond
in length weighing 1 lb. It is also equivalent, for example, to 1.7241
to gage numbers of the American Wire Gage (see Specification B 258)
µV/cm of length of a copper bar 1 cm2 in cross section. A complete
are given to the nearest 0.0001 in. (0.002 mm). The diameters preceded
by asterisks are not in the American Wire Gage series. They correspond discussion of this subject is contained in NBS Handbook 100 of the
to certain of the numbers of the Birmingham Wire Gage or of the British National Bureau of Standards.4 The use of five significant figures in
Standard Wire Gage and are used for communication lines. The use of expressing resistivity does not imply the need for greater accuracy of
gage numbers to specify wire sizes is not recognized in this specification, measurement than that specified in Test Method B 193. The use of five
because of the possibility of confusion. An excellent discussion of wire significant figures is required for reasonably accurate reversible
gages and related subjects is contained in NBS Handbook 100.4 conversion from one set of resistivity units to another. The equivalent
NOTE 5—It is known that the rate of loading during tension testing of resistivity values in Table 4 were derived from the fundamental IEC

6
 B
value (1/58 V·mm2/m) computed to 7 significant

7
 B
TABLE 4 Resistivity Relationships The sample sizes and conformance criteria given for the various charac-
Conductivity at teristics are applicable only to lots produced under these conditions.
100.00 97.16 96.16
20°C % NOTE 8—A lot should comprise material taken from a product regularly
V·lb/mile2
875.20 900.77 910.15 meeting the requirements of this specification. Inspection of individual
V·g/m2 0.15328 0.15775 0.15940 lots of less than 5000 lb (2270 kg) of wire cannot be justified economi-
V·cmil/ft 10.371 10.674 10.785
cally. For small lots of 5000 lb or less, the purchaser may agree to the
V·mm2/m 0.017241 0.017745 0.017930
µV·in. 0.67879 0.69863 0.70590 manufacturer’s regular inspection of the product as a whole as evidence
µV·cm 1.7241 1.7745 1.7930 of acceptability of such small lots.
NOTE 9—The value of density of copper is in accordance with the
International Annealed Copper Standard. The corresponding value at 0°C
figures and then rounded to 5 significant figures. is 8.90 g/cm3(0.32150 lb/in.3). As pointed out in the discussion of this
NOTE 7—Cumulative results secured on the product of a single manu- subject in NBS Handbook 100 of the National Bureau of Standards, there
facturer, indicating continued conformance to the criteria, are necessary is no appreciable difference in values of density of hard-drawn and
to ensure an over-all product meeting the requirements of this annealed copper wire.
specification.

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