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: B231/B231M − 16 (Reapproved 2021)

Standard Specification for

Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum 1350 Conductors1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B231/B231M; 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.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope 2.2 ASTM Standards:2

1.1 This specification covers aluminum 1350-H19 (extra B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor
hard), 1350-H16 or -H26 (3⁄4 hard), 1350-H14 or -H24 (1⁄2 Materials
hard), and 1350-H142 or -H242 (1⁄2 hard), bare concentric-lay- B230/B230M Specification for Aluminum 1350–H19 Wire
stranded conductors constructed with a straight round central for Electrical Purposes
wire surrounded by one or more layers of helically layed wires. B263 Test Method for Determination of Cross-Sectional
The conductors are for general use for electrical purposes Area of Stranded Conductors
(Explanatory Note 1 and Note 2). B354 Terminology Relating to Uninsulated Metallic Electri-
cal Conductors
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units B609/B609M Specification for Aluminum 1350 Round
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in Wire, Annealed and Intermediate Tempers, for Electrical
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each Purposes
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining B682 Specification for Standard Metric Sizes of Electrical
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance Conductors
with the standard. E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
1.2.1 For density, resistivity and temperature, the values Determine Conformance with Specifications
stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the
NOTE 1—Prior to 1975, aluminum 1350 was designated as EC Unified Numbering System (UNS)
aluminum. 2.3 ANSI Documents:3
NOTE 2—The aluminum and temper designations conform to ANSI ANSI H35.1 American National Standard Alloy and Temper
Standard H35.1/H35.1M. Aluminum 1350 corresponds to Unified Num-
bering System A91350 in accordance with Practice E527. Designation System for Aluminum
NOTE 3—Sealed conductors that are intended to prevent longitudinal ANSI H35.1M American National Standard Alloy and
water propagation and are further covered/insulated are also permitted Temper Designation Systems for Aluminum [Metric]
within the guidelines of this specification. 2.4 NIST Document:4
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor- NBS Handbook 100—Copper Wire Tables
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 2.5 Aluminum Association Document:5
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the Publication 50 Code Words for Overhead Aluminum Elec-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- trical Conductors
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 3. Classification

2. Referenced Documents 3.1 For the purpose of this specification, conductors are
classified as follows (Explanatory Note 1 and Note 2):
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on date
of material purchase form a part of this specification to the
extent referenced herein: 2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
1 3
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.07 on 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
4
Conductors of Light Metals. Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2021. Published October 2021. Originally Bureau Dr., Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1070, http://www.nist.gov.
5
approved in 1948. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as B231/B231M – 16. Available from Aluminum Association, 1400 Crystal Dr., Suite 430, Arlington,
DOI: 10.1520/B0231_B0231M-16R21. VA 22202, http://www.aluminum.org.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 B231/B231M − 16 (2021)
3.1.1 Class AA—For bare conductors usually used in over- 6. Joints
head lines. 6.1 Only cold-pressure joints or electric-butt, cold-upset
3.1.2 Class A—For conductors to be covered with weather- joints may be made in the six outer finished wires of (1) Class
resistant materials, and for bare conductors where greater AA conductors composed of seven wires or (2) Class A
flexibility than is afforded by Class AA is required. Conductors conductors composed of seven wires used in overhead lines. In
intended for further fabrication into tree wire or to be insulated other conductors, electric-butt welds, cold-pressure welds, or
and laid helically with or around aluminum or ACSR electric-butt, cold-upset welds may be made in the finished
messengers, shall be regarded as Class A conductors with wires composing conductors, but such welds shall not be closer
respect to direction of lay only (see 7.4). than prescribed in Table 5 (Explanatory Note 3).
3.1.3 Class B—For conductors to be insulated with various
materials such as rubber, paper, varnished cloth, and so forth, 7. Lay
and for the conductors indicated under Class A where greater
flexibility is required. 7.1 For Class AA conductors composed of seven wires or
3.1.4 Classes C and D—For conductors where greater more, the preferred lay of a layer of wires is 13.5 times the
flexibility is required than is provided by Class B conductors. outside diameter of that layer, but the lay shall be not less than
10 nor more than 16 times this diameter.
4. Ordering Information 7.2 For all other classes the lay of a layer of wires shall be
4.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include not less than 8 nor more than 16 times the outside diameter of
the following information: that layer, except that for conductors composed of 37 wires or
4.1.1 Quantity, more, this requirement shall apply only to the two outer layers.
4.1.2 Conductor size: square millimetres, if cross-sectional The lay of the layers other than the two outer layers shall be at
area is specified as a requirement (Section 8 and Tables 1-4), the option of the manufacturer, unless otherwise agreed upon.
4.1.2.1 Conductor size, number, and diameter of wires for 7.2.1 For conductors to be used in covered or insulated
Class B, C, or D conductors, if cross-sectional area is not wires or cables, the lay length of the wires shall not be less than
specified as a requirement (see 8.2), 8 nor more than 16 times the outer diameter of the finished
4.1.3 Class (see 3.1), conductor. For conductors of 37 wires or more, this require-
ment shall apply to the wires in the outer two layers. The lay
4.1.4 Temper (see 5.1),
of the layers other than the outer two layers shall be at the
4.1.5 Details of special-purpose lays, when required (see 7.2
option of the manufacturer, unless otherwise agreed upon.
through 7.5),
4.1.6 Special tension tests if required (see 14.1 and 15.1), 7.3 Other lays for special purposes shall be furnished by
4.1.7 Package size and type (see 17.1 and Table 1 or Table special agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser
2), (Explanatory Note 4).
4.1.8 Special package marking, if required (Section 19), 7.4 The direction of lay of the outer layer shall be right-hand
4.1.9 Heavy wood lagging, if required (see 18.2), for Classes AA and A and left-hand for other classes, unless the
4.1.10 Place of inspection (Section 17), and direction of lay is specified otherwise by the purchaser.
4.1.11 Method of cross-sectional area determination if not
7.5 The direction of lay for conductors having a nominal
optional (see 12.1).
cross-sectional area larger than No. 8 AWG (8 mm2) shall be
reversed in successive layers, unless otherwise specified by the
5. Requirements for Wires purchaser.
5.1 Aluminum wire employed in Classes AA and A conduc- 7.5.1 For conductors to be used in covered or insulated
tors shall be 1350-H19, unless otherwise specified. The pur- wires or cables, the direction of lay of the outer layer shall be
chaser shall designate the temper of conductors of Classes B, left hand and may be reversed or unidirectional/unilay in
C, and D. successive layers, unless otherwise agreed upon with the
5.1.1 For conductor tempers other than 1350-H19, when purchaser.
temper designations are not more specific in the inquiry and
purchase order, the manufacturer shall have the following 8. Construction
options on manufacturing method: 8.1 The areas of cross section, numbers, and diameters of
5.1.1.1 Strand the conductor from wires drawn to final wires in the various classes of concentric-lay-stranded conduc-
temper; tors shall conform to the requirements prescribed in Tables 1-4.
5.1.1.2 Strand the conductor from wires drawn to H19 Sizes 1100, 1200, and 1250 kcmil, Class B concentric-lay-
temper and annealed to final temper prior to stranding; stranded conductors may have 61 wires subject to mutual
5.1.1.3 Strand the conductor from 1350-H19 wires and agreement between the manufacturer and customer.
anneal the stranded conductor to final temper.
8.2 The diameters of the wires listed in Tables 3 and 4 are
5.2 Before stranding, the aluminum wire used shall meet the nominal. Where “combination strand” is required in order to
requirements of Specifications B230/B230M or B609/B609M, insulate the conductor properly, wires of different diameters
whichever is applicable. may be used provided that the area of cross section after
5.3 All wires in the conductor shall be of the same temper. stranding is in accordance with Section 12.

2
 B231/B231M − 16 (2021)
TABLE 1 Construction Requirements and Recommended Reel Sizes and Shipping Lengths of Aluminum Conductors, Concentric-Lay-
Stranded, Class AA, and Class A
NOTE 1—Metric values listed represent a soft conversion and as such they may not be the same as those masses which are calculated from the basic
metric density.

Conductor Size Required Construction Mass Rated Strength Recommended Package SizesA
Diameter of Wire Nominal Nominal
cmilsB Number Per Length Mass
Code Per km, Reel
or mm2 Class of 1000 ft, kips kN of Each of Each
AWG WordsC kg DesignationD
Wires lb Piece, Length,
in. mm ftB lbB

3 500 000 1773 Bluebonnet A 127 0.1660 4.22 3345 4977 58.7 261 RMT 90.45 2840 9530
3 000 000 1520 Trillium A 127 0.1537 3.90 2840 4226 50.3 223 RMT 90.45 3350 9530
2 750 000 1393 Bitterroot A 91 0.1738 4.42 2602 3872 46.1 205 RMT 90.45 3490 9100
2 500 000 1267 Lupine A 91 0.1657 4.21 2365 3519 41.9 186 RMT 90.45 3840 9100
2 250 000 1140 Sagebrush A 91 0.1572 3.99 2128 3166 37.7 167 RMT 90.45 4270 9100
2 000 000 1013 Cowslip A 91 0.1482 3.77 1873 2787 34.2 153 RMT 90.45 4850 9100
1 750 000 886.7 Jessamine AA 61 0.1694 4.30 1641 2442 29.7 132 RMT 90.45 5940 9760
1 590 000 805.7 Coreopsis AA 61 0.1614 4.10 1489 2216 27.0 120 RMT 90.45 6540 9760
RM 68.38 3270 4880
1 510 500 765.4 Gladiolus AA, A 61 0.1574 4.00 1417 2108 25.6 114 RMT 90.45 6880 9760
RM 68.38 3440 4880
1 431 000 725.1 Carnation AA, A 61 0.1532 3.89 1342 1997 24.3 108 RMT 90.45 7270 9760
RM 68.38 3635 4880
1 351 000 684.6 Columbine AA, A 61 0.1488 3.78 1266 1884 23.4 104 RMT 90.45 7690 9760
RM 68.38 3845 4880
1 272 000 644.5 Narcissus AA, A 61 0.1444 3.67 1192 1774 22.0 98.1 RMT 90.45 8170 9760
RM 68.38 4085 4880
1 192 500 604.2 Hawthorn AA, A 61 0.1398 3.55 1117 1662 21.1 93.5 RMT 90.45 9340 9760
RM 68.38 4360 4880
1 113 000 564.0 Marigold AA, A 61 0.1351 3.43 1044 1553 19.7 87.3 RMT 90.45 9340 9760
RM 68.38 4670 4880
1 033 500 523.7 Bluebell AA 37 0.1671 4.25 968.4 1441 17.7 78.8 RMT 84.45 7630 7400
RM 66.32 3815 3700
NR 48.28 1910 1850
1 033 500 523.7 Larkspur A 61 0.1302 3.31 969.2 1442 18.3 81.3 RMT 90.45 10 060 9760
RM 68.38 5030 4880
1 000 000 506.7 Hawkweed AA 37 0.1644 4.18 937.3 1395 17.2 76.2 RMT 84.45 7880 7400
RM 66.32 3940 3700
NR 48.28 1970 1850
1 000 000 506.7 Camellia A 61 0.1280 3.25 936.8 1394 17.7 78.3 RMT 90.45 10 400 9760
RM 68.38 5200 4880
954 000 483.4 Magnolia AA 37 0.1606 4.08 894.5 1331 16.4 72.6 RMT 84.45 8260 7400
RM 66.32 4130 3700
NR 48.28 2065 1850
954 000 483.4 Goldenrod A 61 0.1251 3.18 894.8 1331 16.9 75.0 RMT 90.45 10 900 9760
RM 68.38 5450 4880
900 000 456.0 Cockscomb AA 37 0.1560 3.96 844.0 1256 16.4 68.4 RMT 84.45 8760 7400
RM 66.32 4390 3700
NR 48.28 2190 1850
900 000 456.0 Snapdragon A 61 0.1215 3.09 844.0 1256 15.9 70.8 RMT 90.45 11 550 9760
RM 68.38 5775 4880
795 00 402.8 Arbutus AA 37 0.1466 3.72 745.3 1109 13.9 61.8 RMT 84.45 9920 7400
RM 66.32 4960 3700
NR 48.28 2480 1850
795 000 402.8 Lilac A 61 0.1142 2.90 745.7 1110 14.3 63.8 RMT 90.45 13 080 9760
RM 68.38 6540 4880
750 000 380.0 Petunia AA 37 0.1424 3.62 703.2 1046 13.1 58.6 RMT 84.45 10 510 7400
RM 66.32 5255 3700
NR 48.28 2630 1850
750 000 380.0 Cattail A 61 0.1109 2.82 703.2 1046 13.5 60.3 RMT 90.45 13 860 9760
RM 68.38 6930 4880
715 500 362.6 Violet AA 37 0.1391 3.53 671 998.5 12.8 56.7 RTM 84.45 11 020 7400
RM 66.32 5510 3700
NR 48.28 2755 1850
715 500 362.6 Nasturtium A 61 0.1083 2.75 671 998.5 13.1 58.4 RMT 90.45 14 530 9760
RM 68.38 7265 4880
700 000 354.7 Verbena AA 37 0.1375 3.49 655.7 975.7 12.5 55.4 RMT 84.45 11 260 7400
RM 66.32 5630 3700
NR 48.28 2815 1850
700 000 354.7 Flag A 61 0.1071 2.72 655.8 975.8 12.9 57.1 RMT 90.45 14 850 9760
RM 68.38 7425 4880

3
 B231/B231M − 16 (2021)
TABLE 1 Continued

Conductor Size Required Construction Mass Rated Strength Recommended Package SizesA
Diameter of Wire Nominal Nominal
cmilsB Number Per Length Mass
Code Per km, Reel
or mm2 Class of 1000 ft, kips kN of Each of Each
AWG WordsC kg DesignationD
Wires lb Piece, Length,
in. mm ftB lbB
650 000 329.4 Heuchera AA 37 0.1326 3.37 609.8 907.4 11.6 51.7 RMT 84.45 12 130 7400
RM 66.32 6065 3700
NR 48.28 3035 1850
636 000 322.3 Orchid AA, A 37 0.1311 3.33 596.0 886.9 11.4 50.4 RMT 84.45 12 400 7400
RM 66.32 6200 3700
NR 48.28 3100 1850
600 000 304.0 Meadowsweet AA, A 37 0.1273 3.23 562.0 836.3 10.7 47.5 RMT 84.45 13 140 7400
RM 66.32 6570 3700
NR 48.28 3285 1850
556 500 282.0 Dahlia AA 19 0.1711 4.35 521.4 775.8 9.75 43.3 RM 66.32 7270 3800
NR 48.28 3635 1900
NR 42.28 2425 1265
556 500 282.0 Mistletoe A 37 0.1226 3.12 521.3 775.7 9.94 44.3 RMT 84.45 14 170 7400
RM 66.32 7085 3700
NR 48.28 3545 1850
500 000 253.3 Zinnia AA 19 0.1622 4.12 468.5 697.1 8.76 38.9 RM 66.32 8100 3800
NR 48.28 4050 1900
NR 42.28 2700 1265
500 000 253.3 Hyacinth A 37 0.1162 2.95 468.3 696.8 9.11 40.5 RMT 84.45 15 760 7400
RM 66.32 7880 3700
NR 48.28 3940 1850
477 000 241.7 Cosmos AA 19 0.1584 4.02 446.8 664.8 8.36 37.0 RM 66.32 8490 3800
NR 48.28 4245 1900
NR 42.28 2830 1265
477 000 241.7 Syringa A 37 0.1135 2.88 446.8 664.8 8.69 38.6 RMT 84.45 16 530 7400
RM 66.32 8265 3700
NR 48.28 4135 1850
450 000 228.0 Goldentuft AA 19 0.1539 3.91 421.8 627.6 7.89 35.0 RM 66.32 9000 3800
NR 48.28 4500 1900
NR 42.28 3000 1265
397 500 201.4 Canna AA, A 19 0.1447 3.67 372.9 554.9 7.11 31.6 RM 66.32 10 180 3800
NR 48.28 5090 1900
NR 42.28 3395 1265
350 000 177.3 Daffodil A 19 0.1357 3.45 327.9 487.9 6.39 28.4 RM 66.32 11 560 3800
NR 48.28 5780 1900
NR 42.28 3855 1265
336 400 170.5 Tulip A 19 0.1331 3.38 315.5 469.5 6.15 27.3 RM 66.32 12 030 3800
NR 48.28 6015 1900
NR 42.28 4010 1265
300 000 152.0 Peony A 19 0.1257 3.19 281.4 418.3 5.48 24.3 RM 66.32 13 490 3800
NR 48.28 6745 1900
NR 42.28 4495 1265
266 800 135.2 Daisy AA 7 0.1953 4.96 250.2 372.3 4.83 21.4 NR 42.28 5590 1400
NR 36.22 2795 700
266 800 135.2 Laurel A 19 0.1185 3.01 250.1 372.2 4.97 22.1 RM 66.32 15 170 3800
NR 48.28 7585 1900
NR 42.28 5055 1265
250 000 126.7 Sneezewort AA 7 0.1890 4.80 234.4 348.8 4.52 20.1 NR 42.28 5970 1400
NR 36.22 2985 700
250 000 126.7 Valerian A 19 0.1147 2.91 234.3 348.6 4.66 20.7 RM 66.32 16 190 3800
NR 48.28 8095 1900
NR 42.28 5395 1265
4/0 107.2 Oxlip AA, A 7 0.1739 4.42 198.4 295.2 3.83 17.0 NR 42.28 7050 1400
NR 36.22 3525 700
3/0 85.0 Phlox AA, A 7 0.1548 3.93 157.2 233.9 3.04 13.5 NR 42.28 8890 1400
NR 36.22 4445 700
2/0 67.4 Aster AA, A 7 0.1379 3.50 124.8 185.7 2.51 11.1 NR 42.28 11 210 1400
NR 36.22 5605 700
1/0 53.5 Poppy AA, A 7 0.1228 3.12 98.9 147.2 1.99 8.84 NR 42.28 14 130 1400
NR 36.22 7065 700
1 42.4 Pansy AA, A 7 0.1093 2.78 78.4 116.6 1.64 7.30 NR 42.28 17 830 1400
NR 36.22 8915 700
2 33.6 Iris AA, A 7 0.0974 2.47 62.2 92.6 1.35 5.99 NR 42.28 22 470 1400
NR 36.22 11 235 700
4 21.1 Rose A 7 0.0772 1.96 39.1 58.2 0.881 3.91 NR 42.28 35 710 1400
NR 36.22 17 855 700

4
 B231/B231M − 16 (2021)
TABLE 1 Continued

Conductor Size Required Construction Mass Rated Strength Recommended Package SizesA
Diameter of Wire Nominal Nominal
cmilsB Number Per Length Mass
Code Per km, Reel
or mm2 Class of 1000 ft, kips kN of Each of Each
AWG WordsC kg DesignationD
Wires lb Piece, Length,
in. mm ftB lbB
6 13.3 Peachbell A 7 0.0612 1.56 24.6 36.6 0.563 2.53 NR 42.28 56 910 1400
NR 36.22 28 455 700
A
For information only.
B
Conversion factors: 1 cmil = 5.067 E-04 mm2, 1 mil + 2.54 E-02 mm, 1 lb/1000 ft = 1.488 E+00 kg/km, 1 ft = 3.048 E-01 m, l lb = 4.536 E-01 kg, 1 lbf = 4.448 E-03 kN.
C
Code words shown in this column are from, “Publication 50, Code Words for Overhead Aluminum Electrical Conductors,” by the Aluminum Association. They are provided
here for information only.
D
See Table 9 for dimensions of standard reels.

8.3 Where compressed stranding is required in order to 9.3 Rated-strength and breaking-strength values shall be
insulate the conductor properly, one or more layers of any rounded to three significant figures, in the final value only, in
stranded conductor consisting of 7 wires or more may be accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.
slightly compressed, thereby reducing the outside diameter of 9.4 Rated strengths of conductors are given in Table 1 or
the conductor to the nominal values shown in Table 3 or Table Table 2.
4, provided that the area of cross section after compressing is
in accordance with Section 12. 10. Density
8.3.1 The average diameter of the conductor in 8.3 shall
vary by not more than +1 or −2 % from the diameter specified 10.1 For the purpose of calculating mass, cross sections, and
in Table 3 or Table 4. so forth, the density of aluminum 1350 shall be taken as
2705 kg ⁄m3 [0.0975 lb ⁄in.3] at 20 °C.
8.4 The nominal overall diameter of a Class A and AA
stranded conductor shall be calculated based on the numerical 11. Mass and Electrical Resistance
sum of the diameter thickness of the individual strand wire
11.1 The mass and electrical resistance of a unit length of a
component in the conductor. The diameter of the individual
stranded conductor are a function of the length of lay. The
strand wire component shall be as specified in Table 1 and
approximate mass and electrical resistance may be determined
Table 2 and this diameter shall be referred to as the “mean
using the standard increments shown in Table 7. When greater
diameter” value. The minimum and maximum overall diameter
accuracy is desired, the increment based on the specific lay of
of a Class A and AA stranded conductor shall be based on
the conductor may be calculated (Explanatory Note 5).
calculations made using the mean diameter tolerances as
specified by Specification B230/B230M for the corresponding 11.2 The maximum electrical resistance of a unit length of
strand wire size. stranded conductor shall not exceed 2 % over the nominal dc
resistance shown in Tables 3 and 4 (Explanatory Note 8). When
9. Rated Strength of Conductor the dc resistance is measured at other than 20 °C, it is to be
9.1 The rated strength of 1350-H19 conductors shall be corrected by using the multiplying factor given in Table 8.
taken as the percent, indicated in Table 6, of the sum of the 11.3 For conductors to be used in covered or insulated wires
strengths of the component wires, calculated using the nominal or cables dc resistance measurement may be used in lieu of the
wire diameters and the specified minimum average tensile method outlined in Section 12, to determine compliance with
strength given in Specification B230/B230M for 1350-H19 this specification.
wire. In the case of compressed conductors, the nominal wire
diameter should be that of the corresponding non-compressed 12. Variation in Area
construction as listed in Tables 1-4. 12.1 The area of cross section of the completed conductor
9.2 Calculations for rated strengths of 1350-H16, -H26, shall not be less than 98 % of the area of cross section of the
-H14, -H24, -H142, and -H242 conductors shall be made on conductor size listed in Column 1 of Tables 1-4. The manu-
the basis of the strengths of the component wires using the facturer may have the option of determining the cross-sectional
nominal wire diameters and the specified maximum and area by either of the following methods, except that in case of
minimum tensile strengths for the appropriate temper of the question regarding area compliance, the method of 12.1.2 shall
respective component wires given in Specification B609/ be used.
B609M. The minimum rated strengths of the conductors shall 12.1.1 The area of cross section of a conductor may be
be taken as the sum of the calculated minimum strengths of the determined by calculations from diameter measurements, ex-
component wires multiplied by the rating factor given in Table pressed to four decimal places, of its component wires at any
6. The maximum rated strength of the conductors shall be taken point when measured perpendicularly to their axes.
as the sum of the calculated maximum strengths of the 12.1.2 The area of cross section of a conductor may be
component wires. determined by Test Method B263. In applying that test method,

5
 B231/B231M − 16 (2021)
TABLE 2 Construction Requirements and Recommended Reel Sizes and Shipping Lengths of Aluminum Conductors, Concentric Lay-
Stranded, Classes AA and A
NOTE 1—Sizes selected from Specification B682.
Stranding Recommended Package SizesA
Rated Strength Nominal Length of Nominal Mass
Conductor Number Diameter, Mass, Reel
Class 1350-H19, Each Piece, of Each Length,
Size, mm2 of Wires mm kg/km DesignationB
kN m kg
2000 A 127 4.48 5632 294 RMT 90.45 770 4325
1600 A 127 4.01 4512 236 RMT 90.45 960 4325
1250 A 91 4.18 3479 183 RMT 90.45 1185 4130
1120 A 91 3.96 3123 165 RMT 90.45 1320 4130
1000 A 91 3.74 2785 151 RMT 90.45 1495 4130
900 AA 61 4.33 2478 133 RMT 90.45 1785 4425
800 AA, A 61 4.09 2211 119 RMT 90.45 2000 4425
RM 68.38 1000 2215
710 AA, A 61 3.85 1959 105 RMT 90.45 2260 4425
RM 68.38 1130 2215
630 AA, A 61 3.63 1742 96.6 RMT 90.45 2540 4425
RM 68.38 1270 2215
560 AA, A 61 3.42 1546 85.7 RMT 90.45 2860 4425
RM 68.38 1430 2215
500 AA 37 4.15 1381 75.1 RMT 84.45 2430 3355
RM 66.32 1215 1680
NR 48.28 610 840
500 A 61 3.23 1379 76.5 RMT 90.45 3210 4425
RM 68.38 1605 2215
450 AA 37 3.94 1245 67.7 RMT 84.45 2695 3355
RM 66.32 1350 1680
NR 48.28 675 840
450 A 61 3.06 1238 68.6 RMT 90.45 3575 4425
RM 68.38 1790 2215
400 AA 37 3.71 1104 61.9 RMT 84.45 3040 3355
RM 66.32 1520 1680
NR 48.28 760 840
400 A 61 2.89 1104 63.0 RMT 90.45 4010 4425
RM 68.38 2005 2215
355 AA 37 3.50 982 55.1 RMT 84.45 3415 3355
RM 66.32 1710 1680
NR 48.28 855 840
355 A 61 2.72 978 57.4 RMT 90.45 4525 4425
RM 68.38 2265 2215
315 AA, A 37 3.29 868 48.7 RMT 84.45 3865 3355
RM 66.32 1935 1680
NR 48.28 970 840
280 AA 19 4.33 772 42.9 RM 66.32 2235 1725
NR 48.28 1115 860
NR 42.28 745 575
280 A 37 3.10 771 43.2 RMT 84.45 4350 3355
RM 66.32 2180 1680
NR 48.28 1090 840
250 AA 19 4.09 689 38.3 RM 66.32 2505 1725
NR 48.28 1250 860
NR 42.28 835 575
250 A 37 2.93 688 39.7 RMT 84.45 875 3355
RM 66.32 2440 1680
NR 48.28 1220 840
224 AA 19 3.87 617 34.3 RM 66.32 2795 1725
NR 48.28 1395 860
NR 42.28 930 575
200 AA, A 19 3.66 552 31.6 RM 66.32 3125 1725
NR 48.28 1560 860
NR 42.28 1040 575
180 A 19 3.47 496 28.4 RM 66.32 3480 1725
NR 48.28 1730 860
NR 42.28 1160 575
160 A 19 3.27 440 25.2 RM 66.32 3920 1725
NR 48.28 1955 860
NR 42.28 1305 575
140 AA 7 5.05 387.0 22.2 NR 42.28 1640 635
NR 36.22 830 320
140 A 19 3.06 386 22.1 RM 66.32 4470 1725
NR 48.28 2230 860
NR 42.28 1490 575
125 AA 7 4.77 345 19.8 NR 42.28 1840 635
NR 36.22 930 320

6
 B231/B231M − 16 (2021)
TABLE 3 Construction Requirements of Aluminum Conductors, Concentric-Lay-Stranded, Class B, C, and D
Hard-Drawn Copper
Conductor Size Stranding
Equivalent
Class B Class C Class D
Reverse Unilay Direct Current
Concentric Com- Resistance
cmilsA AWG cmilsA AWG Diameter Diameter Diameter
Number Number Number Compressed pressed at 20 °C
of Wire, of Wire, of Wire,
of Wires of Wires of Wires Class B Class B
milsB milsA milsA
Diameter, Diameter,
in. in. Ω/1000 ft Ω/km

4 000 000 ... 2 520 000 ... 217 135.8 271 121.5 271 121.5 ... ... 0.00442 0.0145
3 500 000 ... 2 200 000 ... 169 143.9 217 127.0 271 113.6 ... ... 0.00505 0.0166
3 000 000 ... 1 890 000 ... 169 133.2 217 117.6 271 105.2 ... ... 0.00584 0.0192
2 500 000 ... 1 570 000 ... 127 140.3 169 121.6 217 107.3 ... ... 0.00701 0.0229
2 000 000 ... 1 260 000 ... 127 125.5 169 108.8 217 96.0 1.583 1.533 0.00867 0.0284
1 900 000 ... 1 195 000 ... 127 122.3 169 106.0 217 93.6 1.542 1.494 0.00913 0.0299
1 800 000 ... 1 132 000 ... 127 119.1 169 103.2 217 91.1 1.502 1.454 0.00963 0.0316
1 750 000 ... 1 101 000 ... 127 117.4 169 101.8 217 89.8 1.480 1.434 0.0099 0.0325
1 700 000 ... 1 069 000 ... 127 115.7 169 100.3 217 88.5 1.459 1.413 0.0102 0.0335
1 600 000C ... 1 006 000 ... 127 112.2 169 97.3 217 85.9 1.415 1.371 0.0109 0.0357
1 500 000 ... 943 000 ... 91D 128.4 127 108.7 169 94.2 1.370 1.327 0.0116 0.0380
1 400 000 ... 880 000 ... 91D 124.0 127 105.0 169 91.0 1.323 1.282 0.0124 0.0407
1 300 000 ... 818 000 ... 91D 119.5 127 101.2 169 87.7 1.275 1.236 0.0133 0.0436
1 250 000C ... 786 000 ... 91D 117.2 127 99.2 169 86.0 1.250 1.212 0.0138 0.0453
1 200 000 ... 755 000 ... 91D 114.8 127 97.2 169 84.3 1.225 1.187 0.0144 0.0472
1 100 000 ... 692 000 ... 91D 109.9 127 93.1 169 80.7 1.173 1.137 0.0158 0.0518
1 000 000B ... 629 000 ... 61 128.0 91 104.8 127 88.7 1.117 1.084 0.0173 0.0568
900 000 ... 566 000 ... 61 121.5 91 99.4 127 84.2 1.060 1.028 0.0193 0.0633
800 000C ... 503 000 ... 61 114.5 91 93.8 127 79.4 1.000 0.969 0.0217 0.0712
750 000 ... 472 000 ... 61 110.9 91 90.8 127 76.8 0.968 0.939 0.0231 0.0758
700 000 ... 440 000 ... 61 107.1 91 87.7 127 74.2 0.935 0.907 0.0248 0.0814
650 000 ... 409 000 ... 61 103.2 91 84.5 127 71.5 0.901 0.874 0.0267 0.0876
636 000 ... 400 000 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
600 000 ... 377 000 ... 61 99.2 91 81.2 127 68.7 0.866 0.840 0.0289 0.0948
550 000 ... 346 000 ... 61 95.0 91 77.7 127 65.8 0.829 0.804 0.0315 0.103
500 000 ... 314 000 ... 37 116.2 61 90.5 91 74.1 0.789 0.766 0.0347 0.114
477 000 ... 300 000 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
450 000 ... 283 000 ... 37 110.3 61 85.9 91 70.3 0.749 0.727 0.0385 0.126
400 000C ... 252 000 ... 37 104.0 61 81.0 91 66.3 0.706 0.685 0.0434 0.142
350 000 ... 220 000 ... 37 97.3 61 75.7 91 62.0 0.661 0.641 0.0495 0.162
336 400 ... ... 0000 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
300 000 ... 188 700 ... 37 90.0 61 70.1 91 57.4 0.611 0.594 0.0578 0.187
266 800 ... ... 000 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
250 000 ... 157 200 ... 37 82.2 61 64.0 91 52.4 0.558 0.542 0.0694 0.228
211 600 0000 ... 00 19 105.5 37 75.6 61 58.9 0.512 0.498 0.0820 0.269
167 800 000 ... 0 19 94.0 37 67.3 61 52.4 0.456 0.443 0.103 0.338
133 100 00 ... 1 19 83.7 37 60.0 61 46.7 0.405 0.395 0.130 0.427
105 600 0 ... 2 19 74.5 37 53.4 61 41.6 0.362 0.352 0.164 0.538
83 690 1 ... 3 19 66.4 37 47.6 61 37.0 0.322 0.313 0.207 0.679
66 360 2 ... 4 7 97.4 19 59.1 37 42.4 0.283 ... 0.261 0.856
52 620 3 ... 5 7 86.7 19 52.6 37 37.7 0.252 ... 0.330 1.08
41 740 4 ... 6 7 77.2 19 46.9 37 33.6 0.225 ... 0.416 1.36
33 090 5 ... 7 7 68.8 19 41.7 37 29.9 0.200 ... 0.523 1.72
26 240 6 ... 8 7 61.2 19 37.2 37 26.6 0.178 ... 0.661 2.17
20 820 7 ... 9 7 54.5 19 33.1 37 23.7 0.159 ... 0.834 2.74
16 510 8 ... 10 7 48.6 19 29.5 37 21.1 0.142 ... 1.05 3.44
13 090 9 ... 11 7 43.2 19 26.2 37 18.8 0.126 ... 1.32 4.33
10 380 10 ... 12 7 38.5 19 23.4 37 16.7 0.113 ... 1.67 5.48
11 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.100 ... 2.11 6.92
6530 12 ... 14 7 30.5 19 18.5 37 13.3 0.089 ... 2.67 8.76
13 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.080 ... 3.34 10.96
4110 14 ... 16 7 24.2 19 14.7 37 10.5 0.071 ... 4.22 13.8
2580 16 ... 18 7 19.2 19 11.7 ... ... ... ... 6.71 22.0
1620 18 ... 20 7 15.2 ... ... ... ... ... ... 10.7 35.1
1020 20 ... 22 7 12.1 ... ... ... ... ... ... 16.9 55.4
A
See Footnote B of Table 1.
B
This size is sensibly equivalent to size 1 033 500 cmils within a difference of 3.24 %.
C
These sizes are sensibly equivalent to sizes 1 590 000; 1 272 000; 795 000; and 397 500 cmil respectively within the cross-sectional area tolerances stipulated by this
specification and associated Specifications B230/B230M and B609/B609M.
D
As agreed upon between the manufacturer and the customer, these sizes may be produced with 61 wire construction of the appropriate wire size and with the
corresponding change in overall diameter.

the increment in mass resulting from stranding may be the applicable value specified in 11.1 or may be calculated from

7
 B231/B231M − 16 (2021)
TABLE 4 Construction Requirements of Conductors Classes B, C, and D
NOTE 1—Sizes selected from Specification B682.
Stranding
Class B Class C Class D Nominal Diameter (mm)
Conductor Size, Number of Diameter, mm Number of Diameter, mm Number of Diameter, mm Reverse Con- Direct Current
Unilay Com-
mm2 WiresA
WiresA
WiresA
centric Com- Resistance
pressed
pressed Ω/km
Class B
Class B
2000 217 3.43 271 3.07 271 3.07 56.56 54.74 0.01437
1800 169 3.68 217 3.25 271 2.91 53.54 51.93 0.01596
1600 169 3.47 217 3.06 271 2.74 50.49 48.96 0.01796
1400 169 3.25 217 2.87 271 2.56 47.29 45.79 0.02053
1250 127 3.54 169 3.07 217 2.71 44.64 43.27 0.02299
1200B 127 3.47 169 3.01 217 2.65 43.76 42.40 0.02395
1120 127 3.35 169 2.90 217 2.56 42.24 40.96 0.02566
1000 127 3.17 169 2.74 217 2.42 39.97 38.70 0.02874
900 127 3.00 169 2.60 217 2.30 37.83 36.72 0.03193
800 91 3.35 127 2.83 169 2.46 35.74 34.62 0.03592
710 91 3.15 127 2.67 169 2.31 33.61 32.61 0.04047
630 91 2.97 127 2.51 169 2.18 31.69 29.98 0.04561
560 91 2.80 127 2.37 169 2.05 29.88 28.96 0.05131
500 61 3.23 91 2.64 127 2.24 28.20 27.37 0.05747
450 61 3.06 91 2.51 127 2.12 26.71 25.96 0.06386
400 61 2.89 91 2.37 127 2.00 25.23 24.48 0.07184
355 61 2.72 91 2.23 127 1.89 23.75 23.06 0.08094
315 61 2.56 91 2.10 127 1.78 22.35 21.72 0.09122
300B 61 2.50 91 2.05 127 1.73 21.83 21.20 0.09578
280 61 2.42 91 1.98 127 1.68 21.13 20.48 0.10263
250 37 2.93 61 2.28 91 1.87 19.89 19.35 0.11494
240B 37 2.87 61 2.24 91 1.83 19.49 18.96 0.11973
224 37 2.78 61 2.16 91 1.77 18.88 18.32 0.12828
200 37 2.62 61 2.04 91 1.67 17.79 17.31 0.14368
185B 37 2.52 61 1.97 91 1.61 17.11 16.65 0.15532
180 37 2.49 61 1.94 91 1.59 16.90 16.42 0.15964
160 37 2.35 61 1.83 91 1.50 15.96 15.48 0.17959
150B 37 2.27 61 1.77 91 1.45 15.41 14.99 0.19157
140 37 2.19 61 1.71 91 1.40 14.87 14.48 0.20525
125 37 2.07 61 1.62 91 1.32 14.06 13.68 0.22988
120B 37 2.03 61 1.58 91 1.30 13.78 13.41 0.23946
100 19 2.59 37 1.86 61 1.44 12.56 12.24 0.28735
95.0B 19 2.52 37 1.81 61 1.41 12.22 11.93 0.30247
80.0 19 2.32 37 1.66 61 1.29 11.25 10.95 0.35919
70.0B 19 2.17 37 1.55 61 1.21 10.52 10.24 0.4105
63.0 19 2.05 37 1.47 61 1.15 9.94 9.71 0.45611
50.0 19 1.83 37 1.31 61 1.02 8.88 8.65 0.5747
40.0 19 1.64 37 1.17 61 0.914 7.95 7.74 0.71838
35.0B 7 2.52 19 1.53 37 1.10 7.33 ... 0.821
31.5 7 2.39 19 1.45 37 1.04 6.95 ... 0.91222
25.0 7 2.13 19 1.29 37 0.928 6.20 ... 1.1494
20.0 7 1.91 19 1.16 37 0.830 5.56 ... 1.4368
16.0 7 1.71 19 1.04 37 0.742 4.98 ... 1.7959
12.5 7 1.51 19 0.915 37 0.656 4.39 ... 2.2988
10.0 7 1.35 19 0.819 37 0.587 3.93 ... 2.8735
8.00 7 1.21 19 0.732 37 0.525 3.52 ... 3.5919
6.30 7 1.07 19 0.650 37 0.466 3.11 ... 4.5611
6.00B 7 1.04 19 0.634 37 0.454 3.03 ... 4.7892
5.00 7 0.954 19 0.579 37 0.415 2.78 ... 5.747
4.00 7 0.853 19 0.518 37 0.371 2.48 ... 7.1838
3.15 7 0.757 19 0.459 37 0.329 2.20 ... 9.1222
2.50 7 0.674 19 0.409 37 0.293 1.96 ... 11.494
2.00 7 0.603 19 0.366 37 0.262 1.75 ... 14.368
1.50B 7 0.522 19 0.317 37 0.227 1.52 ... 19.157
1.00 7 0.426 19 0.259 ... ... 1.24 ... 28.735
0.800 7 0.381 ... ... ... ... 1.11 ... 35.919
0.750B 7 0.369 ... ... ... ... 1.07 ... 38.313
0.500 7 0.302 ... ... ... ... 0.88 ... 57.47
A
For unidirectional/unilay stranded conductors, the number of wires shown are a minimum.
B
Additional sizes shown as third preference sizes in Specification B682.

the measured component dimensions of the sample under test.

8
 B231/B231M − 16 (2021)
TABLE 5 Minimum Distance Between Joints in the Completed TABLE 8 Temperature Correction Factors for Conductor
Conductor Resistance
Distance Between Joints, min ft [m] Multiplying Factor for Conversion to
Number of Temperature, °C
Classes B, 20 °C
Wires in Class AA Class A
ConductorA C, and D 0 1.088
ft [m] ft [m] ft [m] 5 1.064
7 50B [15]B 50C [15]C 1 [0.3] 10 1.042
12 50 [15] 50 [15] 1 [0.3] 15 1.020
19 50 [15] 50 [15] 1 [0.3] 20 1.000
37 25 [7.5] 25 [7.5] 1D [0.3]D 25 0.980
61 and over 25 [7.5] 5 [1.5] 1D [0.3]D 30 0.961
35 0.943
A
Conductors of an intermediate number of wires shall conform to those having the 40 0.925
next smaller number. 45 0.908
B
Only cold-pressure welds and electric-butt, cold-upset welds are permitted in the 50 0.892
six outer wires of conductors composed of seven wires; no welds are permitted in 55 0.876
the center or core wire. 60 0.861
C
For bare overhead conductors only cold-pressure welds and electric-butt, 65 0.846
cold-upset welds are permitted in the six outer wires, no welds are permitted in the 70 0.832
center or core wire. For other uses, electric-butt welds, cold-pressure welds, and 75 0.818
electric-butt, cold-upset welds may be used in any wire. 80 0.805
D
In a layer. 85 0.792
90 0.780

TABLE 6 Rating Factors

Stranding
Rating
1350-H19 conductors or the minimum rated strength of 1350-
Number of Wires Number of Factor, % H16, -H26, -H14, -H24, -H142, and -H242 conductors if
in Conductor Layers
failure occurs in the free length at least 1 in. [25 mm] beyond
7 1 96
19 2 93
the end of either gripping device, or shall be not less than 95 %
37 3 91 of the rated or minimum rated strength if failure occurs inside,
61 4 90 or within 1 in. [25 mm] of the end of either gripping device.
91 and above 5 and above 89
The breaking strength of 1350-H16, -H26, -H14, -H24, -H142,
and -H242 conductors shall be not greater than their maximum
TABLE 7 Standard Increments Due to Stranding
rated strengths. The free length between grips of the test
specimen shall be not less than 24 in. [600 mm] and care shall
Increment (Increase)
Size of Conductor, of Mass be taken to ensure that the wires in the conductor are evenly
All Classes, and Electrical gripped during the test (Explanatory Note 6).
cmils [mm2] Resistance,
% 14.3 Routine production testing of the aluminum wires after
4 000 000 to 3 000 001, incl [2000–1500, incl] 4 stranding is not required. However, when such tests are
3 000 000 to 2 000 001, incl [Under 3 requested by the purchaser and agreed upon by the manufac-
1500–1000, incl]
2 000 000 and under [Under 1000] 2
turer at the time of ordering (or made for other reasons), the
1350-H19 wires removed from the completed conductor shall
have tensile strengths of not less than 95 % of the minimum
tensile strength specified for the individual tests in Specifica-
In case of question regarding area compliance, the actual mass tion B230/B230M. The 1350-H16, -H26, -H14, -H24, -H142,
increment due to stranding shall be calculated. and -H242 wires shall have tensile strengths not less than 95 %
of the minimum tensile strengths nor more than 105 % of the
13. Finish maximum tensile strengths prescribed in Specification B609/
13.1 The conductor shall be free of all imperfections not B609M. The electrical resistivity shall meet the minimum
consistent with good commercial practice. resistivity specified for the wire before stranding. Elongation
tests may be made for information purposes only and no
14. Mechanical and Electrical Tests of Conductors NOT minimum values are assigned (Explanatory Note 7). The
Annealed After Stranding frequency of these tests shall be decided upon between the
14.1 Wires composing the conductors shall be tested prior to purchaser and the manufacturer.
stranding in accordance with the applicable specification (see 14.4 All wires composing the conductors shall be capable of
5.2), and tests on the completed conductor are not required. meeting the bending properties stated in Specification B230/
However, when requested by the purchaser and agreed to by B230M after stranding.
the manufacturer at time of ordering, the tension tests of wires
before stranding may be waived and the completed conductor 15. Mechanical and Electrical Tests of Conductors
tested in accordance with 14.2, or wires removed from the ANNEALED After Stranding
completed conductor tested in accordance with 14.3. 15.1 Tensile properties and electrical resistivity shall be
14.2 When the completed conductor is tested as a unit, the determined on samples taken from 10 % of the reels or coils of
breaking strength shall be not less than the rated strength of conductor, but from not less than five (or all if the lot is less

9
 B231/B231M − 16 (2021)
TABLE 9 Dimensions of Standard Reels (For Information Only)
Nominal Reel Dimensions
Reel Capacity, Flange Drum Width, in. [m] Arbor Hole
Reel DesignationA,B,C
in. 3 [m3] Diameter, Diameter, Diameter,
in. [m] in. [m] Inside Outside in. [mm]
NR 36.22 16 800 [0.275] 36 [0.91] 18 [0.46] 22 [0.56] 25 [0.64] 3 to 31⁄4 [76–83]
NR 42.28 29 100 [0.477] 42 [1.07] 21 [0.53] 28 [0.71] 321⁄2 [0.83] 3 to 31⁄4 [76–83]
NR 48.28 38 000 [0.623] 48 [1.22] 24 [0.61] 28 [0.71] 321⁄2 [0.83] 3 to 31⁄4 [76–83]
RM 66.32D 76 900 [1.260] 66 [1.68] 36 [0.91] 32 [0.81] 38 [0.97] 3 to 31⁄4 [76–83]
RM 68.38D 99 300 [1.627] 68 [1.73] 36 [0.91] 38 [0.97] 44 [1.12] 3 to 31⁄4 [76–83]
RMT 84.45E 152 700 [2.502] 78 (84) [1.98 (2.13)] 42 [1.07] 45 [1.14] 52 [1.32] 5 to 51⁄4 [127–133]
RMT 90.45E 187 000 [3.064] 84 (90) [2.13 (2.29)] 42 [1.07] 45 [1.14] 52 [1.32] 5 to 51⁄4 [127–133]
A
Prefix “NR” denotes wooden nonreturnable reel, “RM” metal returnable reel, and “RMT” metal returnable reel with I-beam tires.
B
Pay-off equipment for reels NR 48.28 and smaller should be a minimum of 2 in. [50 mm] wider than the nominal outside reel width to provide for extension of bolts and
for possible flange distortion. For reels 66.32 and larger, either wood or metal, pay-off equipment should not be less than 4 in. [100 mm] wider than the reel width.
C
Reels are not designed to withstand the forces required for braking during tension stringing operations.
D
Reels RM 66.32 and RM 68.38 have flat rims.
E
Reels RMT 84.45 and RMT 90.45 have 3-in. [76-mm] I-beam tires. Indicated flange diameters are diameters under the tire; values in parentheses are diameters over
the tire. Reels with similar dimensions except without I-beam tires are sometimes used.

than five) reels or coils. Resistivity shall be determined as 17.3 The manufacturer shall afford the inspector represent-
prescribed in Section 7 of Specification B230/B230M on one ing the purchaser all reasonable access to the manufacturer’s
wire from each conductor sample except this test is not facilities to satisfy him that the material is being furnished in
required if performed previously on the 1350-H19 wire. At the accordance with this specification.
manufacturer’s option, tension tests shall be made either on
one of the inner 7 wires and one wire from each additional 18. Packaging and Package Marking
layer of each conductor sample to determine conformance with 18.1 Package sizes and kind of package, reels or coils, shall
15.2 or on the conductor as a unit to determine conformance be agreed upon by the manufacturer and the purchaser at the
with 15.3. time of placing the order. Recommended package sizes for
15.2 When wires removed from the completed conductor Classes AA and A are shown in Table 1 or Table 2.
are tested, 1350-H26, -H24, and -H242 wires shall have tensile 18.2 There shall be only one length of conductor on a reel
strengths not less than 95 % of the minimum tensile strength when the conductor on the reel will not undergo further
nor more than 105 % of the maximum tensile strength pre- manufacturing processes.
scribed in Specification B609/B609M, as applicable (Explana-
18.3 The conductor shall be protected against damage in
tory Note 7).
ordinary handling and shipping. If heavy wood lagging is
15.3 When the completed conductor is tested as a unit, the required, it shall be specified by the purchaser at the time of
breaking strengths of 1350-H26, -H24, and -H242 conductors placing the order.
shall conform with 9.2 through 9.4.
18.4 The net mass, length (and number of lengths if more
15.4 All wires composing the conductors shall be capable of than one is included in a package), size, kind of conductor,
meeting the bending properties stated in Specification B230/ stranding, and any other necessary identification shall be
B230M after stranding. Routine production testing after strand- marked on a tag attached to the end of the conductor inside the
ing is not required unless requested by the purchaser and package. This same information, together with the purchase
agreed upon by the manufacturer at the time of ordering. order number, the manufacturer’s serial number (if any), and
all shipping marks and other information required by the
16. Retests purchaser shall appear on the outside of each package.
16.1 If upon testing a sample from any reel or coil of NOTE 4—Multiple lengths per package are allowable only when the
conductor the results do not conform to the requirements of bare conductor is intended for remanufacture, such as adding a covering
Sections 8 and 9, two additional samples shall be tested, and or insulation. In such cases the position of each end of a length is to be
the average of the three tests shall determine the acceptance of clearly marked and the length of each portion shall be shown on the tag
attached to the end of the conductor.
the reel or coil.
19. Marking
17. Inspection
19.1 The net mass, length (and number of lengths, if more
17.1 Unless otherwise specified in the contract or purchase than one length is included in a package), size, and kind of
order, the manufacturer shall be responsible for the perfor- conductor shall be marked on a tag attached to the end of each
mance of all inspection and test requirements specified. conductor inside the package. The same information, together
17.2 All inspections and tests shall be made at the place of with the manufacturer’s serial number (if any) and all shipping
manufacture unless otherwise especially agreed to between the marks and other information required by the purchaser, all
manufacturer and the purchaser at the time of the purchase. appear on the outside of each package.

10
 B231/B231M − 16 (2021)
20. Keywords
20.1 aluminum conductor; concentric-lay-stranded alumi-
num conductor; electrical conductors; electrical conductors,
aluminum; stranded aluminum conductors

EXPLANATORY NOTES

NOTE 1—In this specification only concentric-lay-stranded conductor where n = length of lay/diameter of helical path of the wire. The
constructions manufactured from round aluminum 1350 wires are specifi- derivation of the above is given in NBS Handbook 100.
cally designated. NOTE 6—To test stranded conductors for breaking strength successfully
NOTE 2—For definitions of terms relating to conductors, refer to as a unit requires an adequate means of gripping the ends of the test
Terminology B354. specimen without causing damage that may result in failure below the
NOTE 3—The behavior of properly spaced wire joints in stranded actual strength of the conductor. Various means are available such as
conductors is related to both their tensile strength and elongation. Because compression sleeves, split sleeves, and preformed grips, but ordinary jaws
of its higher elongation properties, the lower strength electric-butt weld or clamping devices usually are not suitable.
gives equivalent overall performance to that of a cold-pressure weld or an NOTE 7—Wires unlaid from conductors may have different physical
electric-butt, cold-upset weld in stranded conductors with more than seven properties from those of the wire prior to stranding because of the
wires. deformation brought about by stranding and straightening for test.
NOTE 4—Certain types of insulated conductors may require a shorter NOTE 8—The dc resistance on a given construction shall be calculated
lay than other conductors. Special requirements regarding length of lay using the following formula:
should be specified by the purchaser in such instances. Inch-Pound Units:
NOTE 5—The increment of mass or electrical resistance of a completed
concentric-lay-stranded conductor, k, in percent is: R5 S k
100
11 D ρ
A
k 5 100~ m 2 1 ! or Metric Units:
where m is the stranding factor, and is also the ratio of the mass or
electrical resistance of a unit length of stranded conductor to that of a solid
conductor of the same cross-sectional area or of a stranded conductor with
R FS K
100
11 D G
ρ
A
1000

infinite length of stranding, that is, all wires parallel to the conductor axis. where:
The stranding factor m for the completed stranded conductor is the R = conductor resistance in Ω/1000 ft (Ω/km),
numerical average of the stranding factors for each of the individual wires k = increment due to stranding from Table 7 and Explanatory Note 5,
in the conductor, including the straight core wire, if any (for which the ρ = volume resistivity in ohms-cmil/ft (Ω-mm2/m), determined in
stranding factor is unity). The stranding factor (mind) for any given wire accordance with Test Method B193, and
in a concentric-lay-stranded conductor is: A = cross-sectional area of conductor in kcmil (mm2) determined in
accordance with Section 12 of this specification.
m ind 5 =11 ~ 9.8696/n 2 !

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11