New ASTM International Electrical Conductor Standard Supports Bus Bar

A new ASTM International specification will help standardize production and use of bimetallic “bus bar” (copper-clad aluminum flat-strip and flat-wire that distributes high-current power). A copper-clad aluminum electrical conductor is a cost-effective alternative to pure copper or aluminum conductors. 

The new standard is soon to be published as B1005: Specification for Copper-Clad Aluminum Bar for Electrical Purposes (Bus Bar). Six classes of copper-clad aluminum bar are covered:

•    Class 20A Nominal 20 volume percent copper, annealed; 
•    Class 25A Nominal 25 volume percent copper, annealed;
•    Class 30A Nominal 30 volume percent copper, annealed;
•    Class 20H Nominal 20 volume percent copper, hard-worked;
•    Class 25H Nominal 25 volume percent copper, hard-worked; and,
•    Class 30H Nominal 30 volume percent copper, hard-worked.

Visit www.astm.org/sn-metals for more information.