Standard Specification for Copper-Clad Aluminum Bar for Electrical Purposes (Bus Bar)

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the manufacturing and testing requirements for copper clad aluminum rectangular bar for electrical (bus) applications. Six classes of copper-clad aluminum bar are covered:
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers copper clad aluminum rectangular bar for electrical (bus) applications.  
1.2 Six classes of copper-clad aluminum bar are covered as follows:
Class 20A—Nominal 20 volume % copper, annealed.
Class 25A—Nominal 25 volume % copper, annealed.
Class 30A—Nominal 30 volume % copper, annealed.
Class 20H—Nominal 20 volume % copper, hard-worked.
Class 25H—Nominal 25 volume % copper, hard-worked.
Class 30H—Nominal 30 volume % copper, hard-worked.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard, except for resistivity and density, where the SI units are the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
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
Published
Publication Date
30-Sep-2023
Technical Committee
B01 - Electrical Conductors

Relations

Effective Date
01-Oct-2023
Effective Date
01-Jan-2024
Effective Date
01-May-2022

Overview

ASTM B1005-17(2023) - Standard Specification for Copper-Clad Aluminum Bar for Electrical Purposes (Bus Bar) defines the requirements, manufacturing, and testing procedures for copper-clad aluminum rectangular bars specifically intended for electrical bus bar applications. This standard, developed by ASTM International in alignment with globally recognized standardization principles, ensures that copper-clad aluminum bars meet strict criteria for quality, consistency, and electrical performance.

ASTM B1005 covers six classes of copper-clad aluminum bars, with variations in copper content and temper (annealed or hard-worked), ensuring the specification addresses a range of electrical and mechanical needs. By establishing clear protocols for physical, mechanical, and electrical properties, it provides a reliable framework for both manufacturers and purchasers engaged in the supply and use of bi-metallic conductors.

Key Topics

  • Material Classes: Six classes are specified, differentiated by copper volume percentage and temper:
    • Class 20A, 25A, 30A – Annealed, with 20%, 25%, and 30% nominal copper by volume.
    • Class 20H, 25H, 30H – Hard-worked, with similar copper content.
  • Dimensional and Physical Properties:
    • Bars are specified by precise width, thickness, and copper layer measurements.
    • Density values are defined for each class, ensuring accurate weight calculations.
  • Mechanical Requirements:
    • Tensile strength and elongation properties are tested per standard methods.
    • Bend properties are specified to ensure material ductility and bonding integrity.
  • Electrical Performance:
    • Limits for resistivity or conductivity are set for each class.
    • Testing ensures compliance with electrical standards for bus bar applications.
  • Interface Bonding:
    • Minimum shear strength for the bond between copper cladding and aluminum core is required, ensuring durability and performance in service.
  • Quality Assurance and Inspection:
    • Procedures cover inspection, sampling, retesting, rejection, certification, and packaging requirements to maintain product integrity during production and delivery.

Applications

Copper-clad aluminum bars conforming to ASTM B1005-17(2023) are primarily used as bus bars in electrical systems, offering a combination of the electrical conductivity of copper and the lightweight benefits of aluminum. Typical applications include:

  • Power distribution equipment
  • Electrical panels and switchgear
  • Industrial and commercial busway systems
  • Renewable energy installations (such as solar and wind farms)
  • Transit and infrastructure power applications

By providing both high conductivity and reduced weight, copper-clad aluminum bus bars help lower installation costs, simplify handling, and enhance design flexibility. The standard’s classification allows for tailored choices, depending on the mechanical strength or conductivity required for specific industrial environments.

Related Standards

Several international and ASTM standards are referenced or complement the application of ASTM B1005-17(2023), including:

  • ASTM B193 - Test Method for Electrical Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials
  • ASTM B354 - Terminology Relating to Uninsulated Metallic Electrical Conductors
  • ASTM E8/E8M - Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
  • ASTM E3 - Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
  • ASTM E290 - Test Methods for Bend Testing of Material for Ductility
  • ASTM E29 - Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications

By following ASTM B1005 and these related standards, manufacturers and users can ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of copper-clad aluminum bus bars in electrical distribution and power management systems.

Keywords: ASTM B1005, copper-clad aluminum bar, bus bar, electrical conductors, busway systems, conductivity, electrical standards, bi-metallic conductors, quality assurance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM B1005-17(2023) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Copper-Clad Aluminum Bar for Electrical Purposes (Bus Bar)". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers the manufacturing and testing requirements for copper clad aluminum rectangular bar for electrical (bus) applications. Six classes of copper-clad aluminum bar are covered: SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers copper clad aluminum rectangular bar for electrical (bus) applications. 1.2 Six classes of copper-clad aluminum bar are covered as follows: Class 20A—Nominal 20 volume % copper, annealed. Class 25A—Nominal 25 volume % copper, annealed. Class 30A—Nominal 30 volume % copper, annealed. Class 20H—Nominal 20 volume % copper, hard-worked. Class 25H—Nominal 25 volume % copper, hard-worked. Class 30H—Nominal 30 volume % copper, hard-worked. 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard, except for resistivity and density, where the SI units are the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 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.

ABSTRACT This specification covers the manufacturing and testing requirements for copper clad aluminum rectangular bar for electrical (bus) applications. Six classes of copper-clad aluminum bar are covered: SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers copper clad aluminum rectangular bar for electrical (bus) applications. 1.2 Six classes of copper-clad aluminum bar are covered as follows: Class 20A—Nominal 20 volume % copper, annealed. Class 25A—Nominal 25 volume % copper, annealed. Class 30A—Nominal 30 volume % copper, annealed. Class 20H—Nominal 20 volume % copper, hard-worked. Class 25H—Nominal 25 volume % copper, hard-worked. Class 30H—Nominal 30 volume % copper, hard-worked. 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard, except for resistivity and density, where the SI units are the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 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.

ASTM B1005-17(2023) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 29.060.10 - Wires. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM B1005-17(2023) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM B1005-17, ASTM E8/E8M-24, ASTM E8/E8M-22. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM B1005-17(2023) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


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: B1005 − 17 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Specification for
Copper-Clad Aluminum Bar for Electrical Purposes (Bus
Bar)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B1005; 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 E3 Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
E8/E8M Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Ma-
1.1 This specification covers copper clad aluminum rectan-
terials
gular bar for electrical (bus) applications.
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
1.2 Six classes of copper-clad aluminum bar are covered as
Determine Conformance with Specifications
follows:
E290 Test Methods for Bend Testing of Material for Ductil-
Class 20A—Nominal 20 volume % copper, annealed.
ity
Class 25A—Nominal 25 volume % copper, annealed.
Class 30A—Nominal 30 volume % copper, annealed.
3. Terminology
Class 20H—Nominal 20 volume % copper, hard-worked.
3.1 Definitions—Refer to Terminology B354 for definition
Class 25H—Nominal 25 volume % copper, hard-worked.
of product terms used in this specification.
Class 30H—Nominal 30 volume % copper, hard-worked.
4. Ordering Information
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as the standard, except for resistivity and density, where the SI
4.1 Orders for materials to this specification shall include
units are the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
the following information:
information only.
4.1.1 This specification designation (which includes the
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- number, the year, and the revision letter, if applicable),
4.1.2 Quantity in weight or pieces,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 4.1.3 Classes, (see 1.2),
4.1.4 Edge contour (Section 12),
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 4.1.5 Cross-Sectional Dimensions: Thickness and Width
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. (Section 13),
4.2 Additionally, orders for material to this specification
2. Referenced Documents
shall include the following information when required by the
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on date
purchaser:
of material purchase form a part of this specification to the
4.2.1 Whether witness of inspection by the purchaser’s
extent referenced herein:
representative is required prior to material shipment (Section
15),
2.2 ASTM Standards:
4.2.2 Whether certification is required (Section 17),
B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor
4.2.3 Whether an alternative tensile sampling selection
Materials
procedure is acceptable (Section 7).
B354 Terminology Relating to Uninsulated Metallic Electri-
cal Conductors
5. Manufacture
5.1 The products covered by this specification shall consist
of a solid core of aluminum with a continuous outer copper
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on
Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.06 on
layer bonded to the core throughout and shall be of such quality
Bi-Metallic Conductors.
that the resulting products comply with the requirements in this
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2023. Published October 2023. Originally
specification.
approved in 2017. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as B1005 – 17. DOI:
10.1520/B1005-17R23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 6. Quality Assurance
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
6.1 Responsibility for Inspection and Tests—Unless other-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. wise specified in the contract or purchase order, the producer is
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B1005 − 17 (2023)
TABLE 2 The Diameter of the Bending Cylinder
responsible for the performance of all inspection and test
requirements specified herein. The producer may use his own Thickness, Bending Diameter
in. (mm) in. (mm)
or any other suitable facilities for the performance of the
<0.394 (10.0) 0.623 (16)
inspection and test requirements specified herein, unless dis-
$0.394 (10.0) 1.260 (32)
approved by the purchaser in the order or at the time of contract
signing. The purchaser shall have the right to perform any of
the inspections and tests set forth in this specification where
such inspections are deemed necessary to assure that material
conforms to prescribed requirements.
imperfections on the surface (the cladding layer), or blister
phenomenon inside the bending width. In macrostructure, near
6.2 Lot Definition—An inspection of the lot shall consist of
the curved areas, interface holes or cracks should not appear,
an identifiable quantity of same mill form, and nominal
and no separation phenomenon between the cladding layer and
dimensions and subjected to inspection at one time.
the aluminum core. For a flatwise bend, the mandrel shall be
90° from the rolling direction, and across the greater (width)
7. Tensile Properties
dimension of the bar. The required 90° bend shall be in the
7.1 Limits—The material shall conform to the tensile prop-
rolling direction. This is a longitudinal guided bend as defined
erties in Table 1.
and shown in Test Method E290, Fig. 6.
7.2 Number of Specimens:
8.2 Number of Specimens—The number of specimens (test
7.2.1 For material having a nominal weight of less than 1 lb/
frequency) shall be the same as for tension tests as required in
ft (up through 1.8 kg/linear m), one tension test specimen shall
7.2.
be taken for each 2000 1b (1000 kg), or fraction thereof, in the
lot. 8.3 Test Specimens—Bend test specimens shall be a full
7.2.2 For material having a nominal weight of greater than section of the material with a minimum length of 13 in.
1 lb/ ft (over 1.8 kg/linear m), one tension test specimen shall (330 mm).
be taken for each 2000 ft (600 m), or fraction thereof, in the lot.
8.4 Test Methods—Bend tests shall be made in accordance
7.2.3 One tension test specimen shall be taken from a
with Test Method E290.
random bar representing each 3000 lb of bar, or fraction
8.5 Bending Result Secondary Test:
thereof, of the same temper, thickness, and width in the
8.5.1 Removing 1/2 straight segment of at each end of the
shipment.
samples after the bending test, retain contains 1/2 part of
7.2.4 Other procedures for selecting samples may be em-
bending parts, as shown in Fig. 1.
ployed if agreed upon between the producer and the supplier or
8.5.2 Removing the cladding layer on one narrow side of the
purchaser.
bending sample contain the bending part, then grind and polish
7.3 The geometry of test specimens and the location in the
the section of the remove cladding layer until the aluminum
product from which they are taken shall conform to Test
core exposes according to the provisions of Guide E3.
Methods E8/E8M.
8.5.3 Checking the macrostructure on the section near the
7.4 Test Methods——The tensile testing shall be in accor- interface.
dance with Test Methods E8/E8M.
7.5 Retests—When there is evidence that the test specimen
is defective or is not representative of the lot of material,
retesting shall be performed in accordance with Test Methods
E8/E8M.
8. Bend Properties
8.1 Limits:
8.1.1 Class 20A, 25A and Class 30A bars shall withstand a
flatwise bend at room temperature, through an angle of 90°
around mandrel having a radius shown in Table 2 without
cracking or obvious orange peel or evidence of slivers or other
TABLE 1 Tensile and Elongation Requirements
Elongation, min %
Tensile Strength
in 9.84 in. (250 mm)
Copper Volume
Minimum Maximum Where:
%
H A
H Classes A Classes
1 = The cladding layer;
Classes Classes
ksi (MPa) ksi (MPa) 2 = The aluminum core;
3 = The observed section;
20 23.2 (160) 18.1 (125) 3 25
4 = The cut straight segment.
25 24.6 (170) 18.5 (126) 3.5 28
30 26.1 (180) 18.8 (130) 3.8 30 FIG. 1 Schematic Fixture for Preparation of Metallographic
Specimens After Bending Test
B1005 − 17 (2023)
TABLE 4 Maximum Resistivity or Conductivity Values
8.5.4 For the requirements of lateral bending property, the
bending angle and bending diameter should be indicated in the Volume Resistivity Equivalents at 20 °C
Conductivity
purchase order (or contract) with the consultation of the two
Class
at 20 °C Mass/Unit
sides between supply and purchase.
%IACS Volume Length
2 2
Ω·mm /m μΩ·cm Ω·g/m
9. Interface Bonding 20A 67.6 0.02550 2.550 0.1005
20H 66.4 0.02596 2.596 0.1023
9.1 Limits—Interface bonding strength for bars having a
25A 69.0 0.02498 2.498 0.1062
25H 67.7 0.02548 2.548 0.1083
width ≥1.18 in. (30mm) and a thickness ≥ 0.236 in. (6mm) be
30A 71.1 0.02424 2.424 0.1105
no less than 5.8018 Ksi (40 MPa). Other specifications for
30H 69.6 0.02477 2.477 0.1130
interface bonding strength may be employed if agreed upon
between the producer and the supplier or purchaser.
9.2 Test Method—The
...

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