Standardization News

A new ASTM International specification will help standardize production and use of bimetallic “busbar” (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 need for this standard is global.” said Dustin Fox, the chairman of the committee on electrical conductors (B01) and the global technical director at Copperweld Bimetallics, LLC. “This was truly an international effort, with many members from China, especially Liang Yuncheng of Yantai Fisend Bimetal, and elsewhere taking an active role.”

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.

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