ACSS/TW Conductor ASTM B857

ACSS/TW Conductor to ASTM B857 has trapezoidal 1350-O aluminium wires on a steel core. The table below summarises the construction and calculation values of the standard; the properties of every size are listed in the TDS tab.

Technical Characteristics

Ordering Information

Please state the quantity of each size; the code word or the conductor size with its type number; the design (equal area or equal diameter); the steel core type, for example GA2 or MA3; the direction of lay of the outer layer if other than right-hand; any tension test on the finished conductor; the place of inspection; the reel size and whether lagging is required; and any special package marking.

Equal Aluminium Area Design

Equal Diameter Design

Wire and Conductor Tests

• In accordance with ASTM B857 Clause 14.1, the trapezoidal 1350-O wires are tested after stranding for tensile strength and elongation against ASTM B609.
• In accordance with ASTM B857 Clause 14.2, the resistivity of the aluminium wires is checked, at a frequency agreed between the parties.
• In accordance with ASTM B857 Clause 14.4, the steel core wires are tested before stranding for the properties of their own specification.
• In accordance with ASTM B857 Clause 9.4, when a breaking test on the finished conductor is agreed, the result is not below the rated strength, or not below 95% of it when the break is inside or within 25 mm of a grip.

Construction and Dimensional Checks

• In accordance with ASTM B857 Clause 8.1, the construction of each size is checked against Table 1 or Table 2.
• In accordance with ASTM B857 Clause 13.1, the aluminium area is 98% to 102% of the specified value, with ASTM B263 deciding in case of doubt.
• In accordance with ASTM B857 Clause 13.2, the finished diameter is measured with a diameter tape between the closing die and the capstan and stays within 99% to 101% of nominal.
• In accordance with ASTM B857 Clauses 7.1 to 7.9, the lay factor and direction of every aluminium and core layer are checked against the limits of Section 7.
• In accordance with ASTM B857 Clauses 6.1 and 6.2, welds in the aluminium wires are at least 15 m apart and the steel wires carry no joints.
• In accordance with ASTM B857 Clause 12.1, the finished conductor is clean and free of imperfections that do not agree with good commercial practice.

Inspection, Packaging and Marking

• In accordance with ASTM B857 Clauses 15.1 to 15.3, inspections and tests are made at the place of production unless agreed otherwise at the time of purchase, and the purchaser’s inspector is given reasonable access.
• In accordance with ASTM B857 Clauses 16.1 to 16.3, the conductor is shipped on reels holding a single length each and is protected against damage in ordinary handling and shipping.
• In accordance with ASTM B857 Clause 16.4, a tag inside each reel gives the net mass, length, size, kind of conductor, stranding and the type and class of coating, and the outside of the reel carries the purchase order number, any serial number and the shipping marks.