Standard Specification for Copper-Clad Steel Electrical Conductor for CATV Drop Wire

ABSTRACT
This specification covers hard-drawn round copper-clad steel electrical conductor for CATV drop wire (coaxial cable center conductor). The wire shall be composed of a steel core with a substantially uniform and continuous copper cladding thoroughly bonded to it throughout. The size shall be expressed as the diameter of the wire. The steel wire shall conform to the prescribed tensile strength, elongation, and breaking strength. Requirements for (1) tension and torsion tests, (2) method of determining the electrical resistance, (3) cladding uniformity in terms of thickness, and (4) joint construction are detailed. The prescribed density of the wire to be taken for calculating mass/unit length, cross section, and so forth is given.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers 21 % conductivity hard-drawn round copper-clad steel wire for coaxial cable center conductors (Note 1).  
Note 1: Wire ordered to this specification is not intended for redrawing since it is furnished in the hard-drawn temper. If wire is desired for the purpose, the manufacturer should be consulted.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 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

Overview

ASTM B869-07(2023) is the standard specification developed by ASTM International for copper-clad steel electrical conductors used in CATV (Community Antenna Television) drop wire applications. This standard addresses hard-drawn, round copper-clad steel wire specifically intended for use as the center conductor in coaxial cables-an essential component in CATV networks. With a focus on performance, reliability, and clear material requirements, ASTM B869 ensures that the copper cladding is uniformly bonded to the steel core, providing both mechanical strength and electrical conductivity.

Key Topics

  • Material Composition: The conductor features a steel core with a continuous and uniform copper cladding, bonded thoroughly to ensure durability and consistent electrical performance.
  • Size and Tolerances: Wire size is specified by diameter, expressed to the fourth decimal place in inches, with strict permissible variations to ensure quality and compatibility in manufacturing and application.
  • Mechanical Properties: Minimum requirements include a tensile strength of 120,000 psi (827 MPa) and an elongation of at least 1.0%, ensuring robust mechanical performance.
  • Testing Requirements:
    • Tension and Torsion: Wires must undergo standardized tension and torsion tests to demonstrate their ability to withstand mechanical stresses without fracture or separation of copper from steel.
    • Electrical Resistance: The specification sets a maximum electrical resistance based on a minimum diameter measurement and a resistivity value corresponding to 21% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard) conductivity.
    • Cladding Uniformity: Copper cladding must not be less than 1.5% of the wire diameter at any point, verified via cross-sectional or electrical methods.
    • Joint Construction: No joints are permitted in the finished wire; any necessary joints must be made in semi-finished materials before final drawing.

Applications

  • CATV Networks: Copper-clad steel conductors are exclusively specified for use as center conductors in coaxial cables for CATV drop wires, supporting the delivery of television and internet signals.
  • Signal Transmission: The combination of a high-strength steel core and conductive copper cladding provides optimal signal integrity and durability required in overhead and aerial installations.
  • Not for Redrawing: The wire is supplied in a hard-drawn temper and is not intended for further reduction or redrawing. Manufacturers must be consulted if wire for redrawing is needed.
  • Quality Assurance: The standard supports consistency and reliability in cable production, helping manufacturers, cable assemblers, and telecommunications providers meet performance standards critical for modern CATV infrastructure.

Related Standards

  • ASTM B193: Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor Materials - referenced for determining wire resistivity.
  • ASTM B258: Specification for Standard Nominal Diameters and Cross-Sectional Areas of AWG Sizes of Solid Round Wires Used as Electrical Conductors - provides dimensional guidance for wire sizes.
  • NBS Handbook 100: Provides additional reference data, such as wire tables and related technical information for copper wire conductors.
  • International Standards Principles: This specification aligns with the World Trade Organization’s Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee’s international standardization principles.

Practical Value

Adhering to ASTM B869-07(2023) ensures cable manufacturers and service providers use copper-clad steel conductors that deliver both mechanical durability and reliable electrical performance. This standard enhances the quality and longevity of CATV drop wire installations, reducing the risk of signal loss and wire failure. By following this specification, industry stakeholders support international best practices for telecommunications infrastructure, meeting both regulatory and market expectations for safety, interoperability, and quality.

Buy Documents

Technical specification

ASTM B869-07(2023) - Standard Specification for Copper-Clad Steel Electrical Conductor for CATV Drop Wire

English language (3 pages)
sale 15% off
sale 15% off

Get Certified

Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard

Intertek Testing Services NA Inc.

Intertek certification services in North America.

ANAB United States Verified

UL Solutions

Global safety science company with testing, inspection and certification.

ANAB United States Verified

ANCE

Mexican certification and testing association.

EMA Mexico Verified

Sponsored listings

Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM B869-07(2023) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Copper-Clad Steel Electrical Conductor for CATV Drop Wire". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers hard-drawn round copper-clad steel electrical conductor for CATV drop wire (coaxial cable center conductor). The wire shall be composed of a steel core with a substantially uniform and continuous copper cladding thoroughly bonded to it throughout. The size shall be expressed as the diameter of the wire. The steel wire shall conform to the prescribed tensile strength, elongation, and breaking strength. Requirements for (1) tension and torsion tests, (2) method of determining the electrical resistance, (3) cladding uniformity in terms of thickness, and (4) joint construction are detailed. The prescribed density of the wire to be taken for calculating mass/unit length, cross section, and so forth is given. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers 21 % conductivity hard-drawn round copper-clad steel wire for coaxial cable center conductors (Note 1). Note 1: Wire ordered to this specification is not intended for redrawing since it is furnished in the hard-drawn temper. If wire is desired for the purpose, the manufacturer should be consulted. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.3 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 hard-drawn round copper-clad steel electrical conductor for CATV drop wire (coaxial cable center conductor). The wire shall be composed of a steel core with a substantially uniform and continuous copper cladding thoroughly bonded to it throughout. The size shall be expressed as the diameter of the wire. The steel wire shall conform to the prescribed tensile strength, elongation, and breaking strength. Requirements for (1) tension and torsion tests, (2) method of determining the electrical resistance, (3) cladding uniformity in terms of thickness, and (4) joint construction are detailed. The prescribed density of the wire to be taken for calculating mass/unit length, cross section, and so forth is given. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers 21 % conductivity hard-drawn round copper-clad steel wire for coaxial cable center conductors (Note 1). Note 1: Wire ordered to this specification is not intended for redrawing since it is furnished in the hard-drawn temper. If wire is desired for the purpose, the manufacturer should be consulted. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.3 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 B869-07(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 B869-07(2023) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM B869-07(2018). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM B869-07(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: B869 − 07 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Specification for
Copper-Clad Steel Electrical Conductor for CATV Drop Wire
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B869; 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 3. Ordering Information
1.1 This specification covers 21 % conductivity hard-drawn 3.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
round copper-clad steel wire for coaxial cable center conduc- the following information:
3.1.1 Quantity of each size;
tors (Note 1).
3.1.2 Wire size: diameter in inches (see 5.1 and Table 1);
NOTE 1—Wire ordered to this specification is not intended for redraw-
3.1.3 Package size (see 15.1);
ing since it is furnished in the hard-drawn temper. If wire is desired for the
3.1.4 Special package marking, if required (Section 15); and
purpose, the manufacturer should be consulted.
3.1.5 Place of inspection (13.2).
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
4. Material
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
4.1 The wire shall be composed of a steel core with a
and are not considered standard.
substantially uniform and continuous copper cladding thor-
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
oughly bonded to it throughout.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.2 The finished copper-clad steel wire shall conform to the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
requirements in this specification.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.1 The size shall be expressed as the diameter of the wire
2. Referenced Documents
in decimal fractions of an inch, using four places of decimals,
that is, in tenths of a mil (Note 2).
2.1 The following documents, of the issue in effect on the
date of material purchase, form a part of this specification to
NOTE 2—The values of wire diameters in Table 1 and Table 2 are given
the extent referenced herein.
to the nearest 0.0001 in. (0.0025 mm) and correspond to the standard sizes
given in Specification B258. In specifying diameters of wire or inspecting
2.2 ASTM Standards:
wire, the diameter should also be expressed to the fourth decimal place.
B193 Test Method for Resistivity of Electrical Conductor
An excellent discussion of wire gauges and related subjects is contained
Materials in NBS Handbook 100.
B258 Specification for Standard Nominal Diameters and
5.2 Within the range of diameters included in Table 1, the
Cross-Sectional Areas of AWG Sizes of Solid Round
wire shall not vary from the specified diameter by more than
Wires Used as Electrical Conductors
61 %, expressed to the nearest 0.0001 in. (0.0025 mm).
2.3 NIST Document:
5.3 Ten percent, but not less than five reels (or all, if the lot
NBS Handbook 100 —Copper Wire Tables
is less than five), from any lot of wire shall be gauged. All reels
shall be gauged if any of the selected reels fail to conform to
the requirements for diameter.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on
Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.06 on
6. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
Bi-Metallic Conductors.
6.1 The surface of the wire shall be free from imperfections
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2023. Published October 2023. Originally
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as B869 – 07 (2018).
and be consistent with good commercial practice.
DOI: 10.1520/B0869-07R23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
7. Tensile and Elongation Properties
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
7.1 The wire shall conform to a minimum tensile require-
the ASTM website.
ment of 120 000 psi (827 MPa) and a minimum elongation
Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100
Bureau Dr., Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1070, http://www.nist.gov. requirement of 1.0 %.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B869 − 07 (2023)
TABLE 1 Properties of Hard-Drawn 21 % Conductivity Copper-
8. Torsion Test
Clad Steel Wire
8.1 The wire shall withstand, without fracture, not less than
Nominal Maximum
Permissible Minimum Copper
20 torsions in a length equivalent to 100 times the nominal
Diameter, Resistance /1000 ft
A A
Variations Thickness, in.
A
in. at 20 °C
diameter of the specimen. In the twist test, the rate of applying
0.0641 ±0.0006 in. 12.249 0.00096 the twists shall be approximately 15/min.
0.0571 ±0.0006 in. 15.472 0.00086
8.2 Specimens shall be twisted to destruction and shall not
0.0508 ±0.0005 in. 19.521 0.00076
0.0453 ±0.0005 in. 24.608 0.00068
reveal under testing any seams, pits, slivers, or surface imper-
0.0403 ±0.0004 in. 31.024 0.00060
fections of sufficient magnitude to indicate inherent defects or
0.0320 ±0.0003 in. 49.150 0.00048
imperfections in the wire.
0.0285 ±0.0003 in. 62.107 0.00043
A
8.2.1 Examination of the wire at the break shall show no
Metric equivalents: 1 in. = 25.4 mm.
separation of copper from the steel.
9. Resistance
TABLE 2 Approximate Properties (Information Only)
9.1 The electrical resistance of the wire (Note 4) shall be
Rated
Area
Nominal
Breaking Mass Mass
determined by resistance measurements, and maximum resis-
Diameter,
Strength, (lb/1000 ft) (lb/mile)
A
2A
in. tance shall be based on the minimum diameter of the wire and
cmil in.
min, lb
resistivity value at 20 °C Ω cmil/ft of 49.39. This is to
0.0641 4108 0.003227 387 11.10 58.60
correspond to a minimum conductivity of 21 % IACS.
0.0571 3260 0.002560 307 9.05 47.78
0.0508 2580 0.002026 243 6.99 36.90
NOTE 4—Electrical resistance is calculated by the following equation:
0.0453 2052 0.001611 193 5.56 29.36
0.0403 1624 0.001276 153 4.51 23.81
resistivity, Ω × circular mil/ft
0.0320 1024 0.000804 96
...

Questions, Comments and Discussion

Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.

Loading comments...