ASTM B856-22
(Specification)Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Coated Steel Supported (ACSS)
Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Coated Steel Supported (ACSS)
ABSTRACT
This specification covers round wire concentric-lay-stranded aluminium conductors, steel supported (ACSS) for use as ovehead electrical conductors. Tests for mechanical and electrical properties of aluminum wires shall be made after stranding. The electrical resistivity shall meet the minimum resistivity specified for the wire after stranding.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers round wire concentric-lay-stranded aluminum conductors, steel supported (ACSS) for use as overhead electrical conductors (see Explanatory Note 1).
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification. For conductor sizes designated by AWG or kcmil sizes, the requirements in SI units are numerically converted from the corresponding requirements in inch-pound units. For conductor sizes designation by AWG or kcmil, the requirements in SI units have been numerically converted from corresponding values stated or derived in inch-pound units. For conductor sizes designated by SI units only, the requirements are stated or derived in SI units.
1.2.1 For density, resistivity and temperature, the values stated in SI units are to be regarded as 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-Nov-2022
- Technical Committee
- B01 - Electrical Conductors
- Drafting Committee
- B01.07 - Conductors of Light Metals
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2023
- Refers
ASTM B1006-17(2023) - Standard Specification for Electrical Overhead Conductor Code Word Names - Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2016
Overview
ASTM B856-22, published by ASTM International, defines the standard specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Coated Steel Supported (ACSS). This specification applies to round wire ACSS conductors, which are widely used for overhead electrical transmission lines. The document outlines the construction, mechanical, and electrical requirements for these conductors, ensuring reliable performance and safety in overhead power applications. It sets clear guidelines for wire materials, stranding, size, lay, mechanical strength, resistivity, and testing.
Key Topics
- Conductor Construction: This standard specifies concentric-lay-stranded aluminum wires helically stranded around a central steel core. The conductor may use various types of steel core wires, including galvanized, zinc-aluminum alloy coated, and aluminum-clad steels, each with strength and coating classes to suit different installation needs.
- Mechanical and Electrical Properties: Mechanical tests focus on tensile strength and elongation after stranding, while electrical tests ensure the completed conductor maintains low resistivity and meets continuity requirements.
- Sizing and Designation: ACSS conductors are detailed in sizes designated by both American Wire Gauge (AWG) or kcmil, and SI units. The standard prescribes independent use of measurement systems to prevent non-conformance.
- Lay and Stranding: Requirements are provided for the number of wires, layers, and direction and length of lay for both aluminum and steel wires, to optimize mechanical integrity and electrical performance.
- Quality and Inspection: Guidelines are set for workmanship, finish, and inspection, including packaging and labeling to ensure clear identification and traceability throughout the supply chain.
- Test Procedures: The standard details mechanical and resistivity testing post-stranding for aluminum wires and pre-stranding for steel core wires.
Applications
ASTM B856-22 is essential for the design, manufacture, procurement, and installation of ACSS conductors in power transmission systems. Key application areas include:
- Overhead Transmission Lines: ACSS is engineered for use in high-voltage, long-span electrical transmission to deliver reliable power with improved thermal ratings and sag-tolerance.
- High-Temperature Operations: ACSS conductors are particularly suitable for lines operating at elevated temperatures, offering increased current-carrying capacity while maintaining mechanical strength due to steel reinforcement.
- Upgrading Existing Lines: Utilities employ ACSS when uprating or replacing aged conductors to boost capacity without extensive tower modifications.
- Severe Environmental Conditions: Enhanced corrosion resistance from multiple core wire coatings ensures suitability for coastal or industrial regions.
The use of standardized ACSS conductors guarantees uniformity, safety, and compatibility across the electrical power grid, simplifying installation and reducing maintenance issues.
Related Standards
Several ASTM and industry standards are referenced in conjunction with ASTM B856-22 to ensure full compliance and material compatibility:
- ASTM B609/B609M: For 1350 aluminum wire used in conductors.
- ASTM B498/B498M, B606/B606M: For zinc-coated (galvanized) steel core wires.
- ASTM B802/B802M, B803/B803M, B957/B957M, B958/B958M: For zinc-aluminum-mischmetal alloy coated and extra/high-strength steel core wires.
- ASTM B502/B502M: For aluminum-clad steel wire requirements.
- ASTM B549: For aluminum conductors, aluminum-clad steel reinforced.
- ASTM B1006: For standardized code words for overhead aluminum conductors.
- ASTM B263/B263M: For cross-sectional area testing.
- ASTM E29: For use of significant digits in test data.
Compliance with these related standards helps stakeholders achieve optimal reliability, safety, and efficiency in the installation and operation of overhead electrical conductors.
Keywords: ASTM B856-22, ACSS, aluminum conductor steel supported, overhead transmission conductor, electrical conductor standard, concentric-lay-stranded aluminum, high-temperature conductor, power grid reliability, steel core conductors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM B856-22 is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Coated Steel Supported (ACSS)". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers round wire concentric-lay-stranded aluminium conductors, steel supported (ACSS) for use as ovehead electrical conductors. Tests for mechanical and electrical properties of aluminum wires shall be made after stranding. The electrical resistivity shall meet the minimum resistivity specified for the wire after stranding. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers round wire concentric-lay-stranded aluminum conductors, steel supported (ACSS) for use as overhead electrical conductors (see Explanatory Note 1). 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification. For conductor sizes designated by AWG or kcmil sizes, the requirements in SI units are numerically converted from the corresponding requirements in inch-pound units. For conductor sizes designation by AWG or kcmil, the requirements in SI units have been numerically converted from corresponding values stated or derived in inch-pound units. For conductor sizes designated by SI units only, the requirements are stated or derived in SI units. 1.2.1 For density, resistivity and temperature, the values stated in SI units are to be regarded as 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 round wire concentric-lay-stranded aluminium conductors, steel supported (ACSS) for use as ovehead electrical conductors. Tests for mechanical and electrical properties of aluminum wires shall be made after stranding. The electrical resistivity shall meet the minimum resistivity specified for the wire after stranding. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers round wire concentric-lay-stranded aluminum conductors, steel supported (ACSS) for use as overhead electrical conductors (see Explanatory Note 1). 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification. For conductor sizes designated by AWG or kcmil sizes, the requirements in SI units are numerically converted from the corresponding requirements in inch-pound units. For conductor sizes designation by AWG or kcmil, the requirements in SI units have been numerically converted from corresponding values stated or derived in inch-pound units. For conductor sizes designated by SI units only, the requirements are stated or derived in SI units. 1.2.1 For density, resistivity and temperature, the values stated in SI units are to be regarded as 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 B856-22 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 B856-22 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM B500/B500M-24, ASTM B606/B606M-23, ASTM B957/B957M-23, ASTM B802/B802M-23, ASTM B502/B502M-23, ASTM B958/B958M-23, ASTM B1006-17(2023), ASTM B263/B263M-14(2020), ASTM B502/B502M-19, ASTM B502/B502M-10(2017), ASTM B1006-17, ASTM B958/B958M-16, ASTM B957/B957M-16, ASTM B606/B606M-08(2016), ASTM B498/B498M-08(2016). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM B856-22 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:B856 −22
Standard Specification for
Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Coated
Steel Supported (ACSS)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B856; 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 B263/B263M Test Method for Determination of Cross-
Sectional Area of Stranded Conductors
1.1 This specification covers round wire concentric-lay-
B354 Terminology Relating to Uninsulated Metallic Electri-
stranded aluminum conductors, steel supported (ACSS) for use
cal Conductors
as overhead electrical conductors (see Explanatory Note 1).
B498/B498M Specification for Zinc-Coated (Galvanized)
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound or SI units are to be
Steel Core Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Conduc-
regarded separately as standard. Each system shall be used
tors
independently of the other. Combining values from the two
B500/B500M Specification for Metallic Coated or Alumi-
systems may result in nonconformance with the specification.
num Clad Stranded Steel Core for Use in Overhead
For conductor sizes designated by AWG or kcmil sizes, the
Electrical Conductors
requirements in SI units are numerically converted from the
B502/B502M Specification for Aluminum-Clad Steel Core
correspondingrequirementsininch-poundunits.Forconductor
Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Aluminum Conduc-
sizes designation by AWG or kcmil, the requirements in SI
tors
units have been numerically converted from corresponding
B606/B606M Specification for High-Strength Zinc-Coated
values stated or derived in inch-pound units. For conductor
(Galvanized) Steel Core Wire for Aluminum and
sizesdesignatedbySIunitsonly,therequirementsarestatedor
Aluminum-Alloy Conductors, Steel Reinforced
derived in SI units.
B609/B609M Specification for Aluminum 1350 Round
1.2.1 For density, resistivity and temperature, the values
Wire, Annealed and Intermediate Tempers, for Electrical
stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
Purposes
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
B802/B802M Specification for Zinc–5 % Aluminum-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- Mischmetal Alloy-Coated Steel Core Wire for Aluminum
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Conductors, Steel Reinforced (ACSR)
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- B803/B803M Specification for High-Strength Zinc–5 %
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Aluminum-Mischmetal Alloy-Coated Steel Core Wire for
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. Use in Overhead Electrical Conductors
B857 Specification for Shaped Wire Compact Concentric-
2. Referenced Documents
Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Coated-Steel Sup-
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on date ported (ACSS/TW)
B957/B957M Specification for Extra-High-Strength and
ofmaterialpurchaseformpartofthisspecificationtotheextent
referenced herein: Ultra-High-Strength Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Core
Wire for Overhead Electrical Conductors
2.2 ASTM Standards:
B958/B958M Specification for Extra-High-Strength and
Ultra-High-Strength Class A Zinc–5% Aluminum-
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on
Mischmetal Alloy-Coated Steel Core Wire for Use in
Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.07 on
Overhead Electrical Conductors
Conductors of Light Metals.
B1006 Specification for Electrical Overhead Conductor
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2022. Published January 2023. Originally
Code Word Names
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as B856 – 18. DOI:
10.1520/B0856-22.
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Determine Conformance with Specifications
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. Unified Numbering System (UNS)
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B856−22
2.3 Other Standards: 4. Ordering Information
AluminumAssociationPublication50 CodewordsforOver-
4.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
head Aluminum Electrical Conductors
the following information:
NBS Handbook 100 —Copper Wire Tables of the National
4.1.1 Quantity of each size, stranding, and class,
Bureau of Standards
4.1.2 Conductor size, circular-mil area or AWG, and diam-
eter (see Section 9 and Table 1),
3. Terminology
4.1.3 Number of wires, aluminum and steel,
3.1 For definitions of terms relating to conductors refer to
4.1.4 Type of steel core wire and class (if applicable) of
definitions found in Specification B354.
coating (see 5.2),
3.2 Definitions:
4.1.5 Direction of lay of outer layer of aluminum wires if
3.2.1 aluminum-clad—aluminum bonded.
other than right hand (see 7.3),
3.2.2 galvanized—zinc coated.
4.1.6 Special tension test, if desired (see 14.3),
3.2.3 Zn-5A1-MM—Zinc-5% Aluminum-Mischmetal Alloy
4.1.7 Package size and type (see 16.1),
coated.
4.1.8 Special package markings, if required (see 16.4),
3.3 Abbreviations: 4.1.9 Heavy wood lagging, if required (see 16.3), and
3.3.1 ACSS—aluminum conductor, steel supported.
4.1.10 Place of inspection (see Section 15).
3.3.2 ACSS/AW2—supported with regular strength
5. Requirement for Wires
aluminum-clad steel core wire in accordance with Specifica-
tion B502/B502M.
5.1 After stranding, the round aluminum wires shall con-
3.3.3 ACSS/AW3—supported with high-strength aluminum- form to the requirements of Specification B609/B609M for
clad steel core wire in accordance with Specification B502/
1350-0 temper, except for elongation requirements. The elon-
B502M. gation shall not be less than 20 % after stranding.
3.3.4 ACSS/GA2—supported with regular strength galva-
5.2 Before stranding, the steel core wire shall meet the
nized steel core wire, coating Class A in accordance with
requirements of Specification B498/B498M, B606/B606M,
Specification B498/B498M.
B802/B802M, B803/B803M, B957/B957M,or B958/B958M,
whichever is applicable.
3.3.5 ACSS/GC2—supported with regular strength galva-
nized steel core wire, coating Class C in accordance with
5.3 The stranded steel core shall meet the requirements of
Specification B498/B498M.
Specification B500/B500M as applicable.
3.3.6 ACSS/GA3—supported with high-strength galvanized
steel core wire, coating Class A in accordance with Specifica-
6. Joints
tion B606/B606M.
6.1 Electric-butt welds, cold-pressure welds, and electric-
3.3.7 ACSS/GA4—supported with extra-high strength Class
butt, cold-upset welds in the finished individual aluminum
A galvanized steel core wire in accordance with Specification
wires composing the conductor may be made during the
B957/B957M.
stranding process. No weld shall occur within 50 ft (15 m) of
3.3.8 ACSS/GA5—supported with ultra-high strength Class
a weld in the same wire or in any other wire of the completed
A galvanized steel core wire in accordance with Specification
conductor (see Explanatory Note 2).
B957/B957M.
6.2 There shall be no joints of any kind made in the finished
3.3.9 ACSS/MA2—supported with regular strength Zn-
coated steel wires.
5A1-MM steel core wire, coating Class A in accordance with
Specification B802/B802M.
7. Lay
3.3.10 ACSS/MA3—supported with high-strength Zn-
7.1 The length of lay of the various layers of aluminum
5A1-MM steel core wire, coating Class A in accordance with
wires in a conductor shall conform to Table 2 (see Explanatory
Specification B803/B803M.
Note 3).
3.3.11 ACSS/MA4—supported with extra-high strength Zn-
7.2 The length of lay of the various layers of steel wires in
5A1-MM steel core wire, coating Class A in accordance with
a conductor shall conform to Specification B500/B500M.
Specification B958/B958M.
3.3.12 ACSS/MA5—supported with ultra-high strength Zn- 7.3 The direction of lay of the outside layer of aluminum
5A1-MM steel core wire, coating Class A in accordance with wires shall be right hand unless otherwise specified in the
Specification B958/B958M. purchase order. The direction of lay of the aluminum and steel
wires shall be reversed in successive layers.
7.4 In a conductor having multiple layers of aluminum
Available from Aluminum Association, Inc., 1525 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600,
wires, the length of lay of any aluminum layer shall not be less
Arlington, VA 22209, http://www.aluminum.org.
than the length of lay of the aluminum layer immediately
Available from National Technical Information Service (NTIS), 5301 Shawnee
Rd., Alexandria, VA 22312, http://www.ntis.gov. beneath it.
B856−22
TABLE 1 Construction Requirements of Aluminum Conductors, Steel Supported (ACSS)
Rated Strength
Nominal
ACSS Conductor Aluminum Wire Steel Wires (by type and coating of
Mass
Nominal
steel wires)
GA(X)
Outside
or
GA2 GA3 GA4 GA5
Diameter,
MA(X)
Size Diameter Diameter or or or or AW2 AW3
A
in.
Stranding Codeword Class Number Layers Number Layers
(lb/1000
(kcmil) (in.) (in.) MA2 MA3 MA4 MA5 (kips) (kips)
ft)
(kips) (kips) (iips) (kips)
266.8 26/7 Partridge/ACSS AA 26 0.1013 2 7 0.0788 1 0.642 366.8 8.88 9.73 10.8 11.4 8.37 8.88
266.8 30/7 Junco/ACSS AA 30 0.0943 2 7 0.0943 1 0.660 417.4 11.7 13.0 14.4 15.2 11.2 11.7
300.0 26/7 Ostrich/ACSS AA 26 0.1074 2 7 0.0835 1 0.680 412.4 10.0 10.9 12.1 12.8 9.40 10.0
336.4 26/7 Linnet/ACSS AA 26 0.1137 2 7 0.0885 1 0.720 462.5 11.2 12.3 13.6 14.4 10.5 11.2
336.4 30/7 Oriole/ACSS AA 30 0.1059 2 7 0.1059 1 0.741 526.3 14.8 16.3 18.2 19.1 14.2 14.8
397.5 24/7 Brant/ACSS AA 24 0.1287 2 7 0.0858 1 0.772 511.4 11.0 12.1 13.3 14.1 10.4 11.0
397.5 26/7 Ibis/ACSS AA 26 0.1236 2 7 0.0962 1 0.783 546.5 13.0 14.2 15.8 16.5 12.4 13.0
397.5 30/7 Lark/ACSS AA 30 0.1151 2 7 0.1151 1 0.806 621.9 17.5 19.3 21.5 22.6 16.7 17.5
477.0 24/7 Flicker/ACSS AA 24 0.1410 2 7 0.0940 1 0.846 613.6 13.0 14.2 15.7 16.4 12.5 13.0
477.0 26/7 Hawk/ACSS AA 26 0.1354 2 7 0.1053 1 0.858 655.8 15.6 17.1 18.9 19.8 14.9 15.6
477.0 30/7 Hen/ACSS AA 30 0.1261 2 7 0.1261 1 0.883 746.3 21.0 22.7 25.3 26.7 20.1 20.5
556.5 24/7 Parakeet/ACSS AA 24 0.1523 2 7 0.1015 1 0.914 716.1 15.2 16.6 18.3 19.1 14.6 15.2
556.5 26/7 Dove/ACSS AA 26 0.1463 2 7 0.1138 1 0.927 765.1 18.2 19.9 22.1 23.1 17.5 18.2
556.5 30/7 Eagle/ACSS AA 30 0.1362 2 7 0.1362 1 0.953 870.6 24.5 26.5 29.6 31.1 22.9 24.0
605.0 24/7 Peacock/ACSS AA 24 0.1588 2 7 0.1058 1 0.953 778.3 16.5 18.0 19.9 20.8 15.9 16.5
605.0 26/7 Squab/ACSS AA 26 0.1525 2 7 0.1186 1 0.966 831.8 19.7 21.7 24.0 25.1 19.0 19.7
605.0 30/7 Wood Duck/ AA 30 0.1420 2 7 0.1420 1 0.994 946.5 26.0 28.3 31.6 33.3 24.4 25.5
ACSS
605.0 30/19 Teal/ACSS AA 30 0.1420 2 19 0.0852 2 0.994 938.6 26.6 29.3 32.6 34.7 25.0 26.6
636.0 24/7 Rook/ACSS AA 24 0.1628 2 7 0.1085 1 0.977 818.2 17.3 19.0 20.9 21.9 16.7 17.3
636.0 26/7 Grosbeak/ACSS AA 26 0.1564 2 7 0.1216 1 0.990 874.4 20.7 22.4 24.8 26.0 19.9 20.3
636.0 30/7 Scoter/ACSS AA 30 0.1456 2 7 0.1456 1 1.019 995.0 27.4 29.7 33.2 35.0 25.1 26.8
636.0 30/19 Egret/ACSS AA 30 0.1456 2 19 0.0874 2 1.019 986.8 28.0 30.9 34.3 36.6 26.3 28.0
666.6 24/7 Flamingo/ACSS AA 24 0.1667 2 7 0.1111 1 1.000 857.6 18.2 19.9 21.9 22.9 17.5 18.2
666.6 26/7 Gannet/ACSS AA 26 0.1601 2 7 0.1245 1 1.014 916.4 21.7 23.4 26.0 27.3 20.9 21.3
715.5 24/7 Stilt/ACSS AA 24 0.1727 2 7 0.1151 1 1.036 920.5 19.5 21.3 23.5 24.6 18.8 19.5
715.5 26/7 Starling/ACSS AA 26 0.1659 2 7 0.1290 1 1.051 983.7 23.3 25.2 27.9 29.3 22.0 22.9
715.5 30/19 Redwing/ACSS AA 30 0.1544 2 19 0.0927 2 1.081 1,110 30.9 34.1 37.9 39.8 29.5 30.9
795.0 24/7 Cuckoo/ACSS AA 24 0.1820 2 7 0.1213 1 1.092 1,023 21.7 23.3 25.7 26.9 20.9 21.3
795.0 26/7 Drake/ACSS AA 26 0.1749 2 7 0.1360 1 1.108 1,093 25.9 28.0 31.0 32.6 24.4 25.4
795.0 42/7 Macaw/ACSS AA 42 0.1376 3 7 0.0764 1 1.055 857.5 11.8 12.6 13.6 14.2 11.4 11.8
795.0 45/7 Tern/ACSS AA 45 0.1329 3 7 0.0886 1 1.063 894.9 14.2 15.2 16.5 17.4 13.5 14.2
795.0 54/7 Condor/ACSS AA 54 0.1213 3 7 0.1213 1 1.092 1,023 21.7 23.3 25.7 26.9 20.9 21.3
795.0 30/19 Mallard/ACSS AA 30 0.1628 2 19 0.0977 2 1.140 1,233 34.3 37.9 42.1 44.3 32.9 34.3
900.0 45/7 Ruddy/ACSS AA 45 0.1414 3 7 0.0943 1 1.131 1,013 15.8 17.0 18.5 19.2 15.3 15.8
900.0 54/7 Canary/ACSS AA 54 0.1291 3 7 0.1291 1 1.162 1,158 24.6 26.4 29.1 30.5 23.2 24.1
954.0 24/7 Redbird/ACSS AA 24 0.1994 2 7 0.1329 1 1.196 1,227 26.0 28.0 30.9 32.3 24.6 25.5
954.0 45/7 Rail/ACSS AA 45 0.1456 3 7 0.0971 1 1.165 1,074 16.7 18.0 19.6 20.4 16.2 16.7
954.0 48/7 Towhee/ACSS AA 48 0.1410 3 7 0.1097 1 1.175 1,122 19.7 21.3 23.3 24.3 19.0 19.7
954.0 54/7 Cardinal/ACSS AA 54 0.1329 3 7 0.1329 1 1.196 1,227 26.0 28.0 30.9 32.3 24.6 25.5
954.0 30/19 Canvasback/ AA 30 0.1783 2 19 0.1070 2 1.248 1,480 41.1 45.4 50.5 53.1 39.4 41.1
ACSS
1033.5 42/7 Snowbird/ACSS AA 42 0.1569 3 7 0.0871 1 1.203 1,115 15.4 16.4 17.7 18.5 14.8 15.4
1033.5 45/7 Ortolan/ACSS AA 45 0.1515 3 7 0.1010 1 1.212 1,163 18.1 19.5 21.2 22.0 17.6 18.1
1033.5 54/7 Curlew/ACSS AA 54 0.1383 3 7 0.1383 1 1.245 1,330 28.2 30.3 33.4 35.0 26.1 27.7
1113.0 45/7 Bluejay/ACSS AA 45 0.1573 3 7 0.1048 1 1.258 1,253 19.5 21.0 22.8 23.8 18.9 19.5
1113.0 54/19 Finch/ACSS AA 54 0.1436 3 19 0.0861 2 1.292 1,429 30.4 33.2 36.5 38.7 28.7 30.4
1192.5 45/7 Bunting/ACSS AA 45 0.1628 3 7 0.1085 1 1.302 1,342 20.9 22.5 24.5 25.4 20.3 20.9
1192.5 54/19 Grackle/ACSS AA 54 0.1486 3 19 0.0892 2 1.338 1,531 32.6 35.5 39.1 41.5 30.8 32.6
1272.0 45/7 Bittern/ACSS AA 45 0.1681 3 7 0.1121 1 1.345 1,432 22.3 24.0 26.1 27.1 21.6 22.3
1272.0 54/19 Pheasant/ACSS AA 54 0.1535 3 19 0.0921 2 1.382 1,633 34.1 37.3 41.1 43.0 32.8 34.1
B856−22
TABLE1 Continued
Rated Strength
Nominal
ACSS Conductor Aluminum Wire Steel Wires (by type and coating of
Mass
Nominal
steel wires)
GA(X)
Outside
or
GA2 GA3 GA4 GA5
Diameter,
MA(X)
Size Diameter Diameter or or or or AW2 AW3
A
in.
Stranding Codeword Class Number Layers Number Layers
(lb/1000
(kcmil) (in.) (in.) MA2 MA3 MA4 MA5 (kips) (kips)
ft)
(kips) (kips) (iips) (kips)
1351.0 45/7 Dipper/ACSS AA 45 0.1733 3 7 0.1155 1 1.386 1,521 23.7 25.5 27.7 28.8 23.0 23.7
1351.0 54/19 Martin/ACSS AA 54 0.1582 3 19 0.0949 2 1.424 1,735 36.2 39.6 43.6 45.6 34.9 36.2
1431.0 45/7 Bobolink/ACSS AA 45 0.1783 3 7 0.1189 1 1.427 1,611 25.1 27.0 29.4 30.5 24.3 25.1
1431.0 54/19 Plover/ACSS AA 54 0.1628 3 19 0.0977 2 1.465 1,837 38.4 41.9 46.2 48.3 36.9 38.4
1510.0 45/7 Nuthatch/ACSS AA 45 0.1832 3 7 0.1221 1 1.466 1,700 26.5 28.1 30.6 31.8 25.7 26.1
1510.0 54/19 Parrot/ACSS AA 54 0.1672 3 19 0.1003 2 1.505 1,939 40.4 44.2 48.7 51.0 38.9 40.4
1590.0 42/7 Ratite/ACSS AA 42 0.1946 3 7 0.1081 1 1.492 1,715 23.4 25.0 26.9 27.9 22.7 23.4
1590.0 45/7 Lapwing/ACSS AA 45 0.1880 3 7 0.1253 1 1.504 1,790 27.9 29.6 32.2 33.5 27.0 27.5
1590.0 54/19 Falcon/ACSS AA 54 0.1716 3 19 0.1030 2 1.545 2,041 42.6 46.6 51.4 53.7 41.1 42.6
1780.0 84/19 Chukar/ACSS AA 84 0.1456 3 19 0.0873 2 1.601 2,071 35.3 38.2 41.6 43.9 33.6 35.3
2034.5 72/7 Mockingbird/ AA 72 0.1681 3 7 0.1121 1 1.681 2,159 27.2 28.9 31.0 32.0 26.5 27.2
ACSS
2057.0 76/19 Roadrunner/ AA 76 0.1645 3 19 0.0768 2 1.700 2,245 31.7 33.9 36.5 38.3 30.3 31.7
ACSS
2156.0 84/19 Bluebird/ACSS AA 84 0.1602 3 19 0.0961 2 1.762 2,508 42.1 45.5 49.6 51.7 40.7 42.1
2167.0 72/7 Kiwi/ACSS AA 72 0.1735 3 7 0.1157 1 1.735 2,300 29.0 30.8 33.0 34.1 28.2 29.0
2312.0 76/19 Thrasher/ACSS AA 76 0.1744 3 19 0.0814 2 1.802 2,524 35.6 38.1 41.0 43.0 34.1 35.6
2515.0 76/19 Joree/ACSS AA 76 0.1819 3 19 0.0849 2 1.880 2,745 38.7 41.4 44.6 46.8 37.1 38.7
101.8 12/7 Petrel/ACSS AA(HS) 12 0.0921 1 7 0.0921 1 0.461 253.8 10.2 11.4 12.8 13.5 9.7 10.2
110.8 12/7 Minorca/ACSS AA(HS) 12 0.0961 1 7 0.0961 1 0.481 276.3 11.1 12.4 13.9 14.7 10.6 11.1
134.6 12/7 Leghorn/ACSS AA(HS) 12 0.1059 1 7 0.1059 1 0.530 335.5 13.5 15.0 16.9 17.8 12.9 13.5
159.0 12/7 Guinea/ACSS AA(HS) 12 0.1151 1 7 0.1151 1 0.576 396.3 15.9 17.8 20.0 21.0 15.2 15.9
176.9 12/7 Dotterel/ACSS AA(HS) 12 0.1214 1 7 0.1214 1 0.607 440.9 17.7 19.4 21.8 23.0 16.9 17.3
190.8 12/7 Dorking/ACSS AA(HS) 12 0.1261 1 7 0.1261 1 0.631 475.7 19.1 20.9 23.5 24.8 18.3 18.7
203.2 16/19 Brahma/ACSS AA(HS) 16 0.1127 2 19 0.0977 2 0.714 674.6 30.5 34.1 38.3 40.5 29.1 30.5
211.3 12/7 Cochin/ACSS AA(HS) 12 0.1327 1 7 0.1327 1 0.664 526.8 21.2 23.1 26.0 27.5 19.7 20.7
A
Code words shown in this column are obtained from Specification B1006. They are provided for information only.
Conversion factors – inch-pound to SI:
1 kcmil = 0.5067 mm
1inch=25.4mm
1 lb/1000 ft = 1.4882 kg/km
1 kip (1000 lbf) = 4.448 kN
B856−22
A
TABLE 2 Lay Factors for Aluminum Conductors, Steel-Supported (ACSS), Concentric-Lay-Stranded
Ratio of Length of Lay of a Layer to Nominal Outside Diameter of That Layer
Aluminum Wire Layers
Stranding
Stranding
Class
First (Outside) Second Third Fourth (Inside)
min max min max min max min max
AA 76/19, 84/19, 72/7, 10 13 10 16 10 17 10 17
54/19, 54/7, 45/7 10 13 10 16 10 17 . . . . . .
30/19, 30/7, 26/7, 24/7 10 13 10 16 . . . . . . . . . . . .
16/19,12/7 10 14.5 . . . . . .
A
See Specification B500/B500M for lay factors of the steel core wires.
8. Construction 8.6 Before stranding, aluminum and steel wires shall have
approximately uniform temperatures.
8.1 The number and diameter of the aluminum and steel
wires and the area of cross section of the aluminum wires for 8.7 The diameter of the finished conductor shall be not less
standard constructions are shown in Table 1. than 99 % nor more than 101 % of that shown in Table 1 when
measured with a diameter tape between the closing die(s) and
8.2 ACSS may be constructed using steel core wire with a
the capstan of the strander.
number of different types. The acceptable core wires are, but
not limited to:
9. Rated Strength of Conductor
8.2.1 Regular strength galvanized steel core wires, with
9.1 The rated strength of the completed ACSS conductor
coating Classes A or C (designated GA2 and GC2) in accor-
shall be taken as the ag
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: B856 − 18 B856 − 22
Standard Specification for
Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Coated
Steel Supported (ACSS)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B856; 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
1.1 This specification covers round wire concentric-lay-stranded aluminum conductors, steel supported (ACSS) for use as
overhead electrical conductors (see Explanatory Note 1).
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Each system shall be used independently
of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification. For conductor sizes
designated by AWG or kcmil sizes, the requirements in SI units are numerically converted from the corresponding requirements
in inch-pound units. For conductor sizes designation by AWG or kcmil, the requirements in SI units have been numerically
converted from corresponding values stated or derived in inch-pound units. For conductor sizes designated by SI units only, the
requirements are stated or derived in SI units.
1.2.1 For density, resistivity and temperature, the values stated in SI units are to be regarded as 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on date of material purchase form part of this specification to the extent
referenced herein:
2.2 ASTM Standards:
B263B263/B263M Test Method for Determination of Cross-Sectional Area of Stranded Conductors
B354 Terminology Relating to Uninsulated Metallic Electrical Conductors
B498/B498M Specification for Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Core Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Conductors
B500/B500M Specification for Metallic Coated or Aluminum Clad Stranded Steel Core for Use in Overhead Electrical
Conductors
B502B502/B502M Specification for Aluminum-Clad Steel Core Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Aluminum Conductors
B549 Specification for Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Aluminum-Clad Steel Reinforced for Use in Overhead
Electrical Conductors
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B01 on Electrical Conductors and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B01.07 on Conductors
of Light Metals.
Current edition approved March 1, 2018Dec. 1, 2022. Published March 2018January 2023. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 20132018 as
B856 – 13.18. DOI: 10.1520/B0856-18.10.1520/B0856-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 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 the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B856 − 22
B606B606/B606M Specification for High-Strength Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Core Wire for Aluminum and Aluminum-
Alloy Conductors, Steel Reinforced
B609/B609M Specification for Aluminum 1350 Round Wire, Annealed and Intermediate Tempers, for Electrical Purposes
B802/B802M Specification for Zinc–5 % Aluminum-Mischmetal Alloy-Coated Steel Core Wire for Aluminum Conductors,
Steel Reinforced (ACSR)
B803B803/B803M Specification for High-Strength Zinc–5 % Aluminum-Mischmetal Alloy-Coated Steel Core Wire for Use in
Overhead Electrical Conductors
B857 Specification for Shaped Wire Compact Concentric-Lay-Stranded Aluminum Conductors, Coated-Steel Supported
(ACSS/TW)
B957B957/B957M Specification for Extra-High-Strength and Ultra-High-Strength Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Core Wire
for Overhead Electrical Conductors
B958B958/B958M Specification for Extra-High-Strength and Ultra-High-Strength Class A Zinc–5% Aluminum-Mischmetal
Alloy-Coated Steel Core Wire for Use in Overhead Electrical Conductors
B1006 Specification for Electrical Overhead Conductor Code Word Names
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
E527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the Unified Numbering System (UNS)
2.3 Other Standards:
Aluminum Association Publication 50 Code words for Overhead Aluminum Electrical Conductors
NBS Handbook 100 —Copper Wire Tables of the National Bureau of Standards
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms relating to conductors refer to definitions found in Specification B354.
3.2 Definitions:
3.2.1 aluminum-clad—aluminum bonded.
3.2.2 galvanized—zinc coated.
3.2.3 Zn-5A1-MM—Zinc-5% Aluminum-Mischmetal Alloy (Zn-5A1-MM) coated.
3.3 Abbreviations:
3.3.1 ACSS—aluminum conductor, steel supported.
3.3.2 ACSS/AW2—supported with regular strength aluminum-clad coresteel core wire in accordance with Specification
B502B502/B502M.
3.3.3 ACSS/AW3—supported with high strength high-strength aluminum-clad coresteel core wire in accordance with Specification
B502B502/B502M.
3.3.4 ACSS/GA2—supported with regular strength galvanized steel core wire, coating Class A in accordance with Specification
B498/B498M.
3.3.5 ACSS/GC2—supported with regular strength galvanized steel core wire, coating Class C in accordance with Specification
B498/B498M.
3.3.6 ACSS/GA3—supported with high-strength galvanized steel core wire wire, coating Class A in accordance with Specification
B606B606/B606M.
3.3.7 ACSS/GA4—supported with extra-high strength zinc Class A coated steel galvanized steel core wire in accordance with
Specification B957B957/B957M.
Available from Aluminum Association, Inc., 1525 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209, http://www.aluminum.org.
Available from National Technical Information Service (NTIS), 5301 Shawnee Rd., Alexandria, VA 22312, http://www.ntis.gov.
B856 − 22
3.3.8 ACSS/GA5—supported with ultra-high strength zinc Class A coated steel galvanized steel core wire in accordance with
Specification B957B957/B957M.
3.3.9 ACSS/MA2—supported with regular strength Zn-5A1-MM coated steel core wire, coating Class A in accordance with
Specification B802/B802M.
3.3.10 ACSS/MA3—supported with high-strength Zn-5A1-MM coated steel core wire wire, coating Class A in accordance with
Specification B803B803/B803M.
3.3.11 ACSS/MA4—supported with extra-high strength Zinc-5% Aluminum-Mischmetal Alloy (Zn-5A1-MM) Coated steel core
wire Zn-5A1-MM steel core wire, coating Class A in accordance with Specification B958B958/B958M.
3.3.12 ACSS/MA5—supported with ultra-high strength Zinc-5% Aluminum-Mischmetal Alloy (Zn-5A1-MM) Coated steel core
wire Zn-5A1-MM steel core wire, coating Class A in accordance with Specification B958B958/B958M.
4. Ordering Information
4.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include the following information:
4.1.1 Quantity of each size, stranding, and class,
4.1.2 Conductor size, circular-mil area or AWG, and diameter (see Section 9 and Table 1),
4.1.3 Number of wires, aluminum and steel,
4.1.4 Type of steel core wire and class (if applicable) of coating (see 5.2),
4.1.5 Direction of lay of outer layer of aluminum wires if other than right hand (see 7.3),
4.1.6 Special tension test, if desired (see 14.3),
4.1.7 Package size and type (see 16.1),
4.1.8 Special package markings, if required (see 16.4),
4.1.9 Heavy wood lagging, if required (see 16.3), and
4.1.10 Place of inspection (see Section 15).
5. Requirement for Wires
5.1 After stranding, the round aluminum wires shall conform to the requirements of Specification B609/B609M for 1350-0 temper,
except for elongation requirements. The elongation shall not be less than 20 % after stranding.
5.2 Before stranding, the steel core wire shall meet the requirements of Specification B498/B498M, B606B606/B606M,
B802/B802M, B803B803/B803M, B957B957/B957M, or B958B958/B958M, whichever is applicable.
5.3 The stranded steel core shall meet the requirements of Specification B500/B500M as applicable.
6. Joints
6.1 Electric-butt welds, cold-pressure welds, and electric-butt, cold-upset welds in the finished individual aluminum wires
composing the conductor may be made during the stranding process. No weld shall occur within 50 ft (15 m) of a weld in the same
wire or in any other wire of the completed conductor (see Explanatory Note 2).
B856 − 22
TABLE 1 Construction Requirements of Aluminum Conductors, Steel Supported (ACSS)
Rated Strength
Nominal
ACSS Conductor Aluminum Wire Steel Wires (by type and coating of
Mass
Nominal
steel wires)
GA(X)
Outside
or
GA2 GA3 GA4 GA5
Diameter,
MA(X)
Size Diameter Diameter or or or or AW2 AW3
A
in.
Stranding Codeword Class Number Layers Number Layers
(lb/1000
(kcmil) (in.) (in.) MA2 MA3 MA4 MA5 (kips) (kips)
ft)
(kips) (kips) (iips) (kips)
266.8 26/7 Partridge/ACSS AA 26 0.1013 2 7 0.0788 1 0.642 366.8 8.88 9.73 10.8 11.4 8.37 8.88
266.8 30/7 Junco/ACSS AA 30 0.0943 2 7 0.0943 1 0.660 417.4 11.7 13.0 14.4 15.2 11.2 11.7
300.0 26/7 Ostrich/ACSS AA 26 0.1074 2 7 0.0835 1 0.680 412.4 10.0 10.9 12.1 12.8 9.40 10.0
336.4 26/7 Linnet/ACSS AA 26 0.1137 2 7 0.0885 1 0.720 462.5 11.2 12.3 13.6 14.4 10.5 11.2
336.4 30/7 Oriole/ACSS AA 30 0.1059 2 7 0.1059 1 0.741 526.3 14.8 16.3 18.2 19.1 14.2 14.8
397.5 24/7 Brant/ACSS AA 24 0.1287 2 7 0.0858 1 0.772 511.4 11.0 12.1 13.3 14.1 10.4 11.0
397.5 26/7 Ibis/ACSS AA 26 0.1236 2 7 0.0962 1 0.783 546.5 13.0 14.2 15.8 16.5 12.4 13.0
397.5 30/7 Lark/ACSS AA 30 0.1151 2 7 0.1151 1 0.806 621.9 17.5 19.3 21.5 22.6 16.7 17.5
477.0 24/7 Flicker/ACSS AA 24 0.1410 2 7 0.0940 1 0.846 613.6 13.0 14.2 15.7 16.4 12.5 13.0
477.0 26/7 Hawk/ACSS AA 26 0.1354 2 7 0.1053 1 0.858 655.8 15.6 17.1 18.9 19.8 14.9 15.6
477.0 30/7 Hen/ACSS AA 30 0.1261 2 7 0.1261 1 0.883 746.3 21.0 22.7 25.3 26.7 20.1 20.5
556.5 24/7 Parakeet/ACSS AA 24 0.1523 2 7 0.1015 1 0.914 716.1 15.2 16.6 18.3 19.1 14.6 15.2
556.5 26/7 Dove/ACSS AA 26 0.1463 2 7 0.1138 1 0.927 765.1 18.2 19.9 22.1 23.1 17.5 18.2
556.5 30/7 Eagle/ACSS AA 30 0.1362 2 7 0.1362 1 0.953 870.6 24.5 26.5 29.6 31.1 22.9 24.0
605.0 24/7 Peacock/ACSS AA 24 0.1588 2 7 0.1058 1 0.953 778.3 16.5 18.0 19.9 20.8 15.9 16.5
605.0 26/7 Squab/ACSS AA 26 0.1525 2 7 0.1186 1 0.966 831.8 19.7 21.7 24.0 25.1 19.0 19.7
605.0 30/7 Wood Duck/ AA 30 0.1420 2 7 0.1420 1 0.994 946.5 26.0 28.3 31.6 33.3 24.4 25.5
ACSS
605.0 30/19 Teal/ACSS AA 30 0.1420 2 19 0.0852 2 0.994 938.6 26.6 29.3 32.6 34.7 25.0 26.6
636.0 24/7 Rook/ACSS AA 24 0.1628 2 7 0.1085 1 0.977 818.2 17.3 19.0 20.9 21.9 16.7 17.3
636.0 26/7 Grosbeak/ACSS AA 26 0.1564 2 7 0.1216 1 0.990 874.4 20.7 22.4 24.8 26.0 19.9 20.3
636.0 30/7 Scoter/ACSS AA 30 0.1456 2 7 0.1456 1 1.019 995.0 27.4 29.7 33.2 35.0 25.1 26.8
636.0 30/19 Egret/ACSS AA 30 0.1456 2 19 0.0874 2 1.019 986.8 28.0 30.9 34.3 36.6 26.3 28.0
666.6 24/7 Flamingo/ACSS AA 24 0.1667 2 7 0.1111 1 1.000 857.6 18.2 19.9 21.9 22.9 17.5 18.2
666.6 26/7 Gannet/ACSS AA 26 0.1601 2 7 0.1245 1 1.014 916.4 21.7 23.4 26.0 27.3 20.9 21.3
715.5 24/7 Stilt/ACSS AA 24 0.1727 2 7 0.1151 1 1.036 920.5 19.5 21.3 23.5 24.6 18.8 19.5
715.5 26/7 Starling/ACSS AA 26 0.1659 2 7 0.1290 1 1.051 983.7 23.3 25.2 27.9 29.3 22.0 22.9
715.5 30/19 Redwing/ACSS AA 30 0.1544 2 19 0.0927 2 1.081 1,110 30.9 34.1 37.9 39.8 29.5 30.9
795.0 24/7 Cuckoo/ACSS AA 24 0.1820 2 7 0.1213 1 1.092 1,023 21.7 23.3 25.7 26.9 20.9 21.3
795.0 26/7 Drake/ACSS AA 26 0.1749 2 7 0.1360 1 1.108 1,093 25.9 28.0 31.0 32.6 24.4 25.4
795.0 42/7 Macaw/ACSS AA 42 0.1376 3 7 0.0764 1 1.055 857.5 11.8 12.6 13.6 14.2 11.4 11.8
795.0 45/7 Tern/ACSS AA 45 0.1329 3 7 0.0886 1 1.063 894.9 14.2 15.2 16.5 17.4 13.5 14.2
795.0 54/7 Condor/ACSS AA 54 0.1213 3 7 0.1213 1 1.092 1,023 21.7 23.3 25.7 26.9 20.9 21.3
795.0 30/19 Mallard/ACSS AA 30 0.1628 2 19 0.0977 2 1.140 1,233 34.3 37.9 42.1 44.3 32.9 34.3
900.0 45/7 Ruddy/ACSS AA 45 0.1414 3 7 0.0943 1 1.131 1,013 15.8 17.0 18.5 19.2 15.3 15.8
900.0 54/7 Canary/ACSS AA 54 0.1291 3 7 0.1291 1 1.162 1,158 24.6 26.4 29.1 30.5 23.2 24.1
954.0 24/7 Redbird/ACSS AA 24 0.1994 2 7 0.1329 1 1.196 1,227 26.0 28.0 30.9 32.3 24.6 25.5
954.0 45/7 Rail/ACSS AA 45 0.1456 3 7 0.0971 1 1.165 1,074 16.7 18.0 19.6 20.4 16.2 16.7
954.0 48/7 Towhee/ACSS AA 48 0.1410 3 7 0.1097 1 1.175 1,122 19.7 21.3 23.3 24.3 19.0 19.7
954.0 54/7 Cardinal/ACSS AA 54 0.1329 3 7 0.1329 1 1.196 1,227 26.0 28.0 30.9 32.3 24.6 25.5
954.0 30/19 Canvasback/ AA 30 0.1783 2 19 0.1070 2 1.248 1,480 41.1 45.4 50.5 53.1 39.4 41.1
ACSS
1033.5 42/7 Snowbird/ACSS AA 42 0.1569 3 7 0.0871 1 1.203 1,115 15.4 16.4 17.7 18.5 14.8 15.4
1033.5 45/7 Ortolan/ACSS AA 45 0.1515 3 7 0.1010 1 1.212 1,163 18.1 19.5 21.2 22.0 17.6 18.1
1033.5 54/7 Curlew/ACSS AA 54 0.1383 3 7 0.1383 1 1.245 1,330 28.2 30.3 33.4 35.0 26.1 27.7
1113.0 45/7 Bluejay/ACSS AA 45 0.1573 3 7 0.1048 1 1.258 1,253 19.5 21.0 22.8 23.8 18.9 19.5
1113.0 54/19 Finch/ACSS AA 54 0.1436 3 19 0.0861 2 1.292 1,429 30.4 33.2 36.5 38.7 28.7 30.4
1192.5 45/7 Bunting/ACSS AA 45 0.1628 3 7 0.1085 1 1.302 1,342 20.9 22.5 24.5 25.4 20.3 20.9
1192.5 54/19 Grackle/ACSS AA 54 0.1486 3 19 0.0892 2 1.338 1,531 32.6 35.5 39.1 41.5 30.8 32.6
1272.0 45/7 Bittern/ACSS AA 45 0.1681 3 7 0.1121 1 1.345 1,432 22.3 24.0 26.1 27.1 21.6 22.3
1272.0 54/19 Pheasant/ACSS AA 54 0.1535 3 19 0.0921 2 1.382 1,633 34.1 37.3 41.1 43.0 32.8 34.1
B856 − 22
TABLE 1 Continued
Rated Strength
Nominal
ACSS Conductor Aluminum Wire Steel Wires (by type and coating of
Mass
Nominal
steel wires)
GA(X)
Outside
or
GA2 GA3 GA4 GA5
Diameter,
MA(X)
Size Diameter Diameter or or or or AW2 AW3
A
in.
Stranding Codeword Class Number Layers Number Layers
(lb/1000
(kcmil) (in.) (in.) MA2 MA3 MA4 MA5 (kips) (kips)
ft)
(kips) (kips) (iips) (kips)
1351.0 45/7 Dipper/ACSS AA 45 0.1733 3 7 0.1155 1 1.386 1,521 23.7 25.5 27.7 28.8 23.0 23.7
1351.0 54/19 Martin/ACSS AA 54 0.1582 3 19 0.0949 2 1.424 1,735 36.2 39.6 43.6 45.6 34.9 36.2
1431.0 45/7 Bobolink/ACSS AA 45 0.1783 3 7 0.1189 1 1.427 1,611 25.1 27.0 29.4 30.5 24.3 25.1
1431.0 54/19 Plover/ACSS AA 54 0.1628 3 19 0.0977 2 1.465 1,837 38.4 41.9 46.2 48.3 36.9 38.4
1510.0 45/7 Nuthatch/ACSS AA 45 0.1832 3 7 0.1221 1 1.466 1,700 26.5 28.1 30.6 31.8 25.7 26.1
1510.0 54/19 Parrot/ACSS AA 54 0.1672 3 19 0.1003 2 1.505 1,939 40.4 44.2 48.7 51.0 38.9 40.4
1590.0 42/7 Ratite/ACSS AA 42 0.1946 3 7 0.1081 1 1.492 1,715 23.4 25.0 26.9 27.9 22.7 23.4
1590.0 45/7 Lapwing/ACSS AA 45 0.1880 3 7 0.1253 1 1.504 1,790 27.9 29.6 32.2 33.5 27.0 27.5
1590.0 54/19 Falcon/ACSS AA 54 0.1716 3 19 0.1030 2 1.545 2,041 42.6 46.6 51.4 53.7 41.1 42.6
1780.0 84/19 Chukar/ACSS AA 84 0.1456 3 19 0.0873 2 1.601 2,071 35.3 38.2 41.6 43.9 33.6 35.3
2034.5 72/7 Mockingbird/ AA 72 0.1681 3 7 0.1121 1 1.681 2,159 27.2 28.9 31.0 32.0 26.5 27.2
ACSS
2057.0 76/19 Roadrunner/ AA 76 0.1645 3 19 0.0768 2 1.700 2,245 31.7 33.9 36.5 38.3 30.3 31.7
ACSS
2156.0 84/19 Bluebird/ACSS AA 84 0.1602 3 19 0.0961 2 1.762 2,508 42.1 45.5 49.6 51.7 40.7 42.1
2167.0 72/7 Kiwi/ACSS AA 72 0.1735 3 7 0.1157 1 1.735 2,300 29.0 30.8 33.0 34.1 28.2 29.0
2312.0 76/19 Thrasher/ACSS AA 76 0.1744 3 19 0.0814 2 1.802 2,524 35.6 38.1 41.0 43.0 34.1 35.6
2515.0 76/19 Joree/ACSS AA 76 0.1819 3 19 0.0849 2 1.880 2,745 38.7 41.4 44.6 46.8 37.1 38.7
101.8 12/7 Petrel/ACSS AA(HS) 12 0.0921 1 7 0.0921 1 0.461 253.8 10.2 11.4 12.8 13.5 9.7 10.2
110.8 12/7 Minorca/ACSS AA(HS) 12 0.0961 1 7 0.0961 1 0.481 276.3 11.1 12.4 13.9 14.7 10.6 11.1
134.6 12/7 Leghorn/ACSS AA(HS) 12 0.1059 1 7 0.1059 1 0.530 335.5 13.5 15.0 16.9 17.8 12.9 13.5
159.0 12/7 Guinea/ACSS AA(HS) 12 0.1151 1 7 0.1151 1 0.576 396.3 15.9 17.8 20.0 21.0 15.2 15.9
176.9 12/7 Dotterel/ACSS AA(HS) 12 0.1214 1 7 0.1214 1 0.607 440.9 17.7 19.4 21.8 23.0 16.9 17.3
190.8 12/7 Dorking/ACSS AA(HS) 12 0.1261 1 7 0.1261 1 0.631 475.7 19.1 20.9 23.5 24.8 18.3 18.7
203.2 16/19 Brahma/ACSS AA(HS) 16 0.1127 2 19 0.0977 2 0.714 674.6 30.5 34.1 38.3 40.5 29.1 30.5
211.3 12/7 Cochin/ACSS AA(HS) 12 0.1327 1 7 0.1327 1 0.664 526.8 21.2 23.1 26.0 27.5 19.7 20.7
A
Code words shown in this column are obtained from Specification B1006. They are provided for information only.
Conversion factors – inch-pound to SI:
1 kcmil = 0.5067 mm
1 inch = 2.540025.4 mm
1 lb/1000 ft = 1.4881.4882 kg/km
1 kip (1000 lbf) = 4.448 kN
B856 − 22
6.2 There shall be no joints of any kind made in the finished coated steel wires.
7. Lay
7.1 The length of lay of the various layers of aluminum wires in a conductor shall conform to Table 2 (see Explanatory Note 3).
7.2 The length of lay of the various layers of steel wires in a conductor shall conform to Specification B500/B500M.
7.3 The direction of lay of the outside layer of aluminum wires shall be right hand unless otherwise specified in the purchase order.
The direction of lay of the aluminum and steel wires shall be reversed in successive layers.
7.4 In a conductor having multiple layers of aluminum wires, the lay ratiolength of lay of any aluminum layer shall not be
greaterless than the length of lay ratio of the aluminum layer immediately beneath it. Similarly, in a conductor having multiple
layers of steel wires in the core, the lay ratio of a steel layer shall not be greater than the lay ratio of the steel layer immediately
beneath it.
8. Construction
8.1 The number and diameter of the aluminum and steel wires and the area of cross section of the aluminum wires for standard
constructions are shown in Table 1.
8.2 ACSS may be constructed using steel core wire with a number of different types. The acceptable core wires are, but not limited
to:
8.2.1 Regular strength Galvanizedgalvanized steel core wires, with coating Classes A or C (designated GA2 and GC2) in
accordance with Specification B498/B498M (see Explanatory Note 98);
8.2.2 High-strength galvanized steel core wire, coating Class A (designated GA3) in accordance with Specification B606B606/
B606M (see Explanatory Note 98);
8.2.3 Regular strength Zn-5A1-MM coated steel core wire, coating Class A (designated MA2) in accordance with Specification
B802/B802M;
8.2.4 High-strength Zn-5A1-MM coated steel core wire, coating Class A (designated MA3) in accordance with Specification
B803B803/B803M;
8.2.5 Extra-high-strength galvanized steel core wire coating Class A (designated GA4) in accordance with Specification
B957B957/B957M (see Explanatory Note 98);
8.2.6 Extra-high-strength Zn-5Al-MM coated steel core wire, coating Class A (designated MA4) in accordance with Specification
B958B958/B958M;
8.2.7 Ultra-high-strength galvanized steel core wire coating Class A (designated GA5) in accordance with Specification
B957B957/B957M (see Explanatory Note 98);
A
TABLE 2 Lay Factors for Aluminum Conductors, Steel-Supported (ACSS), Concentric-Lay-Stranded
Ratio of Length of Lay of a Layer to Nominal Outside Diamete
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