ISBN 978-0-626-30424-9

SANS 182-1:2008
Edition 1.2

Any reference to SABS 182-1 is deemed

to be a reference to this standard
(Government Notice No. 1373 of 8 November 2002)

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

Conductors for overhead electrical

transmission lines

Part 1: Copper wires and stranded copper

conductors

Published by SABS Standards Division

1 Dr Lategan Road Groenkloof Private Bag X191 Pretoria 0001
Tel: +27 12 428 7911 Fax: +27 12 344 1568
www.sabs.co.za
SABS
SANS 182-1:2008
Edition 1.2

Table of changes
Change No. Date Scope
Amdt 1 2001 Amended to replace reference standard test methods.
Amdt 2 2008 Amended to change the designation of SABS standards to SANS
standards, to delete reference to the standardization mark scheme,
to update referenced standards and to correct a definition.

Acknowledgement

The SABS Standards Division wishes to acknowledge the valuable assistance derived from
publications of the International Electrotechnical Commission.

Foreword
This South African standard was approved by National Committee SABS/TC 066, Electric cables, in
accordance with procedures of the SABS Standards Division, in compliance with annex 3 of the
WTO/TBT agreement.

This document was published in September 2008.

This document supersedes SABS 182-1:2001 (edition 1.1).

A vertical line in the margin shows where the text has been technically modified by amendment
No. 2.

Preface

In this specification tests are not classified as type, sample, or routine tests. The requirements
prescribed, if determined in accordance with the appropriate standard test methods on samples
taken in accordance with the sampling procedure given in the specification, are a method of
assessing whether a product complies with the specification or not. During production control the
manufacturer may use whatever tests he deems necessary for ensuring compliance with the
specification, but in a case of dispute only the appropriate standard test methods may be used.

The frequency of testing required and the tests to be used in the administration of the
standardisation mark scheme are the subject of a separate agreement between the Council of the
South African Bureau of Standards and the permit holder. Amdt 2

Reaffirmed and reprinted in 2013.

This document will be reviewed every five years
and be reaffirmed, amended, revised or withdrawn.

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Contents
Page

Acknowledgement

Foreword

Preface

1 Scope .................................................................................................................................... 3

2 Definitions ............................................................................................................................. 3

3 Type and material ................................................................................................................ 4

4 Constructional requirements ............................................................................................... 5

5 Packing and marking ........................................................................................................... 8

6 Sampling and compliance with the specification ................................................................. 9

7 Inspection and methods of test ........................................................................................... 10

8 Constructional tables ........................................................................................................... 11

Appendixes

A Applicable standards ........................................................................................................... 14

B Notes to purchasers ............................................................................................................ 14

C Standards for copper ........................................................................................................... 16

D Notes on the calculation of the properties of stranded copper conductors given

in table D .............................................................................................................................. 17

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Conductors for overhead electrical transmission lines

Part 1:
Copper wires and stranded copper conductors

1 Scope

1.1 This part of the specification applies to uninsulated, non-alloyed copper (in the annealed or in
the hard-drawn condition) in the form of single wires or stranded conductors and intended for use as

a) annealed jointing wire,

b) annealed binding wire,

c) hard-drawn circular wire for telecommunication purposes, and

d) stranded hard-drawn conductors for overhead transmission lines and overhead service
connectors.

NOTE

a) The titles of standards referred to by number in the specification are listed in appendix A.

b) Requirements that must be specified by the purchaser are listed in appendix B.

c) Assessment of compliance with the requirements of 3.2.1 and, in the case of stranded conductors, 4.1
requires special agreement between supplier and purchaser. Amdt 2

2 Definitions

2.1 For the purposes of this part of the specification the following definitions shall apply:
acceptable
acceptable to the authority administering this standard or to the parties concluding the purchase
contract, as relevant Amdt 1

copper
copper which complies with the requirements of 3.2.1

defective
a coil, reel, or drum of wire or stranded conductor that fails in one or more respects to comply with
the relevant requirements of the specification Amdt 2

diameter of wire
the mean of two measurements at right angles taken at the same cross-section

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direction of lay
the lateral direction of inclination to the axis, either right hand or left hand, of the receding helix
formed by a wire of a stranded conductor

NOTE With right hand lay, the wires conform to the direction of the central part of the letter Z when the
conductor is held vertically. With left hand lay, the wires conform to the direction of the central part of the letter
S when the conductor is held vertically

lay ratio
the ratio of the axial length of a complete turn of the helix formed by an individual wire in a stranded
conductor to the external diameter of the helix

lot
not more than 3 000 coils, reels, or drums of copper wire of the same type and standard diameter or
of stranded copper conductor of the same reference area and construction, and from one
manufacturer, submitted at any one time for inspection and testing

reference area
the cross-sectional area to be used for designation and purchasing purposes

standard diameter of wire

the wire diameter on which the requirements for the mass and resistance per unit length and the
breaking strength of the wire are based

stranded conductor
a conductor made up of a number of single wires of the same nominal diameter laid concentrically

wire
copper of circular cross-section, produced by cold drawing

3 Type and material

3.1 Type
The wire or conductor shall be one of the following types, as specified by the purchaser:

a) annealed jointing wire;

b) annealed binding wire;

c) hard-drawn wire for telecommunication purposes; or

d) stranded hard-drawn conductors for overhead transmission lines and overhead service
connections.

3.2 Material
3.2.1 Copper from which wires are drawn shall be a high conductivity tough pitch copper that
complies with the requirements of SANS 804 and, its physical properties shall conform to the
relevant values given in IEC 60028 (see appendix C).

3.2.2 Welds are permitted in rods and wires before final drawing at of the finished wire.

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4 Constructional requirements
4.1 Wires
4.1.1 General

Single wires and the wires (before they are stranded) of a stranded conductor shall comply with the
following requirements:

a) Diameter. The diameter of a wire, measured in accordance with 7.2, shall be within the limits
given in

columns 3 and 4 of table A, or

columns 2 and 3 of table B, or

columns 2 and 3 of table C,

as relevant to the type and standard diameter specified by the purchaser.

b) Freedom from defects. The wires shall be smooth, uniform in quality, free from spills, splits,
and other defects, and any departure from circularity of the cross-section shall not exceed 1 %
of the mean diameter.

c) Physical properties. The wires shall be annealed or hard-drawn, as appropriate, and shall,
except as allowed in terms of 4.2.1(c), comply with the following requirements as applicable:

1) Resistance. The resistance of hard-drawn wires, determined in accordance with 7.3,

shall not exceed the appropriate maximum given in column 6 of table B, or column 6 of
table C, as relevant.

2) Breaking strength. The breaking strength, determined in accordance with 7.4, shall be

i) in the cases of annealed jointing and binding wire and of hard-drawn wires for
stranded conductors, at least equal to the appropriate minimum given in tables A or C,
as relevant, and

ii) in the case of hard-drawn circular wires for telecommunication purposes, within the
limits given in columns 7 to 12 of table B, appropriate to the actual wire diameter
determined in accordance with 7.2,

3) Elongation at break of jointing and binding wires. The elongation at break of jointing
and binding wires, determined in accordance with 7.6 shall be at least 25.

4) Ductility when lapped. When tested in accordance with 7.5, jointing and binding wires
and the wires of stranded conductors shall withstand lapping without showing any sign of
cracks (when examined by unaided normal vision) or of breaking. Surface roughness
caused by the lapping shall not be regarded as a defect.

NOTE The lapping test on jointing and binding wires involves two cycles of unlapping and
relapping six turns. That on the hard-drawn wires requires one such cycle.

5) Ductility when twisted. When tested in accordance with 7.7, hard-drawn circular wires
for telecommunication purposes (of the appropriate length given in column 13 of table B)
shall withstand the appropriate number of twists specified in column 14 of table B without
breaking.

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6) Tinning of jointing wires. Jointing wires shall be uniformly coated with tin that contains
not more than 8 % of copper and a total of not more than 1 % of other impurities. The
quality of the tinning shall be such that, when the wire is subjected to the persulfate test
given in 7.8, the mass of copper dissolved does not exceed 2,0 g/m2.

4.1.2 Joints in wires

Jointing and binding wires and hard-drawn circular wires for telecommunication purposes shall be
free from joints.

4.1.3 Length

Jointing and binding wires and hard-drawn wires for telecommunication purposes shall be supplied
in lengths such that the continuity and mass of the wire in a coil complies with the requirements of
5.1(a) and (b) or (c), as relevant.

4.2 Stranded conductors

4.2.1 Joints in the wires

a) There shall be no joints in finished wires of a stranded conductor comprised of seven wires.

b) Joints in individual wires of a stranded conductor comprised of at least 19 wires shall be

permitted, provided that

1) no two joints are less than 15 m apart in the case of a 19 wire strand and less than 7,5 m
apart in the cases of 37 and 61 wire strands.

2) the number of joints in any 1 000 m length of conductor does not exceed four,

3) the joints are made by brazing or welding and are substantially smooth, and

4) the diameter of the stranded conductor is not increased materially by the joint.

c) The section of a wire containing a joint shall be exempt from the requirements given in table C.

4.2.2 Stranding

The number and diameter of the wires in a stranded conductor shall conform to the values given in
column 2 of table D, appropriate to the reference area specified by the purchaser. The wires in each
layer shall be evenly and closely stranded. The stranding shall be such that

a) the overall diameter of the stranded conductor complies with the requirements of 4.2.5,

b) the diameter, determined in accordance with 7.2, of individual wires taken from the stranded
conductor is not more than 1 % below the appropriate minimum and not more than 1 % above
the appropriate maximum given in table C, and

c) the mean and the minimum breaking strengths, determined in accordance with 7.4, of the
individual wires taken from the stranded conductor are at least 95 % and 90 % respectively of the
appropriate minimum given in table C.

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4.2.3 Direction of lay

In all constructions, successive layers of a stranded conductor shall have opposite directions of lay,
the outermost layer being right-handed.

4.2.4 Lay ratio

a) The lay ratio of the different layers shall be within the appropriate limits given in table 1.

b) In a stranded conductor having multiple layers of wires, the lay ratio of any layer shall not be
greater than the lay ratio of the layer immediately beneath it.

Table 1 — Lay ratios for stranded copper conductors

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Number Lay ratios
of 6-wire layer 12-wire layer 18-wire layer 24-wire layer
wires in
conductor max. min. max. min. max. min. max. min.
7 17 13 - - - - - -
19 22 13 16 12 - - - -
37 22 13 16 12 14 10 - -
61 22 13 16 12 16 12 14 10

4.2.5 Overall diameter

The overall diameter of a conductor, determined in accordance with 7.2, shall not exceed the
appropriate maximum given in column 3 of table D.

4.2.6 Resistance

The resistance of a conductor, determined in accordance with 7.3, shall not exceed the appropriate
maximum given in column 5 of table D.

4.2.7 Breaking strength

The breaking strength of a conductor, determined in accordance with 7.4, shall be at least equal to
the appropriate minimum given in column 6 of table D.

4.2.8 Freedom from defects and foreign matter

Stranded conductors shall be free from dirt, grit, excessive amounts of drawing lubricant and other
foreign matter, and from broken wires.

4.2.9 Length

Unless stranded conductors of other lengths are specified by the purchaser, the conductors shall be
supplied in the manufacturer's usual production lengths. In addition, unless otherwise specified by
the purchaser, it shall be permissible to supply not more than 5 % of the length ordered on any one
order in random lengths, provided that no random length is shorter than one-third of the appropriate
production length. The actual length of the conductor on a drum or reel shall not differ from the
nominal length (i.e. the production length or, when relevant, the length specified by the purchaser)
by more than 1 %.

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5 Packing and marking

5.1 Packing
In addition to any special requirements specified by the purchaser, the product shall be packed as
follows:

a) Continuity. Unless otherwise acceptable, each continuous length of wire or stranded

conductor shall be packed individually.

b) Jointing and binding wires. In coils of inside diameter 230-255 mm, securely bound with an
acceptable string or with binding wire. Unless otherwise specified by the purchaser, the mass
of each coil shall be 4,5 ± 0,25 kg.

c) Hard-drawn wire for telecommunication purposes. In coils of inside diameter 490-510 mm

and of mass 45 ± 4 kg.

d) Stranded conductors

1) Unless otherwise specified by the purchaser, the conductor shall be packed on a robust
wooden drum or wooden reel that has a barrel of diameter at least 30d, where d is the
nominal overall diameter of the conductor.

2) The moisture content of the wood used for fabrication of the drums or reels shall not
exceed 15 %.

3) When wooden drums or reels resistant to biological attack are required by the purchaser,
the wood shall have been impregnated (by pressure or in a hot/cold open tank) in
accordance with SANS 10005, with a class C preservative or with chromated copper
arsenate.

5.2 Marking

5.2.1 Except as allowed in terms of 5.2.2, each coil, reel, or drum shall bear the following
information legibly and indelibly marked on a firmly attached label or printed on a cheek of the reel
or drum:

a) the manufacturer's trade name or trade mark or both;

b) reference area of conductor or size of wire, as applicable, and type of product;

c) nominal length in metres;

d) gross mass in kg (net mass if in coils or on reels); and

e) year of manufacture.

5.2.2 In the case of coils packed in containers, the information required in terms of 5.2.1 shall
appear on the outside of each container. In such cases and, if acceptable, the individual coils need
not be marked.

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6 Sampling and compliance with the specification1)

6.1 Sampling
The following sampling procedure shall be applied in determining whether a lot complies with the
appropriate requirements of the specification. The samples so drawn shall be deemed to represent
the lot for the respective properties.

6.1.1 Sample for inspection

From the lot take at random a sample of the size given in column 2 of table 2 relative to the
appropriate lot size given in column 1.

6.1.2 Sample for testing

After inspection (see 7.1.1) of the sample taken in accordance with 6.1.1, cut off and discard the
first 300 mm length of the outer end of the wire or conductor on each coil, reel or drum and then cut
the length required for the test pieces.

Table 2 — Sample sizes for single wires and stranded conductors

1 2 3
Sample size,
Lot size, coils, Number of
coils, reels or
reels or drums defectives
drums
1 - 30 All 0
31 - 500 30 1
501 - 800 40 2
801 - 1 300 55 2
1 301 - 3 000 75 3

6.2 Compliance

If after inspection and testing of the samples taken in accordance with 6.1 the number of defectives
found does not exceed the appropriate number given in column 3 of table 2, the lot (less any coils,
reels or drums found to contain one or more defectives) shall be deemed to comply with the
relevant requirements of the specification.

1) This section applies to the sampling for inspection and testing before acceptance or rejection of single lots
(consignments) in cases where no information about the implementation of quality control or testing during
manufacture is available to help in assessing the quality of the lot. It is also used as the procedure for
adjudicating in cases of dispute. The cost of sampling, inspection and testing is a matter for agreement.

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7 Inspection and methods of test2)

NOTE Place of testing – Unless otherwise agreed between the purchaser and the supplier at the
time of ordering, all tests shall be done at the manufacturer’s works.

7.1 Inspection

7.1.1 Inspect the sample taken in accordance with 6.1.1, for compliance with the requirements of
4.1.3 or 4.2.9 (as relevant) and section 3.

7.1.2 Before testing the sample taken in accordance with 6.1 check each length for compliance
with all the applicable requirements of section 4 that are not assessed in 7.1.1 or by the tests given
in 7.2 - 7.8 (inclusive).

7.2 Diameter
Use the method for conductor wires given in SANS 6281-1. Amdt 1

7.3 Resistance
Use SANS 6282-1 and, in the case of hard-drawn circular wires for telecommunication purposes,
correct the results to standard diameter.
Amdt 1
7.4 Breaking strength

7.4.1 Single wires and wires (before stranding) of a stranded conductor

Use SANS 6283. In the case of hard-drawn copper wires for telecommunication purposes, correct
the results to standard diameter.
Amdt1
7.4.2 Wires from stranded conductors

Use the apparatus and procedure described in SANS 6283 to determine the breaking strength of
wires taken in accordance with table 3 from each conductor. The specimens shall not be
straightened other than as needed to ensure a materially straight pull between clamps. Amdt 1

Table 3 — Test specimens from stranded conductors

1 2 3 4 5 6
Number of Number of specimens per layer
wires in
Centre wire 1st layer 2nd layer 3rd layer 4th layer
conductor
7 1 3 — — —
19 1 2 3 — —
37 1 2 3 4 —
61 1 2 3 4 5

Discard the lowest result, and record the mean and the lowest of the remaining results as the mean
and the minimum individual breaking strengths respectively of the wires of the stranded conductor.

2) The test methods described in this section are the methods to be used to determine whether a product complies
with the specification or not and apply to samples taken in accordance with section 6. The manufacturer is at
liberty to use whatever tests he chooses to apply as quality control in his factory.

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7.5 Lapping test

Use SANS 6282-3. In the cases of jointing and binding wires, subject each specimen to an
additional sequence of six turns of unlapping and relapping. Amdt 1

7.6 Elongation at break

Use SANS 6282-3. Amdt 1

7.7 Twisting test

Use SANS 6282-3, using a value of L equal to the appropriate value given in column 13 of table B.
Amdt 1

7.8 Persulfate test

Use SANS 6282-2.

Amdt 1

8 Constructional tables
Table A — Annealed copper jointing and binding wires

1 2 3 4 5 6
Wire diameters Mass per Breaking
Type of mm km* strength
wire
Standard Maximum Minimum kg N, min.
Jointing 1,25 1,263 1,238 10,91 294

Binding 1,40 1,414 1,386 13,69 372

*Based on standard diameters.

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Table B — Hard-drawn circular wires for telecommunication purposes
(Post office overhead conductors)
Edition 1.2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Nominal Breaking strength
mass Resistance per km N
Wire diameters
SANS 182-1:2008

per at 20 °C Torsional
Standard Minimum strength
mm km* Maximum
ohms diameter diameter
diameter wires§
wires§ wires§
¶ ‡ Length Twists
Standard Max. Min. kg Standard max. max. min. max. min. max. min.
mm min.
1,70 1,717 1,683 20,18 7,828 7,988 1 105 1 080 1 130 1 105 1 075 1 050 75 35
2,00 2,020 1,980 27,93 5,656 5,771 1 485 1 455 1 515 1 485 1 455 1 425 75 30
2,50 2,525 2,475 43,64 3,620 3,694 2 295 2 250 2 335 2 290 2 250 2 205 75 25

2,80 2,828 2,772 54,74 2,886 2,945 2 850 2 790 2 900 2 840 2 795 2 735 75 20
3,55 3,586 3,515 88,00 1,795 1,831 4 470 4 380 4 555 4 465 4 380 4 290 150 30
4,25 4,293 4,208 126,12 1,253 1,278 6 095 5 980 6 210 6 095 5 980 5 865 150 25
* Based on standard diameters.
¶
These resistances are based on standard diameters and a volume resistivity of 0,017 77 .m2/m at 20 °.
‡
Based on minimum diameters.

© SABS
§
See column 1, 2 and 3. The limits for the breaking strength of wires of intermediate diameter shall be as determined by interpolation.
 SANS 182-1:2008
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Table C — Hard-drawn circular wires for stranded conductors

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Wire diameter Nominal Resistance per km at
Breaking
mass per 20 °C
strength*
mm km*

Standard Maximum Minimum Standard

¶
Maximum
‡ N, min.
kg
1,70 1,717 1,683 20,18 7,828 7,988 1 030
2,12 2,141 2,099 31,38 5,034 5,136 1 590
2,36 2,384 2,336 38,89 4,062 4,146 1 960
2,65 2,677 2,624 49,03 3,222 3,286 2 440
3,00 3,030 2,970 62,84 2,514 2,565 3 100
3,35 3,384 3,317 78,36 2,016 2,056 3 830
3.75 3,788 3,713 98,19 1,609 1,641 4 740
* Based on standard diameters.
¶ 2
These resistances are based on standard diameters and a volume resistivity of 0,017 77 .m /m at 20 °C.
‡
Based on minimum diameters.

Table D — Stranded hard-drawn conductors

1 2 3 4 5 6
Reference Number Overall Approximate Maximum Breaking
area and diameter mass per permissible strength
diameter of km* resistance
wires per km at
20 °C
mm2 mm mm, max. kg ohms kN, min.
16 7/1,70 5,15 143 1,150 6,63
25 7/2,12 6,42 221 0,740 10,24
40 7/2,65 8,03 346 0,473 15,71
63 7/3,35 10,15 553 0,296 24,66
80 7/3,75 11,36 693 0,236 30,53
100 19/2,65 13,38 943 0,175 41,72
160 37/2,36 16,69 1 465 0,114 65,27
250 37/3,00 21,21 2,368 0,070 5 103,23
315 61/2,65 24,09 3 049 0,054 9 130,94
400 61/3,00 27,27 3 907 0,042 8 166,41
* For information only. For basis of calculation see appendix D.

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Appendix A3)

Applicable standards

Reference is made to the latest issues of the following standards:

IEC 60028, International standard of resistance for copper.

SANS 804, Unwrought tough pitch coppers: Electrolytic tough pitch high conductivity
copper. Amdt 2

SANS 10005, The preservative treatment of timber.

SANS 6281-1, Test methods for impregnated paper-insulated electric cables – Part 1: Tests on
insulating and semi-conducting paper. Amdt 1; amdt 2

SANS 6282-1, Test methods for bare conductors and conductors of insulated electric cables –
Part 1: Conductor resistance. Amdt 1; amdt 2

SANS 6282-2, Test methods for bare conductors and conductors of insulated electric cables –
Part 2: Quality of metallic coatings. Amdt 1; amdt 2

SANS 6282-3, Test methods for bare conductors and conductors of insulated electric cables –
Part 3: Mechanical tests. Amdt 1; amdt 2

SANS 6283, Test methods for armouring of insulated electric cables. Amdt 1; amdt 2

Appendix B

Notes to purchasers

B.1 The following requirements must be specified in tender invitations and in the order or contract:

a) the type of wire or conductor (see 3.1);

b) in the case of single wires the standard diameter, in mm (see 4.1.1(a) and tables A and B);

c) in the case of stranded conductors, the reference area, in m2 (see 4.2.2 and table D);

d) when relevant, that stranded conductors of specific length are required (see 4.2.9);

e) when relevant, that stranded conductors shall not be supplied in random lengths (see 4.2.9);

f) special requirements for packing, if any (see 5.1);

g) when relevant, the mass of coils of jointing or binding wire if other than as specified (see 5.1(b));

h) when relevant, the packing for stranded conductors, if other than as specified (see 5.1(d)(1); and

3) The information in the appendices is additional to that in the specification and has been included purely for
information and guidance.

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i) when relevant, that wooden drums/reels on which stranded conductors are packed are to be
resistant to biological attack (see 5.1(d)(3)).

B.2 The following must be agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier:

a) the place of testing, if not at the manufacturer's works (see note to section 7).

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Appendix C

Standards for copper

C.1 Standards for annealed copper

The following standard values, given in IEC 60028, have been taken as normal values for standard
annealed copper at a temperature of 20 °C:

a) volume resistivity: 0,017 241 .m2/m;

b) density: 8,89 g/cm3;

c) coefficient of linear expansion: 17 × 10 -6 per °C;

d) coefficient of variation of the resistance with temperature, measured between two potential
points rigidly fixed to the wire, the metal being allowed to expand freely: 0,003 93 per °C; and

e) from (a) and (b) it follows that the mass resistivity of standard annealed copper is 0,153 8 .g
per metre.

C.2 Standards for hard-drawn copper

a) Volume resistivity: 0,017 77 .m2/m. This is based on a conductivity of 97 % of that of
standard annealed copper defined in C.1 above.

b) Density: 8,89 g/cm3.

c) Coefficient of linear expansion: 17 × 10 -6 per °C.

d) Coefficient of variation of the resistance with temperature, measured between two potential
points rigidly fixed to the wire, the metal being allowed to expand freely: 0,003 81 per °C.

e) From (a) and (b) it follows that the mass resistivity of hard-drawn copper is 0,157 98 .g per
metre.

C.3 Basis for calculation of hard-drawn copper resistance

C.3.1 According to C.2(a), the volume resistivity of hard-drawn copper at 20 °C is
0,017 77 .m2/m.

Therefore, the standard resistance per kilometre of a single wire at 20 °C is

22,625
ohms
d2

where

d is the diameter of a single straight wire, mm

The calculated resistance of a stranded conductor is obtained by multiplying the above resistance
by an appropriate constant (see table D.1). The actual resistance of a stranded conductor can be
measured directly.

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Appendix D

Notes on the calculation of the properties

of stranded copper conductors (table D)

D.1 Effect of lay ratio on stranding

When straightened out, each wire (other than the central wire) in any particular layer of a stranded
conductor, is longer than the stranded conductor by an amount depending on the lay ratio of that
layer. This has a corresponding effect on the resistance and mass of the conductor.

In calculating the constants in table D.1 the mean lay ratio, i.e. the arithmetic mean of the relevant
maximum and minimum values given in table 1, has been assumed for each layer.

Table D.1 — Stranding constants for copper conductors

1 2 3

Number of Stranding constants

wires in Electrical
conductor Mass
resistance
7 7,058 0,144 0
19 19,24 0,053 3
37 37,68 0,027 5
61 62,18 0,016 7

D.2 Calculated breaking strength of stranded conductor

Stranding reduces the breaking strength of a stranded conductor to below the sum of the strengths
of the individual component wires. The strengths given in column 2 of table D.2 allow for the effects
of stranding, and may, normally, be regarded as minimum values.

Table D.2 — Breaking strength of stranded conductor

1 2
Number of Breaking strength, % of
wires in sum of breaking strengths
conductor of the component wires
before stranding
7 92
19 90
37 90
61 88

NOTE If tests for the ultimate breaking strength of complete stranded conductors are agreed upon by the
manufacturer and purchaser (before or at the time of placing the order) such tests should be carried out by
securing a suitable fitting to each end of a sample of conductor (of length at least 5 m) and testing the
assembly in a suitable testing machine. Because of certain factors inherent in such tests, results that are not
less than 95 % of the value calculated as above should be regarded as confirmation of the validity of the
calculated value.

______________

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SABS – Standards Division

The objective of the SABS Standards Division is to develop, promote and maintain South African
National Standards. This objective is incorporated in the Standards Act, 2008 (Act No. 8 of 2008).

Amendments and Revisions

South African National Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of South African
National Standards should ensure that they possess the latest amendments or editions.

The SABS continuously strives to improve the quality of its products and services and would
therefore be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using this standard would
inform the secretary of the technical committee responsible, the identity of which can be found in
the foreword.

The SABS offers an individual notification service, which ensures that subscribers automatically
receive notification regarding amendments and revisions to South African National Standards.
Tel: +27 (0) 12 428 6883 Fax: +27 (0) 12 428 6928 E-mail: [email protected]

Buying Standards

Contact the Sales Office for South African and international standards, which are available in both
electronic and hard copy format.
Tel: +27 (0) 12 428 6883 Fax: +27 (0) 12 428 6928 E-mail: [email protected]
South African National Standards are also available online from the SABS website
http://www.sabs.co.za

Information on Standards

The Standards Information Centre provides a wide range of standards-related information on both
national and international standards. The Centre also offers an individual updating service called
INFOPLUS, which ensures that subscribers automatically receive notification regarding
amendments to, and revisions of, international standards.
Tel: +27 (0) 12 428 7911 / 0861 27 7227 Fax: +27 (0) 12 428 6928 E-mail: [email protected]

Copyright

The copyright in a South African National Standard or any other publication published by the SABS
Standards Division vests in the SABS or, in the case of a South African National Standard based on
an international standard, in the organization from which the SABS adopted the standard under
licence or membership agreement. In the latter case, the SABS has the obligation to protect such
copyright. Unless exemption has been granted, no extract may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission from the SABS
Standards Division. This does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the
standard, of necessary details such as symbols, and size, type or grade designations. If these
details are to be used for any purpose other than implementation, prior written permission must be
obtained.

Details and advice can be obtained from the Manager – Standards Sales and Information Services.
Tel: +27 (0) 12 428 6883 Fax: +27 (0) 12 428 6928 E-mail: [email protected]