ASTM B298-12 (2024) PDF

Full title and description

Standard Specification for Silver‑Coated Soft or Annealed Copper Wire (ASTM B298‑12) — specification covering silver‑coated, soft or annealed, round copper wire intended for use in electrical equipment; classifies wires by silver coating weight (Classes A–E) and specifies mechanical, electrical and coating requirements and test methods.

Abstract

This specification defines required properties and tests for silver‑coated, soft or annealed round copper wire used in electrical and electronic applications. Key requirements include minimum silver‑by‑weight classifications (Classes A–E), tensile and elongation limits by diameter, resistivity/conductivity limits, coating weight/thickness criteria and specified test methods such as coating‑weight measurement, coating adhesion (wrap) test, tensile testing and dimensional checks.

General information

• Status: Published / active specification (designation ASTM B298‑12; current catalog records list the standard as published).
• Publication date: Designation year 2012 (B298‑12); editorial reapproval/updated record 2017 (ASTM editorial notation); some standards resellers show availability/listing dated 10 Jan 2024 — users should check ASTM for the absolute current status.
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 77.150.30 — Copper products / Electrical conductors.
• Edition / version: ASTM B298‑12 (commonly referenced as B298‑12; revised history shows B298‑07 → B298‑12 and editorial notice B298‑12(2017)).
• Number of pages: 8 pages (standard document length).

Scope

The standard covers silver‑coated, soft or annealed round copper wire intended for electrical equipment. It defines five coating classes by minimum silver percentage by total coated‑wire weight (Class A ≥ 1.25%, B ≥ 2.50%, C ≥ 4.00%, D ≥ 6.10%, E ≥ 10.00%), allows purchaser/producer agreement for other % values, and provides required tests and acceptance criteria for tensile strength/elongation, resistivity, coating weight/thickness and dimensional tolerances.

Key topics and requirements

• Classification by silver content (Classes A–E) and corresponding minimum coating weights/thicknesses.
• Tensile strength and elongation requirements specified by wire diameter (minimum elongation values and tensile criteria).
• Electrical resistivity/conductivity verification and limits for the copper core.
• Coating adhesion and continuity tests (wrap/adhesion checks) and measurement methods for coating weight.
• Dimensional tolerances (diameter/area) and permitted purchaser‑manufacturer agreements for non‑standard coating percentages.

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers and suppliers of specialty electrical wire and cable, electronic component makers, aerospace and communications wiring specifiers, quality/control laboratories and procurement engineers who need silver‑plated copper conductors for solderability, corrosion resistance and high‑frequency performance. The standard is typically cited in procurement specifications and acceptance testing for silver‑coated copper wire.

Related standards

Commonly referenced ASTM and related documents include ASTM B33 (Round Copper Wire for Electrical Purposes), ASTM B49 (Copper Rod for Electrical Purposes), ASTM B258 (AWG sizes and nominal diameters) and test/practice standards cited within B298 for chemical and test apparatus (for example ASTM E50 practice references). Users should consult the normative references section of B298 for the complete list.

Keywords

silver‑coated copper wire; silver‑plated copper; annealed copper; electrical wire; coating weight; coating adhesion; tensile test; resistivity; ASTM B298; Class A B C D E.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM B298‑12 is the ASTM specification that defines requirements for silver‑coated, soft or annealed, round copper wire intended for electrical applications (classification, mechanical and electrical requirements, and test methods).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers material and performance requirements for silver‑coated copper wire, including minimum silver‑by‑weight classification (Classes A–E), tensile and elongation limits, resistivity/conductivity checks, coating weight/thickness criteria, coating adhesion tests and dimensional tolerances.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Wire and cable manufacturers, electronic and aerospace component designers, procurement and quality engineers, and test laboratories use this standard when specifying or verifying silver‑coated copper conductors.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The standard designation is ASTM B298‑12 (the “12” denotes the 2012 revision). ASTM records show editorial/reapproval activity in 2017 (listed as B298‑12(2017)) and some standards resellers list an availability/record date of 10 January 2024; for procurement or compliance work verify the absolute current status directly with ASTM International before relying on the edition. Exact dates to note: designation year 2012; ASTM editorial update/reapproval recorded in 2017; reseller listings show 01/10/2024.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It belongs to the ASTM B (nonferrous metals) series for electrical conductors and copper products; it is related to other conductor and copper‑product specifications such as ASTM B33, B49 and B258.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Silver‑coated copper, silver‑plated, annealed copper wire, electrical conductor, coating weight, coating adhesion, tensile/elongation, resistivity.