ASTM B355-11 (2024) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM B355-11 — Standard Specification for Nickel-Coated Soft or Annealed Copper Wire. This specification defines the requirements for nickel‑coated, soft or annealed, round copper wire intended for electrical equipment, including coating weight classes, dimensional and mechanical properties, and acceptance/test methods.

Abstract

The standard covers five classes of nickel‑coated copper wire (Classes 2, 4, 7, 10, and 27, defined by minimum nickel coating as a percentage of total weight). It specifies requirements for dimensions, tensile/elongation, electrical resistivity, coating continuity (sodium polysulfide test), and coating adherence (wrapping and immersion tests), plus related sampling and acceptance criteria. The document has historically been maintained and reapproval actions are recorded in ASTM’s document history.

General information

• Status: Historical / withdrawn from active revision (document shown as historical in the ASTM catalog; reapproved in past cycles).
• Publication date: Original designation approved 2011 (B355‑11); reapproval recorded in later cycles (document record shows reapproval/version B0355‑11R16 and catalog updates into 2024).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 77.150.30 — Copper products / Electrical conductors.
• Edition / version: Designation shown as B355‑11 (reapproved/version record B0355‑11R16 in ASTM catalog entries).
• Number of pages: 7–8 pages depending on published format (ASTM catalog entry lists 8 pages for the B355‑11 reapproved record).

Scope

Specifies requirements for nickel‑coated, soft or annealed, round copper wire intended for electrical equipment. Five coating classes are defined by minimum nickel content (by weight) of the coated wire: Class 2 (≥2%), Class 4 (≥4%), Class 7 (≥7%), Class 10 (≥10%), and Class 27 (≥27%). The standard sets dimensional tolerances, mechanical properties (tensile, elongation), resistivity limits, and standardized tests for coating continuity and adhesion. Units are primarily inch‑pound with SI values provided for information in many clauses.

Key topics and requirements

• Defined coating classes by minimum nickel weight percentage (Classes 2, 4, 7, 10, 27).
• Dimensional and cross‑sectional tolerances for round wire; AWG/nominal diameter guidance.
• Mechanical property requirements: tensile strength and minimum elongation values.
• Electrical resistivity/test procedures to verify conductor performance.
• Coating continuity: sodium polysulfide test prescribed for continuity assessment.
• Coating adhesion: wrapping and immersion tests specified to assess nickel coating adherence.
• Sampling, acceptance criteria, and purchaser‑specified options for tests and certification.

Typical use and users

Used by copper wire manufacturers, plating suppliers, electrical equipment manufacturers, procurement/specification engineers, test laboratories, and regulatory or defense purchasers requiring nickel‑coated copper conductors. It is referenced where corrosion resistance or solderability and specific nickel cladding properties are required for electrical contacts or high‑temperature applications. The specification has also been cited for procurement by governmental users in historical records.

Related standards

Commonly referenced ASTM documents and tests in conjunction with B355 include standards for copper rod feedstock, AWG diameter tables, resistivity test methods, and other conductor specifications (examples: ASTM B49 — Copper Rod for Electrical Purposes; ASTM B193 — Resistivity of Electrical Conductors; ASTM B258/AWG nominal sizes and other conductor/construction standards). Users should consult the referenced standards section of B355 for the exact normative and informative references.

Keywords

nickel‑coated copper wire, nickel‑clad copper, soft copper wire, annealed copper wire, coating classes, coating continuity test, sodium polysulfide test, coating adhesion, electrical conductor specifications, ASTM B355.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM B355‑11 is the ASTM specification that defines requirements for nickel‑coated, soft or annealed, round copper wire used in electrical equipment, including coating classes, mechanical and electrical properties, and test methods.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers five nickel coating classes (2, 4, 7, 10, 27 by minimum nickel weight percent), dimensional and mechanical requirements (tensile, elongation), resistivity limits, and tests for coating continuity and adhesion (sodium polysulfide, wrapping/immersion).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Wire manufacturers and platers, electrical equipment designers, procurement/specification engineers, test laboratories, and agencies needing nickel‑coated copper conductors for corrosion resistance, solderability, or high‑temperature contacts.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The ASTM catalog shows the B355‑11 record as historical (with reapproval/version records in later cycles such as B0355‑11R16). Certain document repositories also list the 2011 original approval and subsequent reapproval activity; consult ASTM International for the official current status and to purchase the authoritative record.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: B355 is part of ASTM Committee B01 (Electrical Conductors) publications and is related to other conductor and copper product standards (for example, ASTM B49, B193 and AWG/diameter standards). See the references section of the standard for the complete set of related ASTM documents.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Nickel‑coated copper wire, nickel‑clad, soft/annealed copper, coating class, coating continuity, sodium polysulfide test, coating adhesion, electrical conductor specification.