What is BS EN 13601 - Copper and copper alloys about?
BS EN BS EN 13601 specifies the composition, property requirements including electrical properties, and tolerances on dimensions and form for copper rod, bar, and wire for general electrical purposes. BS EN 13601 also specifies the sampling procedures and test methods for verifying conformity to these requirements.
NOTE: Drawn, round copper wire, plain or tinned, single or multiline, for the manufacture of electrical conductors is not specified in BS EN 13601.
Who is BS EN 13601 - Copper and copper alloys for?
BS EN 13601 on the copper rod, bar, and wire for general electrical purposes is beneficial for:
- Manufacturers of the copper rod, bar, and wire
- Designer and suppliers
- Quality testing bodies/authorities
- Specifiers
- Electrical engineers
Why should you use BS EN 13601 - Copper and copper alloys?
BS EN 13601 assists the manufacturer by providing helpful information on material condition material composition, mechanical properties, test methods to manufacture copper rods, bar, and wire for general electrical purposes. The information on electrical properties and mechanical and electrical tests will help manufacturers and design engineers of electrical appliances choose better quality copper wire for their products.
For the user of BS EN 13601, removal of inconsistencies in the values in tables on electrical and mechanical properties and the alignment of dimensions with evolving market conditions will help manage risks and increase consumer safety and reliability.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 13601:2021 supersedes BS EN 13601:2013, which is withdrawn.
In comparison with the previous edition, the following technical modifications have been made:
- Maximum diameters or widths across flats for bar, square, hexagonal and rectangular have been expanded
- Scope has been modified
- In Clause 6.5, Freedom from hydrogen embrittlement, the alloys Cu-OFE (CW009A) and Cu-PHCE (CW022A) have been added
- Table 3 on Mechanical properties has been modified to correct incongruent values;
- Tolerances on width and thickness of bar and rectangular wire and maximum twist of the square or hexagonal rod or rectangular bar have been modified
