The construction of an unprecedented number of overhead power lines around the world has increased the demand for accurate data and models for electrical conductors. A proposed new standard, ASTM WK35208, Test Methods for Stress-Strain and Creep Testing for Overhead Electrical Conductors, will answer this global need. ASTM WK35208 is being developed by Subcommittee B01.02 on Methods of Test and Sampling Procedure, part of ASTM International Committee B01 on Electrical Conductors.

ASTM WK35208 will provide clear guidelines for performing the test used to develop a model for electrical conductors employed in overhead power lines and processing the data resulting from such tests.

“This model will then be used to determine the clearance for the power line to prevent the line from coming into contact with people or other objects,” says Mark Lancaster, director, overhead transmission engineering, Southwire Co., and chairman of B01. Lancaster notes that the proposed standard will be used by conductor manufacturers and test laboratories, once it has been approved. Utilities will specify that conductors meet the requirements in other ASTM standards, which in turn reference the tests outlined in this proposed standard.

All interested parties are invited to join in the standards developing activities of B01.

ASTM International welcomes and encourages participation in the development of its standards. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, visit www.astm.org/JOIN.

For more news in this sector, visit www.astm.org/sn-energy or follow us on Twitter @ASTMEnergy.

ASTM Committee B01 Next Meeting: April 18, 2012, April Committee Week, Phoenix, Ariz.
Technical Contact: Mark A. Lancaster, P.E., Southwire Co., Carrollton, Ga., Phone: 770-832-5043; mark_lancaster@southwire.com
ASTM Staff Contact: Jennifer Rodgers, Phone: 610-832-9694; jrodgers@astm.org
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org

Release #9078