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Designation: A 363 – 03

Standard Specification for

Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Overhead Ground Wire
Strand1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 363; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* 5.2 The slab zinc when used for the coating shall be any
1.1 This specification covers high-strength, extra-high- grade of zinc conforming to Specification B 6.
strength, and utilities grades of concentric lay steel wire strand 6. Stranding
composed of three wires or seven wires with Class A, Class B,
or Class C zinc coatings specifically intended for use as 6.1 The strand shall have a left lay with a uniform pitch of
overhead ground wires or static wires for electric power not more than 16 times the nominal diameter of the strand. A
transmission lines. left lay is defined as a counter-clockwise twist away from the
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded observer. Stranding shall be sufficiently close to ensure no
as the standard. The SI units given in brackets are for significant reduction in diameter when stressed to 10 % of the
information only. minimum breaking strength.

2. Referenced Documents 7. Preforming Strand

2.1 ASTM Standards: 7.1 Preformed strand shall be supplied when so specified by
A 90/A 90M Test Method for Weight [Mass] of Coating on the purchaser. Strand is preformed when the component wires
Iron and Steel Articles with Zinc or Zinc-Alloy Coatings are set to the helical form which they assume in the product by
A 902 Terminology Relating to Metallic-Coated Steel Prod- any means of process other than by merely laying them about
ucts the strand core.
B 6 Specification for Zinc 8. Breaking Strength and Weight
3. Terminology 8.1 The approximate weight per unit length of strand and
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this the minimum breaking strength of the finished strand shall be
specification, refer to Terminology A 902. as specified in Table 1.
8.2 A test in which the breaking strength is below the
4. Ordering Information minimum specified and which may have been caused by the
4.1 Orders for strand purchased under this specification slipping of the specimen in the jaws of the testing machine, by
shall include the following information: breaking within the jaws or within 1 in. [25.4 mm] of the jaws,
4.1.1 Quantity of each size, or by the improper socketing of a specimen shall be disre-
4.1.2 Size and grade of strand (Table 1), and garded and another sample from the same coil or reel shall be
4.1.3 Class of zinc coating (Section 11 and Table 2). tested.
4.1.4 ASTM designation and year of issue. 9. Elongation
5. Materials and Manufacture 9.1 The elongation of the strand in 24 in. [610 mm],
5.1 The base metal shall be steel produced by any commer- determined as specified in 9.2, shall be not less than 5 % for the
cially accepted steel making process and shall be of such high-strength and for the 5⁄16-in. [7.94-mm], 3-wire utilities
quality and purity that when drawn to the size of wire specified grades, and 4 % for the extra-high-strength and for the "-in.
and coated with zinc, the finished strand will have the [9.52-mm], 7-wire Utilities grades.
properties and characteristics prescribed in this specification. 9.2 The elongation shall be measured as the percentage
increase in separation between the jaws of the testing machine
from the position after application of the initial load, to the
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A05 on position at initial failure in the test specimen. The separation of
Metallic Coated Iron and Steel Products and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee A05.12 on Wire Specifications.
Current edition approved October 1, 2003. Published December 2003. Originally
approved in 1952. Last previous edition approved in 1998 as A 363 – 98.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

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 A 363 – 03
TABLE 1 Physical Properties of Zinc-Coated Steel Overhead Ground Wire Strand

Nominal Diameter Number of Nominal Diameter Approximate Minimum Breaking Strength of Strand, lbf [kN]
of Strand, Wires in of Coated Wire Weight of Strand,
in. [mm] Strand in Strand, lb/1000 ft [kg/km] High-Strength Grade Extra-High-Strength Grade Utilities Grade
in. [mm]A
⁄
5 16 [7.94] 3 0.145 [3.68] 171 [255] ... ... 6500 [28.9]
⁄
5 16 [7.94] 7 0.104 [2.64] 205 [305] 8000 [35.6] 11 200 [49.8] ...
3⁄8 [9.52] 7 0.120 [3.05] 273 [407] 10 800 [48.0] 15 400 [68.4] 11 500 [51.2]
7⁄16 [11.11] 7 0.145 [3.68] 399 [595] 14 500 [64.5] 20 800 [92.5] ...
1⁄2 [12.7] 7 0.165 [4.19] 517 [770] 18 800 [83.6] 26 900 [119.6] ...
A
It is recognized that the surfaces of heavy zinc coating, particularly those produced by hot galvanizing, are not perfectly smooth and devoid of irregularities. If the
tolerances shown above are rigidly applied to such irregularities that are inherent to the product, unjustified rejections of wire that would actually be satisfactory for use
could occur. Therefore, it is intended that these tolerances be used in gaging the uniform areas of the galvanized wire.

TABLE 2 Minimum Weights of Coating 13.2 Electric-welded butt joints made prior to the start of
cold drawing of the wire are permitted; however, no electric-
Nominal Diameter Minimum Weight of Coating, oz/ft2[kg/m2] of Uncoated Wire
of Coated Wire, Surface
welded butt joints of the wire shall be made during the cold
in. [mm] drawing application.
Class A Class B Class C
0.104 [2.64] 0.80 [0.24] 1.60 [0.49] 2.40 [0.73]
13.3 There shall be no strand joints or strand splices in any
0.120 [3.05] 0.85 [0.26] 1.70 [0.52] 2.55 [0.78] length of the completed strand.
0.145 [3.68] 0.90 [0.27] 1.80 [0.55] 2.70 [0.82]
0.165 [4.19] 0.90 [0.27] 1.80 [0.55] 2.70 [0.82]
14. Permissible Variations in Wire Size
14.1 The diameter of the zinc-coated wire forming the
strand shall conform to the nominal diameter shown in Table 1
the jaws of the testing machine shall be approximately 2 ft within a tolerance of 60.004 in. [0.102 mm] for Wire Sizes
[0.61 m] when under an initial load equal to 10 % of the 0.104 in. [2.642 mm] and 0.120 in. [3.048 mm] and 60.005 in.
required minimum breaking strength of the strand. The elon- [0.127 mm] for Wire Sizes 0.145 in. [3.683 mm] and 0.165 in.
gation values shall be recorded only for specimens that break [4.191 mm].
over 1 in. [25.4 mm] from jaws of the testing machine.
15. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
10. Ductility of Steel 15.1 The zinc-coated wire shall be uniform in diameter and
10.1 The individual wires of the completed strand shall not shall be free from splints, scales, inequalities, flaws, and other
fracture when wrapped at a rate not exceeding 15 turns per imperfections not consistent with good commercial practice.
minute in a close helix of at least two turns around a cylindrical The coating shall be continuous and reasonably uniform.
mandrel equal to three times the nominal diameter of the wire
under test. 16. Sampling
16.1 The number of samples to be taken shall be determined
11. Weight of Coating by lot size as follows:
11.1 The weight of zinc coating shall not be less than that Lot Size Number of Samples
specified in Table 2.
1 to 3 reels 1 from each reel
11.2 Weight of Coating Test—The zinc coating shall be 4 to 30 reels 3 min
tested for weight by a stripping test in accordance with Test 31 reels or greater 4 min
Method A 90/A 90M.
16.2 Each sample taken shall be subjected to all tests
prescribed in Sections 6, 8, and 9.
12. Adherence of Coating
16.3 In addition to the strand testing in 16.2 the individual
12.1 The zinc coating shall adhere to the wire without wires from the strand samples shall be tested for compliance
delaminating and without being removable by rubbing with the with Sections 10, 11, 12, and 14. Select all three wires in
bare fingers after the individual wires have been wrapped at a three-wire strand, and four of the wires in seven-wire strand.
rate not exceeding 15 turns per minute, in a close helix of at Individual wire samples selected for compliance to Section 14
least two turns around a cylindrical mandrel equal to three shall be discarded if any distortion of the wire occurred during
times the nominal diameter of the wire under test. Loosening or the stranding operation.
detachment during the adhesion tests of superficial, small 16.4 Instead of testing the wires from the completed strand
particles of zinc formed by mechanical polishing of the surface in accordance with 16.3, the producer may elect to establish
of zinc-coated wire shall not be considered cause for rejection. compliance with Sections 10, 11, 12, and 14 of this specifica-
tion by tests made on the wires prior to stranding, unless
13. Joints and Splices otherwise stipulated by the purchaser. However, if the producer
13.1 There shall be no joints of any kind made in the makes this election, the purchaser shall still reserve the right to
finished wire entering into the construction of the strand. test wires from the completed strand for compliance.

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 A 363 – 03
17. Inspection TABLE 3 Range of Strand Lengths per Reel for at Least 95 % of
the Completed Strand
17.1 The manufacturer shall afford the inspector represent-
Nominal Diameter Number of Length in Feet [metres] of Strand Per
ing the purchaser all reasonable facilities to satisfy him that the of Strand, Wires in Reel for at Least 95 % of the Order
material is being furnished in accordance with this specifica- in. [mm] Strand
Min Max
tion. All tests and inspection shall be made on the finished
⁄ [7.94]
5 16 3 4700 [1430] 7900 [2410]
strand at the place of manufacture prior to shipment and shall 5⁄16 [7.94] 7 4800 [1460] 7700 [2350]A
be so conducted as not to interfere unnecessarily with the 3⁄8 [9.52] 7 3600 [1100] 5800 [1770]A
7⁄16 [11.11] 7 4700 [1430] 7900 [2410]
operation of the works. 1⁄2 [12.7] 7 3600 [1100] 6100 [1860]
18. Rejection A
Purchasers may procure maximum lengths up to 12 000 ft [3660 m] for 5⁄16-in.
[7.94-mm] diameter strand and up to 9400 ft [2860 m] for 3⁄8-in. [9.52-mm] diameter
18.1 In case there is a reasonable doubt in the first trial as to strand.
the failure of the wire or strand to meet any requirement of this
specification, two additional tests shall be made on samples of which are below the minimum limits shown in Table 3 but
wire or strand from the same coil or reel, and if failure occurs which are not less than 1500 ft [457 m] long. Each reel shall be
in either of these tests, the strand shall be rejected. clearly marked to show the length of the strand contained
thereon.
19. Packaging and Package Marking 19.3 Each reel shall have a strong tag securely fastened to it
19.1 The completed strand shall be furnished on reels showing the name of the material “ground wire strand,” the
sufficiently sturdy to withstand normal service incident to length, size, grade of the strand, class of coating, ASTM
shipping, hauling, and field erection. Specification A 363, and the name or mark of the manufacturer.
19.2 The completed strand shall be furnished in random
lengths. At least 95 % of the lengths shall be within the 20. Keywords
minimum and maximum limits shown in Table 3. Not more 20.1 coated overhead strand; steel wire strand; zinc-coated
than 5 % of a total length ordered may be furnished in lengths overhead strand

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A05 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (A 363 - 98)
that may impact the use of this standard.

A 363 - 03: Section 8 (Breaking Strength and Weight).

(1) Renumbered sections to meet Form & Style requirements. (6) Editorial changes in sections 11.1-12.1-18.
(2) Deleted “Size of Strand” section. (7) Made Note 1 part of 12.1.
(3) Added paragraph 4.1.4.
(4) Changed base metal in 5.1 to any commercially accepted (8) Made Note 2 part of 16.3.
steel making process. (9) Changed kg/m to kg/km in Table 1.
(5) Combined old “Physical Properties” section into new (10) Added Summary of Changes section.

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