In the realm of electrical infrastructure, adherence to industry standards is crucial. These standards, established by organizations like ASTM and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), act as pillars ensuring manufacturing consistency, product quality, and public safety. Utilities worldwide, including those in the United States, recognize the importance of these standards, even though not all entities may fully comply or operate from ISO/IEC-certified facilities. CTC Global plays a significant role as a participant and contributor in the development and application of these standards, collaborating with esteemed organizations such as EPRI, IEEE, ASTM, ANSI and IEC.
The origins of such standards date back to 1898 when ASTM was founded by Charles Dudley and his colleagues to address the problem of rail breaks in the railroad industry. Since then, over 12,575 standards have been developed, covering a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. Among these, several standards pertain to bare overhead conductors, ancillary hardware, and the innovative ACCC® Conductor, known for its composite core technology.
These standards are essential for ensuring reliability in electrical systems, particularly in harsh environments where durability and performance are crucial. A notable example is ASTM B987-20, which establishes performance and testing criteria for the ACCC® Conductor’s composite core, ensuring it meets high-quality benchmarks.
In addition to ASTM B987-20, other standards such as EN 50540, ASTM B857, and ASTM B 609 address various aspects of conductor manufacturing and hardware, each contributing to the integrity and functionality of electrical infrastructure.
Utilities also establish internal protocols, further highlighting the industry’s commitment to quality assurance. CTC Global contributes by working with utility partners and stakeholders to ensure compliance and facilitate the adoption of advanced conductor technologies.
One key standard in this field is ASTM B987-20, which specifies requirements for Carbon Fiber Thermoset Polymer Matrix Composite Cores (CFC) used in overhead electrical conductors. This standard, developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders, outlines stringent requirements for core composition, encasement, and performance validation.
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