QQ-W-343G: Wire, Electrical Copper (Uninsulated)
1. OverviewThe **QQ-W-343G** specification establishes the requirements for uninsulated electrical copper wire, commonly used in electrical and electronic applications. The standard covers various wire types, classes, and finishes to ensure compliance with quality and performance criteria.
Publication Date: April 18, 1997
Scope: Applies to uninsulated copper wires for electrical and general-purpose use.
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2. Wire Types and ClassesThe standard specifies multiple wire types and classes based on mechanical and electrical properties.
- Types of Copper Wire:
- Annealed Copper (Type A): Soft copper for general electrical applications.
- Hard-Drawn Copper (Type H): Hard copper for mechanical strength and minimal elongation.
- High-Strength Copper Alloy (Type HS): Alloyed copper for applications requiring higher tensile strength. - Classes of Finish:
- Bare (Class 1): No coating or finish on the wire.
- Tinned (Class 2): A layer of tin to improve corrosion resistance and solderability.
- Silver-Plated (Class 3): For high-temperature and high-frequency applications.
- Nickel-Plated (Class 4): Provides superior corrosion and high-temperature resistance.
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3. Mechanical PropertiesTensile Strength: - The tensile strength of copper wire is determined based on the wire type (annealed, hard-drawn, or alloyed).
- Annealed copper has higher flexibility, while hard-drawn copper provides greater mechanical strength.
Elongation Percentage: - Specifies the percentage elongation before failure, varying by wire type and diameter.
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4. Electrical PropertiesThe specification ensures:
- High Conductivity: Copper wires must meet minimum conductivity standards, typically above 97% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard).
- Low Resistance: Resistance per unit length is measured to ensure efficient current flow.
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5. Dimensional SpecificationsWire Sizes: - The standard covers a range of wire diameters, specified in American Wire Gauge (AWG) or metric units.
Tolerance: - Strict tolerances are specified to ensure dimensional accuracy, critical for electrical applications.
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6. ApplicationsThe uninsulated copper wires conforming to QQ-W-343G are widely used in:
- Electrical Wiring: Grounding, bonding, and power distribution systems.
- Electronics Manufacturing: Component interconnections and PCB assembly.
- High-Temperature Applications: Silver or nickel-plated wires for high-temperature environments.
- Corrosion-Prone Environments: Tinned or plated wires for enhanced corrosion resistance.
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7. Testing and Quality AssuranceRequired Tests:- Tensile Testing: Verifies mechanical strength and elongation properties.
- Electrical Conductivity Testing: Ensures compliance with minimum conductivity standards.
- Dimensional Testing: Confirms adherence to specified wire diameters and tolerances.
Inspection Requirements:- Visual inspections for surface quality and finish uniformity.
- Tests to verify plating thickness (for tinned, silver, or nickel-plated wires).
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8. ConclusionThe **QQ-W-343G** standard provides comprehensive guidelines for uninsulated copper wire, ensuring quality and reliability for electrical and electronic applications. By adhering to the specified mechanical, electrical, and dimensional properties, manufacturers and users can ensure compliance and optimal performance.
Key Highlights:- Covers annealed, hard-drawn, and high-strength copper wires.
- Specifies bare, tinned, silver-plated, and nickel-plated finishes.
- Ensures high conductivity, tensile strength, and dimensional accuracy.
References: QQ-W-343G, copper wire manufacturing standards, and industry best practices.