EN 13601 Copper and Copper Alloys - Copper Rod, Bar and Wire for General Electrical Purposes

The European standard “EN 13601 Copper and copper alloys - Copper rod, bar and wire for general electrical purposes” describes the composition, electrical properties, and dimensional and form tolerances required for copper rod, bar and wire for general electrical purposes.

The cross-sections and size ranges are as follows:

Round, square and hexagonal bars with diameters or widths from 2 mm to 160 mm
Bar thickness from 2 mm to 40 mm and width from 3 mm to 250 mm
Round, square, hexagonal and rectangular wire in diameter or width from 2 mm to 25 mm, thickness from 0,5 mm to 12 mm and width from 1 mm to 250 mm.

Sampling procedures and test methods for verifying compliance with the requirements of this standard are also included in this standard. EN 13602 applies to drawn round, flat or tinned copper wire, single or stranded, for the production of electrical conductors.

For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply:

Bar refers to a flat product with a uniform rectangular cross-section throughout its length.
A bar is a straight product with a uniform cross-section throughout its length.
Wire refers to a coiled product with a uniform cross-section along its entire length. Rectangular wire may have rounded or sharp corners.
Deviation from circular form is the difference between the maximum and minimum diameters measured at any cross-section of a round product.

Although the material symbol definitions used in this standard are the same as those in other standards that use the designation system given in ISO 1190-1, the detailed composition requirements are not necessarily the same.

For the purposes of this standard, the following designations apply to the material state, in accordance with the system given in the EN 1173 standard:

D: Material condition for cold worked product without specified mechanical properties
H: Material state specified by the minimum hardness requirement value for the product with mandatory hardness requirements
R: Material condition specified by the minimum tensile strength requirement value for the product with mandatory tensile strength, 0,2 percent yield strength, and elongation requirements

Products in state H can be specified by either Vickers or Brinell hardness. The material state designation H is the same for both hardness testing methods. Complete conversion between the material conditions designated as H and R is not possible. The material state is specified by only one of the above designations.

A product description provides a standardized description pattern that allows for a quick and precise product description in communication. It facilitates mutual understanding at an international level regarding products that meet the requirements of the relevant European standard. The product description does not replace the full content of the standard. For products that meet this standard, the product description must consist of:

Nomenclature (rod, bar or wire)
Number of this standard (EN 13601)
Material description, symbol or number (included in the tables provided in the standard)
Material condition description (shown in the table provided in the standard)
Cross-sectional shape (the following designations should be used as appropriate: RND for round, SQR for square, HEX for hexagonal)
Nominal section dimensions:
- Round rod or wire: diameter
- Square or hexagonal rod or wire: interplanar width
- Rod or rectangular wire: thickness x width
Tolerance class for round, square or hexagonal bar or wire (shown in tables provided in the standard)
Corner type for square or hexagonal bar, rod or rectangular wire (the following designations should be used where appropriate: SH for sharp, RD for round, CE for semicircular edges)

To facilitate order inquiry, order and order confirmation processes between the buyer and the supplier, the buyer must specify the following information in his inquiry and order:

Quantity of product required (number of mass, rods or bars or coils of wire)
Noun (rod, bar, or wire)
Number of this standard (EN 13601)
Material description (included in the tables provided in the standard)
Material condition description (included in the tables provided in the standard)
Cross-sectional shape (round, square, hexagonal or rectangular)
Nominal dimensions (diameter, horizontal width or thickness x width)
Tolerance class for round, square or hexagonal bar or wire: Class A (minus tolerance only) or Class B (plus/minus tolerance)
Corner type
Required length for rod or bar
Type of coil for wire: crepe, cross winding, bundle or on a drum
Coil size requirements: inner or outer diameter and width or mass

Additionally, the buyer must specify and order any of the following in the request:

The test method to be used for hardness measurement, i.e. Brinell or Vickers, unless the test method is left to the discretion of the supplier
Whether sawn or trimmed ends are required
Whether special surface conditions are required
Whether a bend test is necessary
Whether form tolerances are required for the wire
Whether wire length is required
Whether sampling is necessary
Whether a declaration of conformity is required
Whether an inspection certificate is required and, if so, what type
Are there any special requirements for marking, packaging or labelling?

The EN 13601 standard is essential because it specifies requirements for copper and copper alloys in rod and wire form for general electrical purposes. This standard is considered important for the following reasons:

Electrical performance assurance: Copper is widely used in electrical applications due to its excellent conductivity. This standard ensures that copper materials meet defined electrical resistivity and conductivity values. This is crucial for the performance and safety of power cables, busbars, transformer windings, and electrical connectors.
Mechanical property consistency: This standard defines mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation, and dimensional tolerances. These specifications help manufacturers and engineers ensure structural reliability in both low-voltage and high-voltage systems.
Manufacturing and quality control: This standard provides a harmonized framework across the industry, enabling uniform manufacturing methods, better quality assurance, and easier inspection and testing. This standard streamlines the procurement process and reduces errors in product selection or application.
Interchangeability and compatibility: By complying with this standard, copper products from different suppliers become interchangeable, facilitating global trade and compatibility in international projects and facilities.
Standardized grades and conditions: This standard defines various grades and delivery conditions, including hardness conditions (soft, hard), surface finish, and heat treatment. This allows engineers to select exactly the right type of copper material for each application.

In short, the EN 13601 standard is necessary because it ensures the electrical, mechanical and dimensional reliability of copper products used in electrical systems.

Our organization, which has been supporting businesses across all sectors for years through a wide range of testing, measurement, analysis, and evaluation activities, has a strong team of employees who closely follow global developments in science and technology and are constantly improving themselves. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the EN 13601 Copper and copper alloys - Copper rod, bar, and wire for general electrical purposes standard.