Copper Alloy C16200

General Characteristics

C16200 offers a unique combination of high tensile strength and high electrical conductivity in wire for an industry where these properties are generally considered incompatible and diametrically opposed. The cadmium noticeably increases the copper’s strength and resistance to softening and stress relaxation with minimal decrease in its electrical conductivity. It also produces an alloy noted for its malleability and toughness and spring quality.

Because of its good strength and wear resistance, C16200 was used for low load transmission lines in rural areas for its earliest application. Here, line loss due to the lower conductivity of this alloy was offset by the added tensile strength which required fewer poles between spans, thus lower cost per mile of line. Today, it is commonly used to make trolley wire.

Typical Chemical Composition

Physical Properties

Mechanical Properties

Specifications

• ASTM – B9, B105