Analysis of Key Technical Differences Between Copper Conductors for Cables in American Standards and Chinese National Standard

To clarify core technical differences between American and Chinese national standards for copper conductors used in cables, and to support cross-standard product design, inspection and certification, and technical specification interpretation, a comparative analysis was conducted focusing on conductor structure classification system and DC resistance calculation method. In terms of structure classification, details such as stranding processes and conductor structures were precisely defined by American standards, which was adapted to the segmented industrial demands of the US market. Conversely, a broad framework was constructed by Chinese national standard without detailing the regulations on stranding structures, and its macroscopic classification logic was compatible with large-scale and universal application scenarios of China's cable industry. In terms of DC resistance calculation, multi-dimensional correction factors were adopted by Chinese national standard to integrate factors such as material properties and cabling processes, and calculation results directly corresponded to finished conductors. In contrast, stranding increment was taken as the core correction term by American standards, focusing on the impact of stranding structure on DC resistance, and calculation results were nominal values for uncabled conductors. Furthermore, differences were also found between the two sets of standards in aspects such as correction method for DC resistance calculation of tin-coated copper conductors and the maximum DC resistance constraints. It was indicated that analysis results could provide a reference for research, development and design personnel to conduct precise design when facing different market or customer requirements, and could also serve as a basis for conductor structure optimization in combination with correlation rules between conductor structure and resistance characteristics.