This standard specifies the designation and chemical composition of various grades of unwrought copper, including cathode, tough pitch, oxygen-free, and phosphorus deoxidized copper. Engineers and manufacturers use this code to select and specify raw copper purity and impurity limits for electrical, plumbing, and general engineering applications.
Establishes a system for the designation of various grades of copper based on their chemical composition and purity.
Quick Reference Values
Purity of Cu-Cath-1 (Cathode Copper)99.99% Min
Purity of Cu-ETP (Electrolytic Tough Pitch)99.90% Min
Max Oxygen in Cu-OF (Oxygen Free Copper)0.0010%
Max Bismuth in Cu-ETP0.0005%
Max Lead in Cu-ETP0.005%
Practical Notes
For high conductivity electrical applications, Cu-ETP or Cu-OF grades must be explicitly specified to ensure the required minimum impurity levels.
Oxygen-free copper (Cu-OF) should be specified for applications involving heating in reducing atmospheres to prevent hydrogen embrittlement.
This 2007 revision amalgamated the previous 10 separate parts (from 1980) into a single comprehensive standard.