FprEN 1977
(Main)Copper and copper alloys - Copper drawing stock (wire rod)
General Information
- Abstract
This document specifies the composition, mechanical, electrical and physical properties for high conductivity copper drawing stock (wire rod) suitable for fabrication into wire by cold drawing, principally for the manufacture of electrical conductors. This documentcovers drawing stock (wire rod), in nine grades of copper and nine silver-bearing copper grades. Normally, the cross-section is approximately circular, in a range of diameters from 6 mm.
- Status
- Not Published
- Publication Date
- 10-Feb-2027
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 133 - Copper and copper alloys
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 133/WG 1 - Unwrought copper products
- Current Stage
- 4599 - Dispatch of FV draft to CMC - Finalization for Vote
- Start Date
- 24-Aug-2026
- Due Date
- 06-Jul-2027
- Completion Date
- 24-Aug-2026
Overview
FprEN 1977: Copper and Copper Alloys – Copper Drawing Stock (Wire Rod) is a European standard developed by CEN that outlines the requirements for copper drawing stock, also known as wire rod. This standard defines the composition, mechanical, electrical, and physical properties for high-conductivity copper drawing stock, which is intended for further processing into wire, especially for the production of electrical conductors. FprEN 1977 covers copper wire rod in nine grades of copper and nine grades of silver-bearing copper, generally with approximately circular cross-section in diameters starting from 6 mm.
Key Topics
- Material Grades: The standard specifies both copper and silver-bearing copper grades, each tailored to specific performance and processing requirements.
- Composition Requirements: Detailed limits are provided for elements and impurities, ensuring high electrical conductivity and suitability for cold drawing.
- Mechanical Properties: Hot-finished drawing stock must meet a minimum elongation value, ensuring ductility for wire manufacturing.
- Electrical Properties: Strict requirements for resistivity ensure reliability for electrical conductor applications, with values provided at 20 °C according to international standards.
- Testing and Sampling: Procedures for sampling, testing for elongation, resistivity, hydrogen embrittlement, annealability, and scale adhesion are specified for quality assurance.
- Dimensions and Tolerances: The standard includes tolerance tables for various nominal diameters to support precise manufacturing.
- Surface Condition: Wire rod can be supplied either as-manufactured or cleaned, with surface quality meeting requirements for direct cold drawing into wire.
Applications
FprEN 1977 is highly relevant to manufacturers and users in the electrical and electronics industry, as well as broader sectors where high-conductivity copper wire is required. Key applications include:
- Electrical Wire Production: The primary application is the fabrication of copper wire for electrical conductors used in power transmission, distribution, and electronic devices.
- Automotive and Transport: Copper wire produced from drawing stock is used in wiring harnesses, motors, and control systems within automotive and railway industries.
- Telecommunications: High-conductivity copper wire is critical for communication cables and infrastructure.
- Industrial Equipment: Copper wire is also employed in coils, transformers, and other electrical machinery requiring reliable conductivity and mechanical performance.
- Special Alloys: Silver-bearing copper grades offer enhanced mechanical properties for specific industrial uses, such as resistance to softening at elevated temperatures.
Related Standards
Several complementary standards are referenced in FprEN 1977, ensuring alignment with international best practices for copper conductors and products:
- EN 1976: Copper and copper alloys – Cast unwrought copper products
- EN 1978: Copper and copper alloys – Copper cathodes
- EN 13602: Copper and copper alloys – Drawn, round copper wire for the manufacture of electrical conductors
- EN ISO/IEC 17050-1 & 17050-2: Conformity assessment – Supplier's declaration of conformity and supporting documentation
- EN 10204: Metallic products – Types of inspection documents
- EN 12893: Determination of spiral elongation number (annealability testing)
- EN ISO 2626: Hydrogen embrittlement test for copper
- IEC 60468: Methods for measuring resistivity of metallic materials
Practical Value
Compliance with FprEN 1977 ensures that copper drawing stock meets the industry's stringent requirements for electrical performance, mechanical workability, and product consistency. This standard supports:
- Quality Assurance: Clear specifications for composition and properties help manufacturers deliver products ready for efficient wire drawing and electrical use.
- Product Traceability: Standardized marking, documentation, and conformity declarations facilitate procurement and supply chain management.
- International Trade: Harmonized European standards enable seamless movement and acceptance of copper drawing stock across borders.
- Process Optimization: Defined testing and sampling regimes support continuous improvement and reliable final product quality.
By following FprEN 1977, organizations can be confident in the suitability of their copper drawing stock for demanding electrical and industrial applications.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 08-Oct-2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
FprEN 1977 is a draft published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Copper and copper alloys - Copper drawing stock (wire rod)". This standard covers: This document specifies the composition, mechanical, electrical and physical properties for high conductivity copper drawing stock (wire rod) suitable for fabrication into wire by cold drawing, principally for the manufacture of electrical conductors. This documentcovers drawing stock (wire rod), in nine grades of copper and nine silver-bearing copper grades. Normally, the cross-section is approximately circular, in a range of diameters from 6 mm.
This document specifies the composition, mechanical, electrical and physical properties for high conductivity copper drawing stock (wire rod) suitable for fabrication into wire by cold drawing, principally for the manufacture of electrical conductors. This documentcovers drawing stock (wire rod), in nine grades of copper and nine silver-bearing copper grades. Normally, the cross-section is approximately circular, in a range of diameters from 6 mm.
FprEN 1977 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 77.150.30 - Copper products. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
FprEN 1977 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 1977:2013. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
FprEN 1977 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-2026
Baker in bakrove zlitine - Polizdelki za bakreno žico
Copper and copper alloys - Copper drawing stock (wire rod)
Kupfer und Kupferlegierungen - Vordraht aus Kupfer
Cuivre et alliages de cuivre - Fil machine en cuivre
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 1977
ICS:
77.150.30 Bakreni izdelki Copper products
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 1977
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
January 2026
ICS 77.150.30 Will supersede EN 1977:2013
English Version
Copper and copper alloys - Copper drawing stock (wire
rod)
Cuivre et alliages de cuivre - Fil machine en cuivre Kupfer und Kupferlegierungen - Vordraht aus Kupfer
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 133.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 1977:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
prEN 1977:2025 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Designations . 6
4.1 Material . 6
4.1.1 General. 6
4.1.2 Symbol . 6
4.1.3 Number . 7
4.2 Product . 7
5 Ordering information . 8
6 Requirements . 9
6.1 Composition . 9
6.2 Elongation . 9
6.3 Electrical properties . 9
6.4 Annealability . 15
6.5 Hydrogen embrittlement . 16
6.6 Scale adhesion . 16
6.7 Dimensions and tolerances . 16
6.8 Surface condition . 16
6.9 Joins . 16
7 Sampling . 17
7.1 General. 17
7.2 Analysis (oxygen only) and measurement of diameter of Cu-ETP1 (CW003A) drawing stock
............................................................................................................................................................................. 17
7.3 Annealability testing of Cu-ETP1 (CW003A) drawing stock . 17
7.4 Analysis (other than oxygen) and measurement of elongation and electrical properties of
Cu-ETP1 (CW003A) drawing stock . 17
7.5 Tests on drawing stock in grades other than Cu-ETP1 (CW003A) . 18
8 Test methods . 18
8.1 Analysis . 18
8.2 Elongation . 18
8.3 Electrical resistivity . 18
8.4 Annealability . 19
8.5 Hydrogen embrittlement . 19
8.6 Scale adhesion . 19
8.7 Rounding of results . 19
9 Declaration of conformity and inspection documentation. 20
9.1 Declaration of conformity . 20
9.2 Inspection documentation. 20
10 Marking . 20
prEN 1977:2025 (E)
Annex A (informative) Information on electrical resistivity and conductivity relationships . 21
Annex B (normative) Rapid Elongation Test method (AR-Test) for diameter 8 mm Cu-ETP1 wire
rod . 23
Bibliography . 26
prEN 1977:2025 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 1977:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 133 “Copper and
copper alloys”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This document will supersede EN 1977:2013.
prEN 1977:2025 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to EN 1977:2013:
a) References to EN 1655 have been replaced by EN ISO/IEC 17050-1 and EN ISO/IEC 17050-2.
b) Tables 1 and 2, limits have been defined for the oxygen content in oxygen-free coppers. Table 5 has
been revised accordingly.
c) Table 8, The sampling frequencies of some tests have been revised.
This document is one of a series of European Standards for products manufactured from refined copper
grades.
Other products are specified as follows:
— EN 1976, Copper and copper alloys — Cast unwrought copper products
— EN 1978, Copper and copper alloys — Copper cathodes
— EN 13602, Copper and copper alloys — Drawn, round copper wire for the manufacture of electrical
conductors
prEN 1977:2025 (E)
Introduction
Copper drawing stock (wire rod) is normally manufactured by one of the following process routes:
— continuous casting and hot rolling in tandem;
— continuous or semi-continuous casting and cold rolling;
— rolling of wire bar or billets; or
— extrusion.
Annex A (informative) gives information on the relationships between electrical resistivity and
conductivity (of copper).
Annex B (normative) describes the rapid elongation test method (AR-Test) for diameter 8 mm Cu-ETP1
wire rod.
prEN 1977:2025 (E)
1 Scope
This document specifies the composition, mechanical, electrical and physical properties for high
conductivity copper drawing stock (wire rod) suitable for fabrication into wire by cold drawing,
principally for the manufacture of electrical conductors. This documentcovers drawing stock (wire rod),
in nine grades of copper and nine silver-bearing copper grades. Normally, the cross-section is
approximately circular, in a range of diameters from 6 mm.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN ISO/IEC 17050-1, Conformity assessment — Supplier’s declaration of conformity — Part 1: General
requirements(ISO/IEC 17050-1))
EN ISO/IEC 17050-2, Conformity assessment — Supplier ́s declaration of conformity — Part 2: Supporting
documentation(ISO/IEC 17050-2)
EN 10204, Metallic products — Types of inspection documents
EN 12893, Copper and copper alloys — Determination of spiral elongation number
EN ISO 2626, Copper — Hydrogen embrittlement test (ISO 2626)
EN ISO 6892-1:2019, Metallic materials — Tensile testing — Part 1: Method of test at room temperature
(ISO 6892-1:2019)
IEC 60468, Method of measurement of resistivity of metallic materials
ISO 4746, Oxygen-free copper — Scale adhesion test
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
drawing stock
wire rod
intermediate solid wrought product, of uniform cross-section along its whole length, supplied in coils
4 Designations
4.1 Material
4.1.1 General
The material is designated either by symbol or number (see Tables 1 to 4).
4.1.2 Symbol
The material symbol designation is based on the designation system given in ISO 1190-1.
prEN 1977:2025 (E)
NOTE Although material symbol designations used in this document might be the same as those in other
standards using the designation system given in ISO 1190-1, the detailed composition requirements are not
necessarily the same.
4.1.3 Number
The material number designation is in accordance with the system given in EN 1412.
4.2 Product
The product designation provides a standardized pattern of designation from which a rapid and
unequivocal description of a product is conveyed in communication. It provides mutual comprehension
at the international level with regard to products which meet the requirements of the relevant European
Standard.
The product designation is no substitute for the full content of the standard.
The product designation for products to this documentshall consist of:
— denomination (copper drawing stock);
— number of this document(EN 1977);
— material designation, either symbol or number (see Tables 1 to 4);
— nominal diameter;
— nominal coil mass;
— surface condition (the following designations shall be used, as appropriate: M for as manufactured,
CL for cleaned).
The derivation of a product designation is shown in the following example.
EXAMPLE
Drawing stock (wire rod) conforming to this document, in material designated either Cu-ETP or CW004A, nominal
diameter 8 mm, in 1 000 kg coils, cleaned surface condition, shall be designated as follows:
prEN 1977:2025 (E)
5 Ordering information
In order to facilitate the enquiry, order and information of order procedures between the purchaser and
the supplier, the purchaser shall state on his enquiry and order the following information:
a) quantity of product required (mass or number of coils);
b) denomination (copper drawing stock);
c) number of this document(EN 1977);
d) material designation (see Tables 1 to 4);
e) nominal diameter;
f) nominal coil mass;
g) surface condition (see 6.8).
It is recommended that the product designation as described in 4.2 is used for items b) to g).
In addition, the purchaser shall also state on the enquiry and order any of the following, if required:
h) whether joins are permitted in the coils (see 6.9);
i) additional tests, if any, which the purchaser requires to be carried out by the manufacturer on the
material, selected from the tests appropriate to each copper grade given in Table 5;
j) whether a declaration of conformity is required (see 9.1);
k) whether an inspection document is required, and if so which type (see 9.2).
EXAMPLE
Ordering details for 5 000 kg of drawing stock conforming to EN 1977, in material designated either Cu-ETP or
CW004A, nominal diameter 8 mm, in 1 000 kg coils, cleaned surface condition:
5 000 kg Copper drawing stock EN 1977 – Cu-ETP – 8 – 1 000 – CL
prEN 1977:2025 (E)
or
5 000 kg Copper drawing stock EN 1977 – CW004A – 8 — 1 000 – CL
6 Requirements
6.1 Composition
The composition shall conform to the requirements for the appropriate grade given in Tables 1 to 4.
6.2 Elongation
Hot-finished drawing stock shall have a minimum elongation of 30 %. The test shall be carried out in
accordance with 8.2.
No elongation requirements are specified for cold-finished drawing stock. If such requirements are
necessary, they should be agreed between the purchaser and the supplier.
6.3 Electrical properties
The maximum volume resistivity at 20 °C of hot-finished drawing stock shall conform to the appropriate
requirements given in Table 6. The test shall be carried out in accordance with 8.3.
prEN 1977:2025 (E)
Composition % (mass fraction)
Material
Elements
designation
listed in this
Cu Ag As Bi Cd Co Cr Fe Mn Ni O P Pb S Sb Se Si Sn Te Zn
table other
than copper
Symbol Number
Cu-ETP1 CW003A min. − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − O
a c a a c a c c b c
− − 0,001 − 0,040 − 0,000 0,001 0,000 − 0,000 20 − 0,006 5
max. − 0,002 0,000 0,000 − − 0,000 −
a b c a b
5 5 20 0 5 5 4 20
Cu-OF1 CW007A min. − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − O
a c a a c a c c b c
max. − 0,002 0,000 0,000 − − − 0,001 − − −0,000 − 0,000 0,001 0,000 0,000 − − 0,000 20 − 0,006 5
a b c a b
5 5 20 0 5 5 5 4 20
Cu-OFE CW009A min. 99,99 − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − −
0,002 0,000 0,000 0,000 0,001 −0,000 0,000 0,000 0,001 0,000 0,000
max. − − − 0,0005 0,0010 − 0,000 2 0,000 20 0,000 1 −
5 5 20 1 0 5 3 5 5 4 20
Cu-PHCE CW022A min. 99,99 − − − − − − − − − − 0,001 − − − − − − − − − −
d
0,006 0,000 0,001 0,000 0,000 − 0,000 2 0,000 20 0,000 1 −
max. − 0,002 0,000 0,000 0,000 − − 0,001 0,0005 0,0010 −
5 5 20 1 0 5 5 4 20
a
(As + Cd + Cr + Mn + P + Sb) max. 0,001 5 %.
b
(Bi + Se + Te) max. 0,000 3 %, of which (Se + Te) max. 0,000 30 %.
c
(Co + Fe + Ni + Si + Sn + Zn) max. 0,002 0 %.
d
The oxygen content shall be controlled by the manufacturer so that the material conforms to the hydrogen embrittlement requirements.
Element
total
excluding
prEN 1977:2025 (E)
Table 2 — Composition of copper grades, other than those made from Cu-CATH-1 (CR001A)
Composition % (mass fraction)
Material designation
Elemen other elements
a
Cu Bi O Pb
t (see Note)
Symbol Number total excluding
Cu-ETP CW004A min. 99,90 — — — — Ag, O
b
max. — 0,000 5 0,040 0,005 0,03
Cu-FRHC CW005A min. 99,90 — — — — Ag, O
b c
max. — — 0,040 — 0,06
Cu-OF CW008A min. 99,95 — — — — Ag
max. — 0,001 — 0,001 0,005 0,03
NOTE The total of other elements (than copper) is defined as the sum of Ag, As, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, O,
P, Pb, S, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, Te and Zn, subject to the exclusion of any individual elements indicated.
a
Including silver, up to a maximum of 0,015 %.
b
Oxygen content up to 0,060 % is permitted, subject to agreement between the purchaser and the supplier.
c
Higher total impurities content is permitted, subject to agreement between the purchaser and the supplier.
Table 3 — Composition of phosphorus-containing copper grades
Composition % (mass fraction)
Material designation
other elements
a
Element Cu Bi P Pb
(see Note)
Symbol Number total excluding
Cu-PHC CW020A min. 99,95 — 0,001 — — Ag, P
b
max. — 0,000 5 0,006 0,005 0,03
Cu-HCP CW021A min. 99,95 — 0,002 — — Ag, P
b
max — 0,000 5 0,007 0,005 0,03
NOTE The total of other elements (than copper) is defined as the sum of Ag, As, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, O,
P, Pb, S, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, Te and Zn, subject to the exclusion of any individual elements indicated.
a
Including silver, up to a maximum of 0,015 %.
b
The oxygen content shall be controlled by the manufacturer so that the material conforms to the hydrogen
embrittlement requirements.
prEN 1977:2024 (E)
Table 4 — Composition of silver-containing copper grades (silver-bearing coppers)
Composition % (mass fraction)
Material designation
other elements
Element Cu Ag Bi O P
(see Note)
excludin
Symbol Number total
g
CuAg0,04 CW011A min. Rem. 0,03 — — — — Ag, O
max. — 0,05 0,000 5 0,040 — 0,03
CuAg0,07 CW012A min. Rem. 0,06 — — — — Ag, O
max. — 0,08 0,000 5 0,040 — 0,03
CuAg0,10 CW013A min. Rem. 0,08 — − — — Ag, O
max. — 0,12 0,000 5 0,040 — 0,03
CuAg0,04P CW014A min. Rem. 0,03 — — 0,001 — Ag, P
a
max. — 0,05 0,000 5 — 0,007 0,03
CuAg0,07P CW015A min. Rem. 0,06 — — 0,001 — Ag, P
a
max. — 0,08 0,000 5 — 0,007 0,03
CuAg0,10P CW016A min. Rem. 0,08 — — 0,001 — Ag, P
a
max. — 0,12 0,000 5 — 0,007 0,03
CuAg0,04(OF) CW017A min. Rem. 0,03 — — — — Ag, O
a
— 0,006 5
max. — 0,05 0,000 5 —
CuAg0,07(OF) CW018A min. Rem. 0,06 — — — — Ag, O
a
max. — 0,08 0,000 5 — — 0,006 5
CuAg0,10(OF) CW019A min. Rem. 0,08 — — — — Ag, O
a
max. — 0,12 0,000 5 — — 0,006 5
NOTE The total of other elements (than copper) is defined as the sum of Ag, As, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, O,
P, Pb, S, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, Te and Zn, subject to the exclusion of any individual elements indicated.
a
The oxygen content shall be controlled by the manufacturer so that the material conforms to the hydrogen
embrittlement requirements.
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