Back to Aluminum Bus Pipe
Schedule 120
Schedule 120 Aluminum Bus Pipe Bus Pipe
ANSI Schedule 120 Bus Pipe
Overview
Schedule 120 aluminum bus pipe has the heaviest standard wall thickness, providing the highest current-carrying capacity and maximum mechanical strength of any standard pipe schedule. It is specified for the most demanding applications — extreme span lengths, heavy ice and wind loading zones, high-ampacity circuits, and critical infrastructure where seamless integrity is paramount. Schedule 120 is typically available in sizes 4" and larger and is manufactured per ASTM B241.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Alloy | 6063-T6 or 6061-T6 | — |
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance | — |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.45% | 0.90% |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.20% | 0.60% |
Alloy Designations
ANSISchedule 120
ASTMB241
TypeDouble Extra Strong
Mechanical Properties
Typical Nominal Sizes4" to 8"
Wall Thickness (4")0.437"
Wall Thickness (6")0.562"
Wall Thickness (8")0.718"
Weight per foot (higher than Schd 80)Varies by size
Physical Properties
SpecificationASTM B241
Common Alloys6063-T6, 6061-T6
Conductivity (6063-T6)53% IACS
Conductivity (6061-T6)43% IACS
Density0.098 lb/in³
Typical Applications
- Maximum ampacity bus conductor applications
- Extreme-span substation bus runs
- Critical infrastructure requiring maximum seamless integrity
- Heavy ice and wind loading zones
- High-voltage transmission substations
Fabrication & Joining
- Heaviest standard wall — specialized bending equipment required
- Maximum current capacity of any standard schedule
- Typically available in sizes 4" and larger
- Welded connections recommended
- Consult engineer for seamless calculations