Back to Aluminum Bus Pipe
Schedule 80
Schedule 80 Aluminum Bus Pipe Bus Pipe
ANSI Schedule 80 Bus Pipe
Overview
Schedule 80 aluminum bus pipe features a heavier wall thickness than Schedule 40, providing higher current-carrying capacity and greater mechanical strength. It is specified for applications requiring higher ampacity, longer unsupported spans, or increased seamless integrity. Schedule 80 pipe in 6063-T6 alloy can carry significantly more current — for example, a 6" Schedule 80 pipe carries approximately 4,891 Amps (outdoor) compared to 4,064 Amps for Schedule 40. The trade-off is increased weight and cost.
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 80 (S80)
ASTMB241
TypeExtra Strong / Heavy Wall
Mechanical Properties
Nominal Pipe Sizes1" to 8"
Wall Thickness (3")0.300"
Wall Thickness (4")0.337"
Wall Thickness (6")0.432"
Weight (3" 6063-T6)3.547 lb/ft
Weight (6" 6063-T6)9.884 lb/ft
Current Rating (6" outdoor)~4,891 Amps (6063-T6)
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
- High-ampacity substation bus conductor
- Long-span unsupported bus runs
- Heavy-duty power distribution
- Applications requiring increased mechanical strength
- Outdoor installations with wind/ice loading
Fabrication & Joining
- Heavier wall requires larger bending equipment
- Higher current capacity than Schedule 40 at same nominal size
- Welded or compression-fit connections
- Available in 20' random lengths
- Consult manufacturer for wall thickness by nominal size