This specification covers the fabrication of new wire-bound general purpose panelboard shipping boxes for use as containers for domestic and overseas shipment of materials and supplies. This specification does not include wirebound box performance under all atmosphere, handling, shipping, and storage conditions. Methods other than those detailed here may be used for the construction of the boxes, provided, that the finished products are of equal or better performance than those produced using the recommended procedures. The boxes are grouped into three types according to the load each box can carry, three classes according to shipment specifications, three styles, and two grades. It is recommended that the boxes be made from recycled materials, lumber, wires, and fasteners that meet the requirements of this specification. Each box side and joint should be assembled according to the recommended procedures.

1.1 This specification covers the fabrication of new wirebound general purpose (GP) panelboard (hereafter referred to as wirebound boxes) shipping boxes intended for use as containers for domestic and overseas shipment of general materials and supplies, not exceeding 500 lb [226.8 kg] for class 1 domestic, 400 lb [181.4 kg] for Class 2 overseas shipments or 300 lb [136.0 kg] for Class 3 extreme distribution hazard conditions or military contingency purposes.

1.2 Wirebound box performance is dependent on its fabricated components; therefore, a variety of types, classes, styles, and treatments reflecting varied performance are specified. This specification does not cover wirebound box performance under all atmosphere, handling, shipping, and storage conditions. Wirebound boxes in compliance with Hazardous Material Modal Regulations or United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) are found in the Supplementary Requirements.

1.3 The use of other construction methods or techniques are acceptable and shall be permitted, provided the resulting packaging systems are of equal or better performance than would result from the use of these specified materials and procedures. The appropriate Practice D 4169 distribution cycle(s) can be used to develop comparative procedures and criteria.

1.4 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The SI values given in brackets are mathematical. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. See IEEE/SI 10 for conversion of units.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.