Splicing Wire Connectors

UL 486C

1 Scope

1.1 This Standard applies to hand- or tool-applied splicing wire and cable connectors intended for use with all alloys of copper or aluminum conductors, or both, in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code Part I, C22.1, in Canada, the National Electrical Code, NFPA-70, in the United States of America, or the Standard for Electrical Installations, NOM-001-SEDE, in Mexico, as follows:

a) connectors intended to hold two or more conductor(s);

b) connectors intended for use in appliances and equipment that comply with the requirements for such appliances and equipment;

c) connectors intended for use with 6 AWG (13.3 mm2) or smaller conductors; and

d) uninsulated connectors that are used in circuits rated 8 000 V and less.

Note: Examples of splicing wire connectors include twist-on connectors, insulation-piercing or displacement connectors, spring-action connectors, tool-applied crimp, mechanical set-screw connectors, etc.

1.2 This Standard is intended for splicing wire connectors suitable for use with conductors in the size ranges as follows:

a) Aluminum:

1) 12 AWG (3.3 mm2) and 10 AWG (5.3 mm2) solid; and

2) 12 AWG (3.3 mm2) to 6 AWG (13.3 mm2) stranded, Class B concentric, compressed, and unidirectional lay compact.

In M°xico, the use of aluminum conductors is permitted only with thermoset insulation and for sizes of 6 AWG (13.3 mm2) and higher.

b) Copper:

1) 30 AWG (0.05 mm2) to 10 AWG (5.3 mm2) solid; and

2) 30 AWG (0.05 mm2) to 6 AWG (13.3 mm2) stranded, Class B concentric and compressed, and Class C concentric.

c) Compact-stranded copper conductors:

In Canada and Mexico, for 8 AWG (8.4 mm2) and 6 AWG (13.3 mm2).

In the United States this is not applicable.

d) Rigid (solid and stranded) metric wire falling within the ranges of the above AWG sizes.

Note: For example, a connector rated for 6 AWG (13.3 mm2) - 14 AWG (2.1 mm2) may be additionally rated for 10 - 2.5 mm2.

e) Other class and strand configurations as indicated by marking.

1.3 These requirements cover splicing wire connectors intended for:

a) copper-to-copper;

b) aluminum-to-aluminum;

c) copper-to-aluminum conductor combinations intended for intermixing of conductors and dry locations only; or

d) all of the above.

1.4 This Standard is intended for splicing wire connectors suitable for currents not exceeding the ampacity of insulated conductors rated 75 °C or 90 °C, in accordance with the rating of the connector.

1.5 This Standard does not apply to:

a) splicing wire connectors intended for direct burial;

b) insulated splicing wire connectors intended for use at voltage levels in excess of 600 V [1 000 V in a sign or luminaire];

c) terminal wire connectors;

d) wire binding screw terminals;

e) built-in terminal connectors on devices rated less than 30 A and intended for outlet box mounting or having provision for stress relief;

f) built-in terminal connectors on devices having integral cable clamps;

g) flat quick connect terminals; and

h) soldering lugs.