1 Scope

1.1 This Standard applies to single-polarity, hand-, or tool-applied splicing wire and cable connectors intended for use with all alloys of copper, aluminum conductors, or copper-clad aluminum conductors, or all three, 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:

Note: Copper-clad aluminum conductors are for use only in the United States in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70.

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;

d) Uninsulated connectors that are used in circuits rated 8 000 V and less; and

e) Connectors intended for use in air-handling spaces.

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;

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

3) 12 AWG (3.3 mm²) to 6 AWG (13.3 mm²) stranded single input wire (SIW).

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

b) Copper-clad aluminum:

1) In Canada, this construction is not allowed.

2) In Mexico, this construction is not allowed.

3) In the United States:

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

ii) 12 AWG (3.3 mm²) to 6 AWG (13.3 mm²) stranded, Class B concentric, compressed, and Class C concentric.

c) 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.

d) 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.

e) 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.

f) 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-clad aluminum-to-copper-clad aluminum;

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

e) 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 For products intended for use in Canada, general requirements are given in CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 0.

1.6 This Standard does not apply to:

a) Insulated splicing wire connectors intended for use at voltage levels in excess of 2 000;

b) Terminal wire connectors;

c) Wire binding screw terminals;

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

e) Built-in terminal connectors on devices having integral cable clamps;

f) Flat quick connect terminals; and

g) Soldering lugs.

Summary of Topics

The revision of ANSI/UL 486C dated October 4, 2019 includes the following changes in requirements:

Clarify that Aluminum Test Conductors can be Compact, Compressed, or Concentric Stranding

Correction to Paragraph 9.2.3

Conductor Insulation Type