UL 486C

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, CSA 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;

e) Connectors intended for use in air-handling spaces; and

f) Exothermically welded wire connectors.

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.

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 sizes, Classes 1, 2, 5, and 6, in the range of 0.5 – 10 mm², in addition to AWG sizes, with AWG ratings mandatory and metric wire ratings optional.

Note 1: Metric wire sizes are based on the IEC Standard for Conductors of Insulated Cables, IEC 60228.

Note 2: 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. See Annex C for example.

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

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.

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.

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.