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, 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.

1. a) Connectors intended to hold two or more conductor(s);

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

3. c) Connectors intended for use with 6 AWG (13.3 mm²) or smaller conductors;

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

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

6. 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.

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

1. a) Aluminum:

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

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

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

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

2. b) Copper-clad aluminum:

   1. 1) In Canada, this construction is not allowed.

   2. 2) In Mexico, this construction is not allowed.

   3. 3) In the United States:

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

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

3. c) Copper:

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

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

4. d) Compact-stranded copper conductors:

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

   2. In the United States this is not applicable.

5. 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.

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

7. 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.

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

Summary of Topics

This Eighth Edition of ANSI/UL 486C dated June 30, 2023 includes clarification regarding insulating covers during stress corrosion tests, the addition of Annex G – Conductor Stranding and testing with metric and non-standard size conductors.