1 Scope

1.1 This Standard applies to single-polarity connectors for use with all alloys of copper or aluminum, or copper-clad aluminum conductors, or all three, for providing contacts between current-carrying parts, 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.

1. a) Pressure wire connectors intended to hold one 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) Soldering connectors;

4. d) Splicing wire connectors intended for use with 4 AWG (21.2 mm²) or larger conductors;

5. Note: A splicing wire and cable connector taking a range of conductor sizes may include conductor sizes smaller than 4 AWG (21.2 mm²).

6. e) Neutral bars;

7. f) Uninsulated connectors that are used in circuits rated 35 000 V and below;

8. g) Ampere-rated connectors not intended for general use;

9. h) Insulation piercing connectors; and

10. i) Exothermically welded wire connectors.; and

11. j) Pressure connectors and devices for splices and taps installed on service conductors.

1.1A Connectors covered by this Standard are also suitable for use with conductors that are prepared using ferrules evaluated in accordance with CSA C22.2 No. 291-14/UL 486F, or wire connector adapters evaluated in accordance with this Standard, under the following conditions:

1. a) Ferrules and adapters are applied in accordance with their ratings and installation instructions.

2. b) The length of exposed conductive material maintains the strip lengths required by the connector manufacturer.

1.2 This Standard is intended for 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 2 000 kcmil (1 010 mm²) stranded, Class B concentric, compressed, and compact; and

   3. 3) 12 AWG (3.3 mm²) to 1 000 kcmil (508 mm²) stranded single input wire (SIW).

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 2 000 kcmil (1 010 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 2 000 kcmil (1 010 mm²) stranded, Class B concentric and compressed, and Class C concentric.

4. d) Compact-stranded copper conductors:

   1. 1) In Canada for 8 AWG (8.4 mm²) and larger;

   2. 2) In the United States for 2 AWG (33.6 mm²) and larger; and

   3. 3) In Mexico for 8 AWG (8.4 mm²) and larger.

5. e) Rigid (solid and stranded) metric wire sizes, Classes 1, 2, 5, and 6, in the range of 0.5 – 2 500 mm², in addition to AWG/kcmil sizes, with AWG/kcmil 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.

   Note 2: For example, a connector rated for 6 AWG – 350 kcmil may be additionally rated for 16 – 185 mm². See Annex C for example.

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

1.3 This Standard is intended for 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, if provided.

1.4 These requirements cover insulated connectors, insulating caps, and covers intended for use at 2 000 volts or less and uninsulated connectors for use in general use circuits rated 35 000 volts nominal or less.

In Canada, uninsulated connectors may also be used in applications up to 5 000 volts phase-to-phase where allowed and installed in accordance with Section 36 of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, C22.1. For products intended for use in Canada, general requirements are given in CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 0.

1.5 This Standard does not apply to:

1. a) Insulated connectors for voltage levels above 2 000 V;

2. b) Manual twist-on connectors;

3. c) Built-in terminal connectors in devices rated less than 30 A intended for outlet box mounting or having provision for stress relief;

4. d) Flat quick connect terminals;

5. e) Wire binding screw terminals; and

6. f) Bare or covered ferrules intended for use with 1/0 – 20 AWG stranded copper conductors.

Summary of Topics

This revision of ANSI/UL 486A-486B dated July 20, 2023 includes the following changes in requirements:

• Insulating Covers During Stress Corrosion Tests; 9.12.1 and 9.13.1

• Addition of Stranding Table; 9.1.5.5, Annex G

• Revisions to Clarify Requirements Associated with Copper-Clad Aluminum and Revise Standard for Clarity and Usability; 4.5A, 7.1.1 – 7.1.6A, 7.1.8 – 7.1.10, 7.2.2, 7.2.3, 7.3.1, 8.2.4, 10.7, 10.8, 10.24, Table 6A and Table 15

• Addition of Testing Requirements for the Lineside of Service Rating; 1.1, Section 7.14, Section 8.14, Section 9.14, 10.43 and Annex H

• Corrections and Clarifications to UL 486A-486B; 2.1.2, Table 7, Table 8, Table 13, Table 14, Table 15, Table 16, Table 26, Table 27, A.1 and B.2

• Thermal Testing with Insulation Colors Other Than Black; 9.1.5.7, 9.1.5.7A and 9.1.5.7B

• Alternate Information Means; Table E.1 and 10.44