Table of Contents

Abstract

Provides test methods and requirements for two broad classes of connectors suitable for copper conductors of 10 mm(sup)2(/sup) and greater, and aluminium conductors of 16 mm(sup)2(/sup) and greater. Class A connectors are intended for circuits which can be subjected to short circuits of relatively high duration and intensity. Class B connectors are intended for situations in which overloads or short circuits are restricted by protective devices. This Standard is technically equivalent to and reproduced from IEC 1238-1:1993.
RECONFIRMATION NOTICE
Technical Committee EL-004 has reviewed the content of this publication and in accordance with Standards Australia procedures for reconfirmation, it has been determined that the publication is still valid and does not require change.
Certain documents referenced in the publication may have been amended since the original date of publication. Users are advised to ensure that they are using the latest versions of such documents as appropriate, unless advised otherwise in this Reconfirmation Notice.
Approved for reconfirmation in accordance with Standards Australia procedures for reconfirmation on 22 July 2015.
Approved for reconfirmation in New Zealand on behalf of the Standards Council of New Zealand on 4 November 2016.
The following are represented on Technical Committee EL-004:
Association of Accredited Certification Bodies
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Australian Industry Group
Consumer Electronics Suppliers Association
Consumers Federation of Australia
Electrical Compliance Testing Association
Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council
Engineers Australia
International Accreditation New Zealand
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (NZ)
New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association
Office of Fair Trading (NSW)
Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia

Scope

This part of IEC 1238 applies to connectors for power cables, e.g. buried cables or cables in buildings.
a) These cables conform to the requirements of IEC 228 and IEC 228A with conductor cross-sections 10 mm2 and greater for copper and 16 mm2 and greater for aluminium.
b) The electrical test covers the current-carrying capacity of connectors for application at any voltage.
c) The maximum continuous conductor temperature is less than or equal to 90 ¦C.

This standard is not applicable to overhead conductors, which are designed for special mechanical requirements, or to separable connectors.

Although it is not possible to define precisely the service conditions for all applications, two broad classes of connectors have been identified.

Class A
These are connectors intended for electricity distribution or industrial networks in which they can be subjected to short circuits of relatively high intensity and duration. As a consequence class A connectors will be suitable for the majority of applications.

Class B
These are connectors for networks in which overloads or short circuits are rapidly restricted by the installed protective devices, e.g. fast-acting fuses.

Depending on the application, the connectors are subjected to the following tests:
Class A The connectors are subjected to heat cycles and short-circuit tests.
Class B The connectors are subjected to heat cycles only.

The object of this standard is to define the type test methods and requirements which apply to compression and mechanical connectors for power cables with copper or aluminium conductors.

General Product Information

Published
Document Type	Standard
Status	Current
Publisher	Standards Australia
ProductNote	Reconfirmed 16/12/2016. This standard has been reconfirmed in Australia in 2016 and remains current in New Zealand. Reconfirmation Notice 16/12/2016
Pages
ISBN
Committee	EL-004
Supersedes	DR 94100