UL 486C Ed. 8-2023

Splicing Wire Connectors - Published Date: February 21, 2025

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.  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.  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 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.  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 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.