UL 486A-486B:2021 PDF Download

The UL 486A-486B:2021 standard applies to single-polarity connectors used with copper or aluminum conductors, including copper-clad aluminum conductors. The standard covers various types of connectors, including pressure wire connectors, connectors for use in appliances and equipment, soldering connectors, splicing wire connectors for larger conductors, neutral bars, uninsulated connectors for circuits up to 35,000 V, ampere-rated connectors not intended for general use, and exothermically welded wire connectors.

The standard also specifies that the connectors can be used with conductors prepared using ferrules evaluated according to CSA C22.2 No. 291-14/UL 486F or wire connector adapters evaluated according to this standard. The conditions for use include following the ratings and installation instructions of the ferrules and adapters and maintaining the required strip lengths of exposed conductive material.

The standard defines the size ranges of conductors that the connectors are suitable for. This includes different sizes for aluminum, copper-clad aluminum (only in the United States), copper, compact-stranded copper conductors (with size restrictions in Canada, the United States, and Mexico), rigid metric wire, and other class and strand configurations as marked.

The connectors covered by the standard are suitable for currents that do not exceed the ampacity of insulated conductors rated 75°C or 90°C, according to the rating of the connector. The standard also covers insulated connectors, insulating caps, and covers for use at 2,000 volts or less, as well as uninsulated connectors for general use circuits rated up to 35,000 volts.

There are specific exclusions from the standard, including insulated connectors for voltage levels above 2,000 V, manual twist-on connectors, built-in terminal connectors in devices rated less than 30 A, flat quick connect terminals, wire binding screw terminals, and bare or covered ferrules intended for use with stranded copper conductors larger than 20 AWG.