UL 486C:2021 PDF Download

UL 486C:2021 standard provides requirements for single-polarity splicing wire and cable connectors used with copper, aluminum, or copper-clad aluminum conductors. The standard applies to connectors that hold multiple conductors, connectors used in appliances and equipment, connectors for use with 6 AWG or smaller conductors, uninsulated connectors used in circuits rated up to 8,000 V, connectors intended for use in air-handling spaces, and exothermically welded wire connectors.

The standard specifies the size ranges of conductors that the splicing wire connectors are suitable for. For aluminum conductors, the sizes range from 12 AWG to 6 AWG for solid, stranded, and single input wire (SIW) types. Copper-clad aluminum conductors have different restrictions depending on the country, with no allowance in Canada and Mexico, and specific size limitations in the United States.

Additionally, the standard covers various conductor combinations, including copper-to-copper, aluminum-to-aluminum, copper-clad aluminum-to-copper-clad aluminum, and combinations of copper-to-aluminum or copper-clad aluminum and aluminum-to-copper-clad aluminum for intermixing of conductors in dry locations.

The splicing wire connectors within the scope of this standard are suitable for currents that do not exceed the ampacity of insulated conductors rated 75 °C or 90 °C, based on the connector's rating.

It is important to note that the standard does not apply to certain types of connectors, such as insulated splicing connectors for high voltage levels, terminal wire connectors, wire binding screw terminals, built-in terminal connectors on devices rated less than 30 A, flat quick connect terminals, and soldering lugs.