Wire connectors

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.

a) pressure wire connectors intended to hold one or more conductor(s);

b) connectors intended for use in appliances and equipment that comply with the requirements for such appliances and equipment;

c) soldering connectors;

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

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

e) neutral bars;

f) uninsulated connectors that are used in circuits rated 35 000 V and below;

g) ampere-rated connectors not intended for general use; and

h) insulation piercing connectors.


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

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

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

d) Compact-stranded copper conductors

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

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

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

e) Rigid (solid and stranded) metric wire falling within the ranges of the above AWG sizes.

   Note: For example, a connector rated for 6 AWG - 250 kcmil may be additionally rated for 16 - 120 mm2.

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 In the United States and Mexico, these requirements cover insulated connectors, insulating caps, and covers intended for use at 600 volts or less (1 000 volts in a sign or luminaire) and uninsulated connectors for use in general use circuits rated 2 000 volts nominal or less.

In Canada, these requirements cover insulated connectors, insulating caps, and covers intended for use at 600 volts or less (1 000 volts in a sign or luminaire) and uninsulated connectors for circuits rated 2 000 volts phase-to-phase or less. 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.


1.5 This standard also applies to uninsulated connectors (both terminal and splicing types) for use in circuits rated 35 000 volts or less.


1.6 This Standard does not apply to:

a) insulated connectors for voltage levels above 600 V (1 000 V in a sign, lighting fixture, or luminaire);

b) manual twist-on connectors;

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

d) flat quick connect terminals; and

e) wire binding screw terminals