scope:

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.

1. a) Connectors intended to hold two or more conductor(s);
2. b) Connectors intended for use in appliances and equipment that comply with the requirements for such appliances and equipment;
3. c) Connectors intended for use with 6 AWG (13.3 mm²) or smaller conductors;
4. d) Uninsulated connectors that are used in circuits rated 8 000 V and less;
5. e) Connectors intended for use in air-handling spaces; and
6. 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:

1. a) Aluminum:
1. 1) 12 AWG (3.3 mm²) and 10 AWG (5.3 mm²) solid;
2. 2) 12 AWG (3.3 mm²) to 6 AWG (13.3 mm²) stranded, Class B concentric, compressed, and compact; and
3. 3) 12 AWG (3.3 mm²) to 6 AWG (13.3 mm²) stranded single input wire (SIW).
4. In Mexico, the use of aluminum conductors is permitted only with thermoset insulation and for sizes of 6 AWG (13.3 mm²) and higher.
2. b) Copper-clad aluminum:
1. 1) In Canada, this construction is not allowed.
2. 2) In Mexico, this construction is not allowed.
3. 3) In the United States:
1. i) 12 AWG (3.3 mm²) and 10 AWG (5.3 mm²) solid; and
2. ii) 12 AWG (3.3 mm²) to 6 AWG (13.3 mm²) stranded, Class B concentric, compressed, and Class C concentric.
3. c) Copper:
1. 1) 30 AWG (0.05 mm²) to 10 AWG (5.3 mm²) solid; and
2. 2) 30 AWG (0.05 mm²) to 6 AWG (13.3 mm²) stranded, Class B concentric and compressed, and Class C concentric.
4. d) Compact-stranded copper conductors:
1. In Canada and Mexico, for 8 AWG (8.4 mm²) and 6 AWG (13.3 mm²).
2. In the United States this is not applicable.
5. 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.
6. Note 1: Metric wire sizes are based on the IEC Standard for Conductors of Insulated Cables, IEC 60228.
7. 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.
8. f) Other class and strand configurations as indicated by marking.

1.3 These requirements cover splicing wire connectors intended for:

1. a) Copper-to-copper;
2. b) Aluminum-to-aluminum;
3. c) Copper-clad aluminum-to-copper-clad aluminum;
4. 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
5. 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:

1. a) Insulated splicing wire connectors intended for use at voltage levels in excess of 2 000;
2. b) Terminal wire connectors;
3. c) Wire binding screw terminals;
4. d) Built-in terminal connectors on devices rated less than 30 A and intended for outlet box mounting or having provision for stress relief;
5. e) Built-in terminal connectors on devices having integral cable clamps;
6. f) Flat quick connect terminals; and
7. g) Soldering lugs.