International Electrotechnical Commission

Compression and mechanical connectors for power cables for rated voltages up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV)   Part 1: Test methods and requirements - Edition 2.0
 N 61238-1

Annotation

Scope and object

This part of IEC 61238 applies to compression and mechanical connectors for power cables for rated voltages up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV), e.g. buried cables or cables installed in buildings, having

a) conductors complying with IEC 60228 and IEC 60228A with cross-sectional areas 10 mm2 and greater for copper and 16 mm2 and greater for aluminum.

b) a maximum continuous conductor temperature not exceeding 90 °C.

This standard is not applicable to connectors for overhead conductors, which are designed for special mechanical requirements, or to separable connectors with a sliding contact or multi-core connectors (i.e. ring connectors).

Although it is not possible to define precisely the service conditions for all applications, two broad classes of connectors have been identified.

Class A

These are connectors intended for electricity distribution or industrial networks in which they can be subjected to short-circuits of relatively high intensity and duration. As a consequence, Class A connectors are suitable for the majority of applications.

Class B

These are connectors for networks in which overloads or short-circuits are rapidly cleared by the installed protective devices, e.g. fast-acting fuses.

Depending on the application, the connectors are subjected to the following tests: