CSA C22.2 NO. 188:18 (R2022)

Preface:

This is the harmonized ANCE, CSA Group, and UL standard for Splicing Wire Connectors. It is the fourth edition of NMX-J-548-ANCE, the fourth edition of CSA C22.2 No. 188, and the seventh edition of UL 486C. This harmonized standard has been jointly revised on October 4, 2019. For this purpose, CSA Group and UL are issuing revision pages dated October 4, 2019, and ANCE is issuing a new edition dated October 4, 2019.

This standard has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group.

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, 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) Connectors intended to hold two or more conductor(s);
b) Connectors intended for use in appliances and equipment that comply with the requirements for such appliances and equipment;
c) Connectors intended for use with 6 AWG (13.3 mm²) or smaller conductors;
d) Uninsulated connectors that are used in circuits rated 8 000 V and less; and
e) Connectors intended for use in air-handling spaces.
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:
a) Aluminum:
     1) 12 AWG (3.3 mm²) and 10 AWG (5.3 mm²) solid;
     2) 12 AWG (3.3 mm²) to 6 AWG (13.3 mm²) stranded, Class B concentric, compressed, and compact; and
3) 12 AWG (3.3 mm²) to 6 AWG (13.3 mm²) stranded single input wire (SIW). In Mexico, the use of aluminum conductors is permitted only with thermoset insulation and for sizes of 6 AWG (13.3 mm²) and higher.
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 6 AWG (13.3 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 6 AWG (13.3 mm²) stranded, Class B concentric and compressed, and Class C concentric.
d) Compact-stranded copper conductors:
     In Canada and Mexico, for 8 AWG (8.4 mm²) and 6 AWG (13.3 mm²).      In the United States this is not applicable.
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 (13.3 mm²) – 14 AWG (2.1 mm²) may be additionally rated for 10 – 2.5 mm².
f) Other class and strand configurations as indicated by marking.

1.3
These requirements cover splicing wire connectors intended for:
a) Copper-to-copper;
b) Aluminum-to-aluminum;
c) Copper-clad aluminum-to-copper-clad aluminum;
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
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
For products intended for use in Canada, general requirements are given in CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 0.

1.6
This Standard does not apply to:
a) Insulated splicing wire connectors intended for use at voltage levels in excess of 2 000;
b) Terminal wire connectors;
c) Wire binding screw terminals;
d) Built-in terminal connectors on devices rated less than 30 A and intended for outlet box mounting or having provision for stress relief;
e) Built-in terminal connectors on devices having integral cable clamps;
f) Flat quick connect terminals; and
g) Soldering lugs.