What is BS EN IEC 61238-1-1-Compression and mechanical connectors for cables about?
BS EN IEC 61238-1-1 is an international standard on electric cable accessories that applies to compression and mechanical connectors for power cables for rated voltages up to 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV), for example, buried cables or cables installed in buildings, having:
- Conductors complying with IEC 60228 having nominal cross-sectional areas between 2,5 mm2 and 1 200 mm2 for copper and between 16 mm2 and 1 200 mm2 for aluminium
- A maximum continuous conductor temperature not exceeding 90 °C.
BS EN IEC 61238-1-1 is not applicable to connectors for overhead line conductors nor to connectors with a sliding contact.
BS EN IEC 61238-1-1 object is to define the type test methods and requirements which apply to compression and mechanical connectors for power cables with copper or aluminium conductors. The reference method is to perform the tests on unused conductors.
Who is BS EN IEC 61238-1-1-Compression and mechanical connectors for cables for?
BS EN IEC 61238-1-1 on compression and mechanical connectors are relevant to:
- Power cable and electrical connector manufacturers
- Construction industr
- Electronics industry
- Electrical and civil engineers
Why should you use BS EN IEC 61238-1-1?
Compression connectors are for one-time use while mechanical connectors are used to ground electrical installations. The object of the electrical and mechanical tests specified in BS EN IEC 61238-1-1 is to prove the suitability of connectors for most operating conditions.
When a design of connector meets the requirements of BS EN IEC 61238-1-1, then it is expected that in service:
- The resistance of the connection remains stable, within specified limits
- The temperature of the connector can be of the same order or less than that of the conductor during current heating
- If the intended use demands it, application of short-circuit currents cannot affect the above-mentioned parameters
- Independently from the electrical performance, conforming axial tensile strength can ensure an acceptable mechanical performance for the connections to the cable conductors, when applicable
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN IEC 61238-1-1:2019 replaces IEC 61238-1:2003 and some technical changes are:
- The scope has been widened to cover connectors for copper conductors from 10 mm2 down to 2,5 mm2 and has been limited to 1 200 mm2 for connectors for copper and aluminium conductors because test experience and applications are rare for conductors of larger cross-sectional areas
- Two new mechanical classes have been introduced to satisfy the demand for connectors subjected to no mechanical force and for connectors subjected to higher mechanical forces than those specified in Class 1 for conductors of larger cross-sectional areas
- For the electrical test, a maximum elevated heating current has been set in order to avoid unrealistic current densities during testing which may change the properties of tested connectors
- For the short-circuit test, the method of calculation and requirements have been updated
- For the mechanical test, the methods and requirements have been updated
