CSA C22.2 No. 188:23

1 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. 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; e) Connectors intended for use in air-handling spaces; and f) Exothermically welded wire connectors. Note: Examples of splicing wire connectors include twist-on connectors, insulation-piercing or displacement connectors, springaction 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 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. Note 1: Metric wire sizes are based on the IEC Standard for Conductors of Insulated Cables, IEC 60228. 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. 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 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