IEC 61238-1-2-2018 PDF

Full title and description

St IEC 61238-1-2-2018 — Compression and mechanical connectors for power cables - Part 1-2: Test methods and requirements for insulation piercing connectors for power cables for rated voltages up to 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV) tested on insulated conductors. This document defines type test methods and performance requirements for insulation‑piercing connectors (IPC) intended for use on insulated copper or aluminium power cable conductors.

Abstract

This standard specifies test procedures and acceptance criteria for insulation‑piercing connectors for power cables with rated voltages up to 1 kV (Um = 1.2 kV). It covers electrical, thermal and mechanical tests (including contact resistance, temperature‑rise, short‑circuit, tensile and environmental/aging pre‑conditioning) carried out on insulated reference conductors to verify connector performance and suitability for intended service. The document narrows conductor size ranges, introduces a no‑mechanical‑force class, updates electrical and short‑circuit test methods, and provides guidance for multicore connector testing and live‑load pre‑conditioning.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: 8 May 2018 (1st edition)
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
• ICS / categories: 29.060.20 (Cables)
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0, 2018
• Number of pages: 55

Scope

Applies to insulation piercing connectors for power cables for rated voltages up to 1 kV (Um = 1.2 kV) tested on insulated conductors. Typical cable conductor ranges covered are nominal cross‑sectional areas between 2.5 mm² and 300 mm² for copper and between 16 mm² and 500 mm² for aluminium. The standard is intended for buried and in‑building cables (for example those conforming to IEC 60502‑1). It excludes connectors for overhead line conductors and connectors with sliding contacts. Tests are type tests performed on unused insulated reference conductors unless otherwise specified; additional tests may be required for special service conditions.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of electrical classes (e.g., Class A — for networks subject to relatively high short‑circuit stresses; Class B — for networks where faults are rapidly cleared).
• Definition of mechanical classes, including a new Class 0 for connectors subjected to practically no mechanical pull‑out force.
• Contact resistance measurement and limits (direct and indirect resistance measurement procedures).
• Temperature‑rise / heating tests on insulated conductors taking conductor temperature into account.
• Short‑circuit test procedures, calculation methods and acceptance criteria for peak and thermal withstand.
• Mechanical tests including axial tensile (pull‑out) and mechanical endurance requirements.
• Environmental and ageing pre‑conditioning options (including a proposal for live‑load pre‑conditioning for IPCs).
• Specific test procedures and proposals for multicore connector testing.
• Requirements for test reports and criteria for when type tests must be repeated (e.g., after design or material changes).

Typical use and users

Used by connector designers and manufacturers, cable and accessory test laboratories, utility engineering and procurement teams, standards writers, certification bodies and regulatory authorities. Typical applications include selection and type‑approval of IPCs for LV distribution networks, service connections and embedded installations where insulated conductors are used.

Related standards

Standards and documents commonly referenced together with IEC 61238‑1‑2:2018 include IEC 61238‑1‑1 and IEC 61238‑1‑3 (other parts of the IEC 61238 series), the superseded IEC 61238‑1:2003, IEC 60502‑1 (power cable specifications), IEC 60228 (conductors — nominal cross‑sections and conductor classes), and relevant EN variants (EN IEC 61238‑1‑2) adopted by regional bodies.

Keywords

insulation piercing connector, IPC, power cable connector, low voltage, 1 kV, test methods, contact resistance, temperature rise, short‑circuit test, tensile strength, type test, IEC 61238

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is IEC 61238‑1‑2:2018 — the part of IEC 61238 that specifies test methods and requirements for insulation‑piercing connectors for power cables up to 1 kV, intended as type‑test requirements for manufacturers and test laboratories.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers electrical, thermal, mechanical and environmental/type tests performed on insulation‑piercing connectors tested on insulated reference conductors, and sets acceptance criteria and classes for typical LV distribution applications.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Connector and cable manufacturers, independent test laboratories, utilities, procurement/specification engineers, certification bodies and standards committees use it for product development, type approval and procurement specifications.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 61238‑1‑2 is the published 1st edition dated 8 May 2018 and replaced the earlier IEC 61238‑1:2003 for the scope covered. The IEC entry lists a stability validity year of 2026; for absolute current status or any amendments/withdrawals after 25 February 2026, consult the IEC webstore or national standards body for the latest status.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 1‑2 of the IEC 61238 series (compression and mechanical connectors for power cables). Related parts include IEC 61238‑1‑1 and IEC 61238‑1‑3 which together restructure and replace the older Part 1 (2003) by splitting requirements across subparts.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Insulation‑piercing connector, IPC, compression connector, power cable connector, low voltage, contact resistance, short‑circuit test, temperature rise, tensile, type test, IEC 61238.