IEC 61238-1-1-2018 PDF

Full title and description

Compression and mechanical connectors for power cables - Part 1-1: Test methods and requirements for compression and mechanical connectors for power cables for rated voltages up to 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV) tested on non-insulated conductors. This part defines type test methods and requirements for compression and mechanical connectors intended for power cables with copper or aluminium conductors (tested on non‑insulated conductors).

Abstract

IEC 61238-1-1:2018 specifies electrical, short‑circuit and mechanical test procedures and acceptance criteria for compression and mechanical connectors used on non‑insulated power cable conductors for rated voltages up to 1 kV (U m = 1,2 kV). It covers conductor size ranges and conductor temperature limits, introduces new mechanical classes and updates electrical and short‑circuit test methods compared with the 2003 edition.

General information

• Status: Published / Active (stable document; listed as current IEC publication).
• Publication date: 8 May 2018 (approved/published May 2018).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 29.060.20 (Cables).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2018).
• Number of pages: 41 pages (English single‑language); 81 pages (bilingual English/French edition).

Scope

This document applies to compression and mechanical connectors for power cables for rated voltages up to 1 kV (U m = 1,2 kV), for example buried cables or cables installed in buildings, for conductors complying with IEC 60228 within the nominal cross‑sectional ranges indicated (copper typically from 2.5 mm2 up to 1 200 mm2; aluminium from 16 mm2 up to 1 200 mm2) and with maximum continuous conductor temperature not exceeding 90 °C. It excludes connectors for overhead line conductors and connectors with sliding contacts. The reference test method is on unused (non‑insulated) conductors.

Key topics and requirements

• Defined electrical test procedures including resistance measurement and elevated‑heating tests with a capped heating current to avoid unrealistic current densities during testing.
• Short‑circuit test method and updated calculation requirements to verify connector performance under fault conditions.
• Mechanical test methods and mechanical classification (including two newly introduced mechanical classes to cover low and higher mechanical force applications).
• Conductor size and temperature limits for test applicability, and exclusion of overhead‑line and sliding‑contact connectors.
• Requirements for test reports and approval ranges including references to conductor standards (e.g., IEC 60228).

Typical use and users

Manufacturers and designers of compression and mechanical connectors, test laboratories, utility and distribution network engineers, procurement and quality teams, and regulatory bodies use this standard to verify connector performance for low‑voltage power cable installations (building wiring, buried distribution cables and similar applications). It is used to produce test reports supporting product approvals and conformity assessments.

Related standards

This first edition (IEC 61238-1-1:2018) forms part of the restructured IEC 61238 series and, together with IEC 61238-1-2:2018 and IEC 61238-1-3:2018, cancels and replaces IEC 61238-1:2003. The standard cross‑references conductor requirements in IEC 60228 and is related to the other IEC 61238 parts that address insulated conductors and higher voltage ranges.

Keywords

Compression connector, mechanical connector, power cable connector, test methods, short‑circuit test, electrical test, IEC 61238, low‑voltage connectors, conductor sizes, IEC 60228.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61238-1-1:2018 is an IEC international standard that specifies test methods and requirements for compression and mechanical connectors used on non‑insulated power cable conductors for rated voltages up to 1 kV (U m = 1,2 kV).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers type test procedures (electrical, short‑circuit and mechanical), acceptance criteria, conductor size and temperature limits, mechanical classes and exclusions (overhead line connectors and sliding contacts). The reference test method is on unused conductors.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Connector manufacturers, independent test houses, utilities, electrical installers, product certification bodies and in‑house R&D and quality assurance teams use the standard to demonstrate that connectors meet defined performance criteria for low‑voltage cable applications.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 61238-1-1:2018 is the current published edition for Part 1‑1 (published 8 May 2018). It and the companion parts (1‑2 and 1‑3) replaced IEC 61238-1:2003. The IEC listing shows the document as the 2018 edition and stable through the indicated stability period. Users should check national adoptions or amendments for country‑specific status.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. It is part of the IEC 61238 series (Part 1 split into 1‑1, 1‑2 and 1‑3 for different conductor/test situations and voltage ranges). The 2018 reissue reorganised Part 1 into these subparts and cancelled the 2003 consolidated Part 1.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Compression connector, mechanical connector, power cable, test methods, short‑circuit test, electrical test, IEC 61238, conductor sizes, low voltage.