IEC 61238-1-2:2018 applies to insulation piercing connectors for power cables for rated voltages up to 1 kV (U_m = 1,2 kV), for example according to IEC 60502-1 or other buried cables and cables installed in buildings, having
a) conductors complying with IEC 60228 having nominal cross-sectional areas between 2,5 mm² and 300 mm² for copper and between 16 mm² and 500 mm² for aluminium,
b) a maximum continuous cable temperature not exceeding the insulation material properties.
This document is not applicable to connectors for overhead line conductors nor to connectors with a sliding contact.
The object of this document is to define the type test methods and requirements, which apply to insulation piercing connectors for power cables with copper or aluminium conductors. The reference method is to perform the tests on unused insulated conductors.
This first edition, together with IEC 61238-1-1 and IEC 61238-1-3, cancels and replaces IEC 61238-1:2003.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 61238­-1:2003:
a) The scope has been widened to cover connectors for conductors from 10 mm² down to 2,5 mm² and has been limited to 300 mm² for copper conductors and 500 mm² for aluminium conductors because test experience and applications for IPC are rare for conductors of larger cross-sectional areas.
b) A new mechanical class has been introduced to satisfy the demand for connectors subjected to no mechanical force.
c) The electrical test method has been updated in order to take into consideration the temperature of the insulated reference conductors.
d) For the short-circuit test, the method of calculation and requirements have been updated.
e) For the mechanical test, the methods and requirements have been updated.
f) Different test proposals for multicore connector testing have been introduced.
g) A test proposal for pre-conditioning using live load pickup for insulation piercing connectors has been introduced.