Provides test methods and requirements for two broad classes of connectors suitable for copper conductors of 10 mm(sup)2(/sup) and greater, and aluminium conductors of 16 mm(sup)2(/sup) and greater. Class A connectors are intended for circuits which can be subjected to short circuits of relatively high duration and intensity. Class B connectors are intended for situations in which overloads or short circuits are restricted by protective devices. This Standard is technically equivalent to and reproduced from IEC 1238-1:1993.

This part of IEC 1238 applies to connectors for power cables, e.g. buried cables or cables in buildings.a) These cables conform to the requirements of IEC 228 and IEC 228A with conductor cross-sections 10 mm2 and greater for copper and 16 mm2 and greater for aluminium.b) The electrical test covers the current-carrying capacity of connectors for application at any voltage.c) The maximum continuous conductor temperature is less than or equal to 90 ¦C.This standard is not applicable to overhead conductors, which are designed for special mechanical requirements, or to separable connectors.Although it is not possible to define precisely the service conditions for all applications, two broad classes of connectors have been identified.Class AThese are connectors intended for electricity distribution or industrial networks in which they can be subjected to short circuits of relatively high intensity and duration. As a consequence class A connectors will be suitable for the majority of applications.Class BThese are connectors for networks in which overloads or short circuits are rapidly restricted by the installed protective devices, e.g. fast-acting fuses.Depending on the application, the connectors are subjected to the following tests: Class A The connectors are subjected to heat cycles and short-circuit tests.Class B The connectors are subjected to heat cycles only.The object of this standard is to define the type test methods and requirements which apply to compression and mechanical connectors for power cables with copper or aluminium conductors.

First published as Joint Standard AS/NZS 4325.1:1995.Reconfirmed 2016. First published as Joint Standard AS/NZS 4325.1:1995. First published as Joint Standard AS/NZS 4325.1:1995. Incorporating Amendment No. 1 (May 1997).