IEC 61238-1-3-2018 PDF

Full title and description

Compression and mechanical connectors for power cables — Part 1-3: Test methods and requirements for compression and mechanical connectors for power cables for rated voltages above 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV) tested on non-insulated conductors. This document specifies type test methods and performance requirements for compression and mechanical connectors applied to copper and aluminium conductors (tested on non‑insulated conductors) used in buried or building-installed power cable systems; it excludes connectors for overhead line conductors and connectors with sliding contacts.

Abstract

IEC 61238-1-3:2018 (Edition 1.0) defines the reference type tests (electrical, thermal and mechanical) and acceptance criteria for compression and mechanical connectors for power cables with rated voltages >1 kV up to 30 kV. It sets conductor size and material ranges, temperature limits and excludes applications such as overhead-line connectors; together with IEC 61238-1-1:2018 and IEC 61238-1-2:2018 it replaced IEC 61238-1:2003. The edition introduces a new mechanical class, updated short‑circuit and mechanical test methods and limits on elevated heating current for electrical tests.

General information

• Status: Current / Active (first edition, in force).
• Publication date: 8 May 2018.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 29.060.20 (Cables).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2018).
• Number of pages: 44.

Scope

The standard applies to compression and mechanical connectors for power cables rated above 1 kV (Um = 1.2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV) tested on non‑insulated conductors. It covers connectors for copper conductors with nominal cross-sectional areas from 2.5 mm² to 1 200 mm² and for aluminium conductors from 16 mm² to 1 200 mm², with a maximum continuous conductor temperature of 90 °C. Connectors for overhead line conductors and connectors with sliding contacts are excluded. The tests are principally type tests performed on unused conductors.

Key topics and requirements

• Defined conductor material and size ranges (copper 2.5–1 200 mm²; aluminium 16–1 200 mm²) and maximum continuous conductor temperature (90 °C).
• Electrical tests including resistance measurement, elevated‑heating tests with a maximum heating current limit to avoid unrealistic current densities, and thermal stability checks.
• Short‑circuit test method and acceptance criteria with updated calculation methods and requirements.
• Mechanical tests covering tensile and mechanical class requirements (a new higher mechanical class was introduced in this edition).
• Reference test method specified as tests on unused conductors; additional requirements for cable terminal lugs used in separable connectors are included.

Typical use and users

Used by electrical utilities, cable and connector manufacturers, third‑party test laboratories, certification bodies and procurement/specification engineers to qualify and approve compression and mechanical connectors for medium-voltage cable systems (building and underground installations). The standard is also used by engineering departments for design verification and by conformity assessment programs.

Related standards

Closely related documents include IEC 61238-1-1:2018 (test methods and requirements for connectors for rated voltages up to 1 kV), IEC 61238-1-2:2018 (other part of the series), the superseded IEC 61238-1:2003 (replaced by the 2018 series), and IEC 60228 (conductors — nominal cross-sections and conductor classes).

Keywords

compression connector; mechanical connector; power cable; medium voltage; test methods; short‑circuit test; electrical resistance; IEC 61238; cable lugs; conductor sizes; 1 kV to 30 kV.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: An IEC international standard specifying type test methods and acceptance criteria for compression and mechanical connectors used on power cables rated above 1 kV up to 30 kV, tested on non‑insulated conductors.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers electrical, thermal and mechanical type tests and requirements for connectors intended for buried or building-installed power cables — including conductor size ranges, temperature limits and short‑circuit and mechanical performance requirements — but excludes overhead-line connectors and sliding‑contact connectors.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Cable and connector manufacturers, utility engineers, test laboratories and certification bodies use the standard to design, test, qualify and procure mechanical and compression connectors for medium‑voltage cable systems.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 61238-1-3:2018 is the current first edition (published 8 May 2018). It, together with IEC 61238-1-1:2018 and IEC 61238-1-2:2018, cancels and replaces the earlier IEC 61238-1:2003. The IEC webstore lists the 2018 parts as the active replacements for the 2003 standard.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 1-3 of the IEC 61238-1 series (the 2018 restructuring produced parts 1-1, 1-2 and 1-3 that together replace IEC 61238-1:2003).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Compression connector, mechanical connector, power cable, medium voltage, test methods, short‑circuit test, electrical resistance, cable lug, IEC 61238.