August 24, 2009 — The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published ANSI C119.5-2009 Electric Connectors—Insulation Piercing Connector Systems, Rated 600 Volts or Less (Low-Voltage Aerial Bundled Cables and Insulated and Non-Insulated Line Wires). This new standard was produced by the ANSI C119.5 Subcommittee on Insulation Piercing Connectors and approved by the Accredited Standards Committee on Connectors for Electrical Utility Applications, C119. It establishes the electrical, mechanical, and environmental test requirements for electrical insulation piercing connectors.
The text covers insulation piercing connectors used for making electrical connections between insulated, insulated-to-bare, and bare-to-bare conductors rated 600 volts or less and 90°C (low-voltage aerial bundled cables and bare and insulated line wires) on overhead distribution lines for electric utilities. “Several years of work have gone into the development of this comprehensive standard, with input from a diverse group of users, producers, test labs, and others,” said Ron Lai, chair of the ANSI C119.5 subcommittee. “With the economy becoming more global, square millimeter cable sizes have been included in the standard should utilities choose to use them.
As the only American National Standard encompassing insulation piercing connectors for power distribution systems, ANSI C119.5 will be a great addition to the standards libraries of electric utilities and other interested parties.”NEMA is the association of electrical and medical imaging equipment manufacturers.
Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its approximately 450 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end use of electricity. These products are used in utility, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. The association’s Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) Division represents manufacturers of cutting-edge medical diagnostic imaging equipment including MRI, CT, x-ray, and ultrasound products.
Worldwide sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in Beijing and Mexico City.
