1 Scope

1.1 The requirements in this standard cover sealed wire connector systems, including insulating caps, covers, resins, tubing, and tapes provided with, or for use with, specific wire connectors. These systems are intended for wet or damp locations and other installations such as:

1. a) Direct burial,

2. b) Below grade,

3. c) Above grade where exposed to sunlight; or

4. d) Where exposed to sea water or salt water.

The wire connectors covered by these requirements are intended for use with copper conductor, aluminum conductor, or both in accordance with installations covered by the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70; CSA C22.1, Canadian Electrical Code, Part I; and NOM 001 SEDE, Standard for Electrical Installations.

1.2 These requirements apply to sealed wire connector systems intended for use at 1500 V or less, with currents not exceeding the ampacity of insulated conductor types noted below, rated either 75 °C (167 °F) or 90 °C (194 °F):

1. a) 14 AWG (2.08 mm²) through 2,000 kcmil (1,012 mm²) conductors: Types RHW, RHW-2, USE, USE-2, USEB90, USEI75, USEI90, THW, XHHW, XHHW-2, RW90 EP, RW90 XLPE , or TWU,

2. b) 30 AWG (0.05 mm²) through 16 AWG (1.31 mm²) conductors: Any Type insulation acceptable for direct burial, below grade use, or wet locations.

Summary of Topics

This Seventh Edition of ANSI/UL 486D dated November 30, 2023 includes: (a) Standard Scope Clarifications; (b) Revisions to Sunlight Resistance / Salt Water Immersion; (c) Alternate Information Means in UL 486D; (d) Addition of Other Wire Types and Clarification of Testing; and (e) Miscellaneous Editorial Corrections.