EN 50483 Test Requirements for Low Voltage Aerial Cable Accessories

The European standard “EN 50483 Test requirements for low-voltage aerial cable accessories” consists of several sub-sections published under the same title. Namely,

• The standard “EN 50483-1 Part 1: General information” applies to overhead line fittings used for tensioning, supporting and connecting aerial cable bundles with a nominal voltage of 0,6/1 (1,2) kV. The purpose is to provide low voltage with aerial cable bundles to provide a method for testing the suitability of accessories when used under normal operating conditions. HD 626 is for overhead distribution cables having a nominal voltage of 0,6/1 (1,2) kV. There are differences between the different aerial bundle specifications provided by HD 626 and tests carried out on one type of aerial bundle may not be fully valid for aerial bundles of a different specification. Therefore, purchasers of accessories tested to this standard should ensure that all of their requirements are met.

This standard does not override existing approvals for products obtained on the basis of national standards and specifications or demonstration of satisfactory service performance. However, products approved to such national standards or specifications cannot directly seek approval to this standard. Subject to agreement between the supplier and the purchaser or the relevant conformity assessment body, it may be possible to demonstrate that conformity to the earlier standard can be used to claim conformity to this standard, provided that any additional type testing that may be required is assessed. Such additional tests, which are part of a test series, cannot be carried out separately.

Climate varies across Europe and to meet the different geographical climate conditions a range of tests must be provided to meet these changes. A range of optional additional tests are provided to meet the changing climate needs and should be agreed between the customer and supplier. The purpose of this section is to identify the commonalities of the products covered above.

• EN 50483-2 Part 2: Tension and suspension clamps for self-supporting systems” applies to overhead line fittings used to tension, support and connect aerial bundle cables with a nominal voltage of 0,6/1 (1,2) kV. This part applies to tensioning devices consisting of tension and suspension clamps designed to be used for the installation of self-supporting aerial bundle cables as defined in HD 626. The tests described in this standard are type tests.
• In the standard EN 50483-3 Part 3: Tension and suspension clamps for neutral messenger system, the nominal voltage of which is 0,6/1 (1,2) kV aerial bundle cables It applies to overhead line fittings used for tensioning, supporting and connecting. This section applies to tensioning devices consisting of tension and suspension clamps and tension and suspension assemblies used for the installation of aerial bundle cables with insulated or bare neutral leads. Tension and suspension clamps are designed to be fitted to the neutral conductors of aerial bundle cables as defined in HD 626. The tests described in this standard are type tests.
• EN 50483-4 Part 4: Connectors” standard applies to overhead line connectors used to tension, support and connect aerial bundle cables with a nominal voltage of 0,6/1 (1,2) kV. This section applies to connectors used for the electrical connection of aerial bundle cables. The connectors are designed to be fitted to aerial bundle cables as defined in HD 626. The tests described in this standard are type tests.
• EN 50483-5 Part 5: Electrical ageing test” applies to overhead line connectors used to tension, support and connect aerial bundle cables with a nominal voltage of 0,6/1 (1,2) kV. This part applies to the connections described in EN 50483-4, including branch connectors, insulation piercing connectors, pre-insulated lugs (terminals) and pre-insulated connectors (sleeves). The purpose is to provide a method for testing the suitability of connectors when used under normal operating conditions with low voltage aerial bundle cables conforming to HD 626.

This standard covers two classes of connectors:

• Class A: These are connectors designed for electrical distribution or industrial networks where they may be subjected to short circuits of relatively high intensity and duration. As a result, Class A connectors are suitable for the majority of applications.
• Class B: These are connectors for networks in which overloads or short circuits are quickly cleared by the operation of the protection devices.

Depending on their application, connectors are subjected to thermal cycles and short-circuit current tests.

• Class A: Connectors are subjected to thermal cycles and short circuit current tests.
• Class B: Connectors are subjected to thermal cycling only.

The purpose of this section is to define the heating cycle test methods and requirements that apply to crimp connectors, insulation-piercing connectors, and all other types of connections for low-voltage aerial bundled cables.

• EN 50483-6 Part 6: Environmental testing” standard applies to overhead line fittings used to tension, support and connect aerial cable bundles with a nominal voltage of 0,6/1 (1,2) kV. The aim is to provide a method for testing the suitability of accessories when used under normal operating conditions with low voltage aerial cable bundles in accordance with HD 626. This part describes environmental tests, in particular climate and corrosion ageing tests. The aim of these tests is to predict the behaviour of aerial cable bundle accessories when exposed to sunlight, weather conditions (humidity, water spray, heat, cold) and pollution. The standards EN 50483-1, EN 50483-2, EN 50483-3 and EN 50483-4 specify which type of tests are required in this part. The climate varies across Europe and a range of tests must be provided to meet these changes in order to meet the different geographical climate conditions. A range of optional, additional tests are provided to meet the changing climate needs and these are discussed between the customer and the supplier. should be decided.

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