NFC 33-020-2013
NFC 33-020-2013
NFC 33-020-2013
Correspondence The present document does not have any equivalent to CEI or to
CENELEC.
Summary The current document defines the characteristics and the tests applicable
to insulation piercing connectors for overhead distributions and services
with bundle assembled cores, of rated voltage 0,6/1kV.
Describers Electrical network, overhead electrical line, electric cable, insulated cable,
electrical connector, branch connector, characteristics, tests.
Modifications By comparison with the replaced document, the revision of the standard done
in order to conform to European test standards.
Corrections
NF C 33-020 -2-
THE STANDARD
The Standard is meant to act as a basis in relationships between economic, scientific, technical and social partners.
The Standard is essentially optional. However, when referenced in a contract, it is to be followed by the concerned
parties. Upon regulation, use of part or entire standard can be made compulsory.
The standard is a document drawn up out of consensus within a standardization committee upon requests of
representatives of all interested parties. A public survey precedes the actual adoption of the standard.
Standards are examined regularly to evaluate the suitability to the current contexts.
Every standard comes into effect from the date indicated on the first page.
The verbs “must”, “have to” are used to express one or many requirements which ought to be respected to conform
to the current document. These requirements can be found within the framework of the standard or in the appendix
described “normative”. For test methodology, use of infinitives indicates requirements.
Expressions such as “it is appropriate” and “recommended that” are used to express preferred possibilities but
unrequired for conformity to the current document. Verbal forms of “can” are used to either give useful but non-
compulsory suggestions or advice, or express authorization.
Moreover, the current document can furnish extra information meant for facilitating comprehension or use of
certain elements or for clarifying application, without any mention of requirement to be met. These elements are
presented in the form of “notes” or “appendices”.
STANDARDISATION COMMITTEE
Standardization Committee gathers in a given field of activity expertise necessary for working out French
specifications and French positions on projects of European or international Standard. The Committee can also
prepare experimental standards and instruction manuals.
If you would like to comment on this text, or make suggestions for developments or participate in its revision, get
in touch with [email protected] .
The composition of the Standardization Committee that has drawn up the current document is given below. When
an expert represents an organization different from his parent organization this information is indicated by: parent
organization (represented organization).
NF C 33-020 -3-
Secrétariat : UTE
NATIONAL FOREWORD
The current document has been prepared by Commission UF 20, Electric power cables and
their accessories.
The tests described in this document are type tests. They assure the user of satisfying
performance, by making use of accessories which subjected to these tests is successful. This
ensures the continuity and the quality of their manufacture.
The current document cancels and replaces the standard NF C 33-020 of June, 1998.
NF C 33-020 -5-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NATIONAL FOREWARD ......................................................................................................................................................... 4
1 Scope of application
The current document applies to connectors intended to ensure electrical connection of overhead distributions with
bundled cables or bare conductors, to distributions and services insulated cables, of rated voltage 0,6/1 V.
These connectors are not designed to be reused when they are disconnected from the main insulated conductor.
- The standard NF C 33-209 for bundled insulated cables (section ≤ 150 mm2 ) ;
2
- The standard NF C 33-210 for underground service cables (cross section ≤ 35 mm )
- With any specification regarding underground service cables , agreed upon by the client and the manufacturer ;
2
- The standard NF C 32-321 for public lighting cables (cross section ≤ 10 mm copper ) ;
2
- The standard NF C 32-321 for grounding cables (cross section ≤ 25 mm ).
This document establishes the main characteristics of different connectors and the tests they must satisfy.
2 Normative references
The following reference documents are indispensable to the application of the current document. The last edition of the
reference document applies (including modifications, if any).
NF C 32-321, Insulated conductors and insulated cables for wiring – rigid polyethylene reticulated insulated-sheathed
cables under polyvinyl chloride protective sheath – Series U-1000 R2V.
NF C 33-209, Insulated or protected cables for power systems – Insulated cable bundle for overhead distributions, of rated
voltage 0,6/1 kV.
NF C 33-210, Insulated or protected cables for power systems – rigid polyethylene reticulated insulated-sheathed cables
under polyvinyl chloride protective sheath – Series H1 XDV-A.
NF E 25-016, Fixing components – Hexagonal and square products – Dimensions of external width across flats.
NF EN 50182, Conductors for overhead lines – Round wire concentric laid stranded conductors (classification index: C 34-
125)
NF EN 50483-1: 2009, Test requirements for low voltage aerial bundled cable accessories – Part 1: General (classification
index: C 33-045-1)
NF C 33-020 -7-
NF EN 50483-4: 2009, Test requirements for low voltage aerial bundled cable accessories – Part 4: Connectors
(classification index: C 33-045-4)
3.1
Insulation Piercing connector (IPC)
Connector in which electrical contact with the conductor is made by metallic protrusions which pierce the insulation of
the ABC core.
3.2
Branching connector or street lighting connector (CB and CE respectively)
Connector designed to connect respectively one or many consumer(s) or public lighting equipment to a low voltage
distribution network.
3.3
Network connector (CDR)
Connector intended to connect two low voltage distribution networks with one another
3.4
Measuring and short-circuiting connector (CMCC)
Connector designed to make measurement and grounding and short-circuiting low voltage distribution networks with
bundle assembled cores in the case of work executed voltage free.
3.5
Measuring and short-circuiting plug (PMCC)
Accessory associated with the CB connector conforming to the current document and intended to make measures and
grounding and short-circuiting low voltage distribution networks with bundle assembled cores in the case of work
executed voltage free. (See Appendix A of the standard NF EN 50483-4)
3.6
Main conductor
Un-cut conductor crossing a connector
3.7
Tap conductor
Conductor connected to the main conductor by a connector.
3.8
Independent tightening connector
Connector whose design of tightening facilities allows the connection of the main conductor and tap conductor(s), made
in an independent way.
NF C 33-020 -8-
3.9
Simultaneous tightening connector
Connector whose design of tightening facilities involves a simultaneous connection of both main and branch conductors.
3.10
Torque limiter
Calibrated part of the tightening system ensuring the respect of value of tightening torque as recommended by the
manufacturer.
NOTE It’s is to be noted that the connectors are not designed to be reused when they are disconnected from a main insulated
conductor (see Clause 1)
Any stripped branch conductor can be disconnected and reconnected without electrical load.
In the case of a connector mounted on a bare main conductor, the disconnection and the reconnection can be done on
the main conductor, without electrical load.
NF C 33-020 -9-
5 Designations
In the designations, the labels used have the following meanings;
x: indicates the number of tap conductors. The absence of number means there is only one tap conductor.
xp: indicates that the tap conductor(s) is(are) pierced.
y: indicates the maximum cross-section of main conductor.
z: indicates the maximum cross-section of tap conductor.
S: corresponds to a simultaneous tightening connector.
CNk: k indicates the nature of the core of the main bare conductor:
CNU for copper
CNA for aluminum or aluminum alloy
CN for any
CT: indicates the connector is intended for a bundle conductor.
6 Type tests
6.1 Definition
Type test
Test required to be made before supplying a type of material covered by this standard on a general commercial basis, in
order to demonstrate satisfactory performance characteristics to meet the intended application.
NOTE these tests are of such a nature that, after they have been made, they need not be repeated unless changes are made to the
accessory materials, design or type of manufacturing process which might change the performance characteristics.
The conditions of paragraph 7 of the standard NF EN 50483-4 apply with the following specifications
- The insulated cables used must conform to the norms indicated in Clause 2;
- The minimum and maximum cross sections of cables used for the tests are those defined in Appendix C ;
however for certain types of cables whose production is abandoned, other cross sections can be defined
according to the client-manufacturer agreement ;
o
- The previous conditioning of insulated conductors is done at a temperature of (120 ± 2) C.
6.2.3 Installation of conductors
For each of the specified tests, the number of samples and the test sequences are given in appendix A.
The conditions of paragraph 7 of the standard NF EN 50483-1 and of paragraph 9 of the standard NF EN 50483-1 apply.
NOTE the humidity conditions defined in paragraph 9.1.9 of the standard NF EN 50483-1 can also be considered applicable for the
entire duration of the corrosion test, the experiment shows that the influence of humidity rate between 25% and 30% on the results is
negligible.
The conditions of paragraph 9.1 of the standard NF EN 50483-1 apply with the following specifications
- Wave form of voltage must be practically sinusoidal;
- The indicated values are root-mean-square values.
If a cable fails not considering the connector, the test result shall be declared void without discrediting the connector and
the tests are repeated using a new connector and a new cable.
6.2.8 Spare
6.2.9 Requirements
The number of samples to be tested is specified for each test. The device is type test approved if the all test results are
satisfactory for all samples. If not, the device is declared non-conforming and consequently not approved. A retest is
allowed only if the failure of a sample results from a wrong installation or a cable failure, as indicated in sub-clause 6.2.7.
NF C 33-020 -12-
For minimal breaking loads (MBL) of the cables, refer to the existing standards.
- The aluminum phases a minimal stress value equal to 120 N/mm2 applied to the nominal cross section area
- The copper conductors a minimal stress value equal to 300 N/mm2 applied to the nominal cross section
area.
The tolerance range to consider is that of paragraph 9.1.3 of the standard NF EN 50483-1 with for the weak stresses the
higher of the following two values: ± 5 % or ± 10 N.
6.3.1 Shear head function’s test and connector bolt tightening test
For the shear head function test, the test of paragraph 8.1.2.4 of the standard NF EN 50483-4 applies with the following
specification:
- The six samples test for each of the temperatures, are spread over the two combinations of cross-sections.
For the connector bolt tightening test, the test of paragraph 8.1.2.3 of the standard NF EN 50483-4 applies.
For connectors of the type CMCC/CTy [connectors for measuring and short circuiting, editor’s note], editor’s note, only
the maximum and minimum combinations of the main one apply.
For the test for mechanical damage to the main conductor, the test of paragraph 8.1.2.1 of the standard NF EN 50483-4
applies with the following specifications:
- In the case of a connection of a stripped main conductor (Cu and Alu alloy) towards an insulated tap
conductor, the values of loads applied are equal to :
For the branch cable pull-out test, the test of paragraph 8.1.2.2 of the standard NF EN 50483-4 applies.
For the low temperature impact test, the test of paragraph 8.1.2.5 of the standard NF EN 50483-4 applies with the
following specifications.
- The connectors are mounted at ambient temperature at the breaking torque of torque limiters;
- For connectors of type CMCC/CTy [connectors for measuring and short circuiting, editor’s note], the shocks are applied
on the connector part, not on the connecting pin.
NF C 33-020 -13-
For dielectric voltage test, the test of paragraph 8.1.3.1 of the standard NF EN 50483-4 applies with the following
specifications:
This test is applied neither to connectors of type CDR/CNk [network connectors for bare main lines, editor’s note] for
which test defined in paragraph 6.4.2 is applied nor to PMCC plugs [plugs used for measuring and short circuiting, editor’s
note] alone.
The PMCC plugs are associated to CB [branching connector, editor’s note] connector.
For connectors of type CMCC [CMCC = CB + PMCC, editor’s note] and PMCC plugs associated to a CB connector, the
protective covers of the pin are closed according to the requirements of the constructor.
For the watertightness test, the test of paragraph 8.1.3.2 of the standard NF EN 50483-4 applies.
This test applies only to connectors of type CDR/CNk [network connectors for bare main lines, editor’s note].
For low temperature assembly test, the test of paragraph 8.1.4 of the standard NF EN 50483-4 applies.
For connectors of type CMCC/CTy [connectors for measuring and short circuiting, editor’s note], only the maximum and
minimum combinations of the main apply.
This test is done on samples that have been subjected to the voltage test and watertightness test of paragraph 6.4.
For the climatic ageing test, the test Method 1 of paragraph 8.1.5.2 of the standard NF EN 50483-4 applies.
After the climatic ageing for the insulation piercing connectors, the voltage test in the metallic balls is done according to
Method 1 and under an alternate voltage of 6kV.
This test does not apply to PMCC plugs [plugs used for measuring and short circuiting, editor’s note].
For the corrosion test, the test of paragraph 8.1.5.1 of the standard NF EN 50483-4 applies upon doing the test in gaseous
atmosphere Method 1 of paragraph 8.1.5.1.3.2 with the following specification:
- The definition of significant red rust is under study, and therefore, the criterion of the presence of red rust
must be subject of agreement between the manufacturer and the client.
NF C 33-020 -14-
For the connector of type CMCC [connectors for measuring and short circuiting, editor’s note], the protective cover
of the pin is closed according to the requirements of the constructor.
This test does not apply to connectors of type CMCC/CTy and PMCC [resp. connectors and plugs used for measuring and
short circuiting, editor’s note] for which the temperature rise and overcurrent test in paragraph 6.9 is applied.
For electrical ageing, the test of paragraph 8.1.6 of the standard NF EN 50483-4 applies with the following specifications:
- Classes of connectors:
- Class A for connectors of type CDR [network connectors, editor’s note].
- Class B for connectors of types CB and CE [resp. branching and street lighting connectors, editor’s note].
NOTE 2 In the case of configuration of the 2nd loop, the resistance of the main conductor must be inferior to the resistance of
the branch conductor, as indicated in paragraph 5.3.1 of the standard NF EN 50483-5.
- In the case of connectors of type CDR/CN [network connectors for bare main lines, editor’s note], the temperature ƟN
o
of the main bare conductor is fixed at 105 C.
- In the case of connector of type CB, only the cable conforming to the standard NF C 33-209 is used as tap.
6.9 Temperature rise and overcurrent test
This test applies only to connectors of type CMCC/CTy and PMCC [resp. connectors and plugs used for measuring and
short circuiting, editor’s note] associated to a CB connector [branching connector, editor’s note] in accordance with the
current document.
For the temperature rise and overcurrent tests, the tests in Appendix A of the standard NF EN 50483-4 apply with the
following specifications:
- The connectors (CMCC/CTy or PMCC + CB) are connected in pairs according to the illustrative setup in
2
Appendix A of the standard NF EN 50483-4 using a copper braid of rated cross-section 25 mm carrying in
one of the extremes a connecting socket compatible with the connector pin as described in Figure A.1 of the
standard NF EN 50483-4 and of jig in conformity with the one indicated in Appendix B.
As a preliminary measure, it is ensured that the resistance of the contacts is below 630 μΩ. This measure is done by using
2
in the assembly two identical sockets connected to the braid of 25 mm on one hand and on the other, connected to one
another by a test pin described in Appendix B. This measure is done in continuous current with an intensity which must
2
not exceed 10 Amps. The potential measuring points are placed on the 25 mm braid at a distance of 100 mm from the
extreme end of the socket.
- The trade mark or the logo of the manufacturer, the batch reference and the code of the manufacturing plant;
- The designation as per this standard and the commercial reference, if any;
- The maximum and minimum cross-section for which this connector is intended.
Each conditioning unit shall bear:
- The designation as per this standard and the commercial reference, if any;
- The trade mark or the logo of the manufacturer and the batch reference;
- The number of connectors;
- The nominal torque for the tap of reusable connectors ( if necessary);
- The reference to this standard.
7.2 Check for permanent marking
For the check for permanent marking, the test defined in paragraph 9.2 of standard NF EN 50483-1 applies.
Any type approved product shall comply with the whole set of relevant tests defined in this standard. The manufacturer
shall provide the report for the tests specified, and the number of samples is defined in the table A.1 in Appendix A.
Appendix A
(Normative)
Table A.1 – Recap table indicating the number of connectors for each model to be tested
Appendix B
(Normative)
Connecting pin of connectors of type CMCC and jig of the connection socket
Dimension in mm
The non-tolerance dimension has a tolerance of ± 0.3 mm
Connection socket
Pin Product
Test pin
Appendix C
(Normative)
Designation and operating ranges of connectors intended for public distribution
networks
C.1 Service connectors (CB) and public lighting connectors (CE) with simultaneous tightening
and pierced tap.
Table C.1
Operating Ranges
2
Cross sections of conductors in mm
Designation Main Tap
Insulated cables Insulated Cables
NF C 33-209 NF C 33-209 NF C 33-210
CBS/CT 25 16-25
CBS/CT 70 35-70 and 70 N* 16-25 16-35
CBS/CT 150 54,6 – 150
CBS/CT 35 - 150
CES/CT 70 16-70 and 70 N* Insulated cable NF C 32-321 1,5 to 6 Copper
N * : Neutral conductor
C.2 Network connectors (CDR) with independent tightening and stripped tap
Table C.1
Operating ranges
2
Conductors cross-section in mm
Main Tap
Designation
Bare Conductors Insulated conductors Insulated cables
Copper Aluminum alloy
NF C 33-209 NF C 33-209
C 34-110-3 NF EN 50182
*
CDR/CNU 2S-70 7 – 48 - - 35 – 70 and 70 N
CDR/CNA 2S-70 - 22 – 75,5 - 35 – 70 and 70 N*
*
CDR/CN 2S – 70 7 – 48 22 – 75,5 - 35 – 70 and 70 N
CDR/CNU 2S – 150 48 – 116 - - 54,6 – 150
CDR/CNA 2S – 150 - 54,6 – 117 - 54,6 – 150
CDR/CN 2S – 150 48 – 116 54,6 – 117 - 54,6 – 150
CDR/CT 2S 70 – 70 - - 35 – 70 and 70 N* 35 – 70 and 70 N*
*
CDR/CT 2S 150-70 - - 54,6 - 150 35 – 70 and 70 N
CDR/CT 2S 150-150 - - 54,6 - 150 54,6 - 150
CDR/CT 2S - - 35 – 150 35 - 150
*
N : Neutral Conductor
NF C 33-020 -19-
Table C.3
Operating ranges
2
Cross-sections of conductors in mm
Main Tap
Designation
Insulated Cables Pin
NF C 33 – 209
CMCC / CT 25 16 - 25
*
CMCC/CT 70 35 – 70 and 70 N
CMCC/CT 150 54,6 – 150 Appendix B
PMCC Ranges of CB connectors
*
N : Neutral Conductor
NF C 33-020 -20-
Bibliography
[1] HD 603 S1 + Amendment A3, Distribution cable of rated voltage 0,6/1 kV
(Standard NF C 33-210 constitute the parties 5F of the document)
[2] HD 626 S1 + Amendment A2, Overhead cable distribution of rated voltage U0/U (Um):0,6/1(1,2) kV
(Standard NF C 33-209 constitute the parties 4E and 6E of this document)
[3] NF C 01-461, International Electro technical Vocabulary – Part 461: Electrical Cables
[4] NF EN 50483-5, Test requirements of accessories for twisted overhead low voltage networks-Part 5:
Electrical aging test (classification index: C 33-045-5).
[5] NF EN 50483-6, Test requirements of accessories for twisted overhead low voltage networks-Part 6:
Environmental testing (classification index: C 33-045-6).