How much current is allowed through a permanent pluggable connection in an installation?

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Answer: Yes, it is important to always lock pluggable electrical connections

Rationale: Pluggable electrical connections are used where they are not visible and are not checked. If tensile forces are exerted on the connection, for example if cables are pulled along a pluggable electrical connection in a cable tray, it could come loose. If the connection is partially pulled apart, there may be poor contact, which could eventually lead to fire.

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Answer: Yes, if a GST18i3 connector is not used in a fixed installation, but is used as a device connector on the device side to connect one device to the permanent installation. But even in this situation, it is advisable to fit a locking device, and if it turns out that some connections are not locked, to retrofit the locking device.

Rationale:

• The GST18i3 connector not only complies with standard NEN-EN-IEC 61535 “Installation couplers intended for fixed connection in fixed installations”, but also with standard EN-IEC 60320: “Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes”. EN60320 is a standard for connectors to connect devices to the mains, i.e. a single device that is not further connected. Examples are the connectors on the device side of monitors or televisions. This product standard does not stipulate that the connection must be locked and it is sometimes also inconvenient to do so. This application is also not covered by NEN1010..
• It only applies to the GST18 3-core connector with a load of up to 230V/16A, because that is the scope of that standard.
• Therefore, in the past, built-in connectors, so-called chassis components, were also listed in the catalogue without a lock. This can be useful for certain applications not used in fixed electrical installations (device connections). However, separate locks were available and came with an indication that connections must be locked.
• Therefore, in the past, built-in connectors, so-called chassis components, were also listed in the catalogue without a lock. This can be useful for certain applications not used in fixed electrical installations (device connections). However, separate locks were available and came with an indication that connections must be locked.

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Answer: Yes, that’s okay. Pluggable electrical installations with flexible cables may be laid in cable trays as per NEN1010.

Rationale:

• NEN1010:2020 521.9.1 A flexible cable may be used for fixed installation if the provisions of this standard are met.
• NEN1010:2020 526 electrical connections 526.2 note 2 refers to the use of connections according to EN16535. Wieland GST18, GST15, RST16 and RST20 connectors (i.e. male and female, both from the Wieland brand) comply with standard EN61535.
• Applications relate to e.g. NEN1010:2020 table 52.A.3 installation methods 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 11, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 30, 31, 32, 33, 40, 42, 44, 46, 47, 51, 53, 56, 57, 58, 60, 70, 72, 73. Methods 8, 9, 31, 32, 34, among others, involve installation in a cable duct.
• NPR5310, Section 522, also extensively details pluggable electrical installations as per NEN1010, including in cable trays.

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Answer:  In our opinion, this question is not clearly addressed in NEN1010:2020. Our advice is as follows: • To lock any flying connections (1 male connector to 1 female connector) in cable trays. • To mount pluggable electrical connections with splitters on the outside of a cable duct using the mounting plate intended for this purpose, and to connect the connected cables to the pluggable electrical connection without mechanical strain (e.g. by relieving the strain on the cables by fitting them to the cable duct). And, of course, all connections must be locked.

Rationale:

• On the one hand, Section 2.15.04 indicates that in addition to cables, electrical equipment may also be located in a cable duct. This would then also apply to splitters or pluggable electrical connections, for example.
• Although Section 132.13 may be considered an article covering many unspecified situations, the installation must be provided with appropriate documentation. This also means that the installation must be made in such a way that the documentation is easy to interpret. However, the documentation requirements in Section 514.5.1 do not specifically state that the cable run / distribution must be visible. This is the case for some installations described in Part 7, for example Section 705.514.5.3 which applies to installations in agriculture, horticulture and livestock farming.
• Sections 132.12 and 526.3 state that all equipment must be set up so that connections are easily accessible for maintenance and inspection. However, Section 526.3 sets out exceptions that also apply to maintenance-free pluggable electrical connections. Wieland’s pluggable electrical connections are certified as maintenance-free and therefore do not necessarily have to be accessible.
• However, the following points are important:
  • Section 134.1.4 states that connections must be reliable, and therefore pluggable electrical connections must be fitted with a locking device!
  • Also, Section 522.8.9 requires that no mechanical forces act on conductors and connections, including pluggable electrical connections.

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Answer:  If pluggable electrical connections are used as a connection in a fixed installation, you are always required to lock them. Isolectra advises always locking every pluggable electrical connection and retrofitting this lock if it appears that connections have not been secured.

Rationale:

• Wieland and Isolectra state in their instructions that pluggable electrical connections must always be locked with the appropriate locking device.
• Wieland has certified the GST18 system according to the standard NEN-EN-IEC 61535 “Installation couplers intended for fixed connection in fixed installations”. This standard concerns connections in fixed installations, and requires that it must be possible to secure connections.
• NEN1010:2020 deals with setting up fixed installations. EN61535 applies in this respect.

• Section 134.1.1 states that the equipment manufacturer’s instructions must always be followed. For this reason, a connection in a fixed installation must always be locked.
• Section 134.1.4 states that connections must ensure safe and reliable contact. For this reason, a connection in a fixed installation must always be locked.

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Answer: Even in the past, it was mandatory to lock pluggable electrical connections. Isolectra advises always locking every pluggable electrical connection and retrofitting this lock if it appears that connections have not been secured.

Rationale: 

• The locks have been available since the introduction of the GST18 system.
• Wieland has been recommending locking for decades in its documentation.
• NEN1010:2005 had rules similar to NEN1010:2020 134.1.1 regarding following manufacturers’ instructions and 134.1.4 regarding ensuring reliable contact.
• NEN-EN-IEC 61535: 2009 had the same requirements as NEN-EN-IEC 61535: 2020. Prior to that, NEN 1535 applied.

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