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CSA C22.2 No. 98-1954 (2012): Standard for Engineered Splicing Kits in Electrical Power Systems
A comprehensive technical overview of the scope, testing protocols, and compliance requirements for pre-engineered splicing kits certified to the Canadian Electrical Code
Scope and General Application
CSA C22.2 No. 98-1954 (2012) provides the minimum safety and performance requirements for engineered splicing kits intended for use on insulated electrical conductors and power cables. These kits are fully pre-engineered assemblies—including connectors, insulation systems, shielding layers, and sealing components—designed to restore the mechanical and electrical continuity of a conductor. The standard applies to kits used in general-purpose, industrial, and hazardous locations where long-term reliability under continuous load and fault conditions is critical.
Typical applications covered by this standard include underground residential distribution (URD) systems, industrial feeder circuits, mining cable repairs, and utility transmission and distribution networks. The scope encompasses kits rated for voltages from 600 V up to and including 46 kV, accommodating conductor sizes ranging from 8 AWG to 2000 kcmil in copper, aluminum, and aluminum alloy conductors.
Key Insight: CSA C22.2 No. 98-1954 (2012) is one of the longest-serving standards in the C22.2 series. Its 2012 reaffirmation harmonized legacy performance benchmarks with modern polymeric materials—such as cold-shrink silicone and advanced heat-shrink cross-linked polyolefins—without altering its stringent test protocols.
Technical Requirements and Construction
The standard imposes strict physical, electrical, and environmental requirements on every component of the splicing kit. All components must be mechanically and chemically compatible to ensure a lifespan matching that of the host cable.
Connector and Material Standards
Connector bodies must be fabricated from high-conductivity copper or aluminum alloys and are subject to a comprehensive corrosion resistance regime. Insulating materials—whether pre-molded, heat-shrink, or cold-shrink—must pass a dielectric withstand test, maintain flexibility across a temperature range of -40°C to +90°C, and exhibit resistance to tracking and erosion. Each kit must include clear, permanent markings indicating the catalog number, conductor size range, voltage class, and lot number. The pre-engineered nature of the kit requires that components be mechanically keyed to prevent improper field assembly.
Electrical Performance Thresholds
Kits must demonstrate DC resistance not exceeding the resistance of an equivalent length of conductor after rigorous thermal cycling. For kits rated above 2.5 kV, a partial discharge (PD) extinction voltage level must be verified. The table below summarizes the key acceptance criteria.
| Parameter | Requirement | Test Method / Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Dielectric Withstand | 3 × Vr + 1 kV for 1 minute | Clause 10.2 (AC withstand) |
| Partial Discharge | < 5 pC at 1.5 × Uo | Clause 10.3 |
| DC Resistance | ≤ Equivalent conductor length | Clause 10.4 (micro-ohm meter at 20°C) |
| Thermal Cycle | 100 cycles (0% to 100% rated current) | Clause 10.5 (45°C rise above ambient) |
| Short-Circuit Rating | 250°C conductor temp., 1 sec | Annex A (fault close test) |
| Seal Integrity | No leakage after 24 h immersion | Clause 10.7 (hydrostatic head) |
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 95% of conductor breaking strength | Clause 10.10 (mechanical pull test) |
Designer’s Alert: While the standard was reaffirmed in 2012, engineers must verify the current product certification listing on the SCC-accredited directory (e.g., CSA Group Online Certification Directory) to ensure the specific kit model remains listed and that no withdrawal or amendment has superseded its recognition.
Implementation and Installation Highlights
The performance advantages of a certified engineered splicing kit are fully realized only when installation aligns strictly with the Manufacturer’s Documented Instructions (MDI). The standard assumes that installation is performed by qualified personnel under the supervision of the competent authority.
Critical Installation Steps
- Conductor Preparation: Insulation stripping tools must be calibrated to prevent nicking of the conductor strands. A deburring step and a solvent cleaning wipe (with zero residue) are mandatory to ensure low contact resistance.
- Connector Installation: Compression connectors must be applied using the specific die and hydraulic tool prescribed by the kit manufacturer. Indentation depth, die closure force, and the number of crimps are strictly controlled and documented in the MDI.
- Insulation and Shielding Restoration: For medium-voltage kits, the extruded semiconductive shield must overlap the connector and the cable semicon layer within precise dimensional tolerances. The primary insulation layer (cold-shrink tube or heat-shrink sleeve) must be centered over the connector.
Best Practice: After completing the splice, perform a visual and mechanical inspection using a go/no-go gauge where specified. Many non-compliance failures originate from unauthorized substitute tools or dies that void the certification.
Compliance and Certification Notes
In Canada, the provincial electrical codes (derived from the CE Code, CSA C22.1) require that all splicing kits be approved to the applicable CSA standard. The compliance framework for CSA C22.2 No. 98-1954 (2012) is managed by Standards Council of Canada (SCC)-accredited certification bodies.
Certification Markings
Each certified kit must bear a recognized certification mark (e.g., CSA, ULC, or QAI monogram) together with the standard number. The packaging must contain full installation instructions, and the kit’s catalog number must correspond to an active listing in the certifier’s database.
Field Fabrication vs. Engineered Kits
Site-fabricated splices using generic components (e.g., non-certified insulating tapes, unlisted connectors) are not permitted where a certified engineered kit is specified. Replacing a lost component from a certified kit with a non-certified substitute immediately voids the listing and places the installation in violation of the CE Code, Rule 12-140.
Critical Warning: The use of uncertified splicing components in applications governed by the CE Code can result in system rejection by the local inspection authority (ESA, BCSA, etc.), voided insurance coverage, and significant legal liability in the event of a fire or failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does CSA C22.2 No. 98-1954 (2012) cover low-voltage (600 V class) splicing kits?
A: Yes, the standard covers splicing kits for all voltage classes found in power distribution, including 600 V / 1000 V class. However, the specific test requirements—especially Partial Discharge—scale with the voltage rating. Always verify the rated voltage on the kit marking and in the manufacturer’s listing.
A: Yes, the standard covers splicing kits for all voltage classes found in power distribution, including 600 V / 1000 V class. However, the specific test requirements—especially Partial Discharge—scale with the voltage rating. Always verify the rated voltage on the kit marking and in the manufacturer’s listing.
Q: Can a splice kit certified to IEEE 404 be used interchangeably in Canada?
A: Not directly. While IEEE 404 is a similar standard widely used in the United States, the CE Code requires certification specifically to a CSA standard within the C22.2 series. Manufacturers often carry dual certifications (CSA and IEEE), but the installer must verify the CSA C22.2 No. 98 mark is physically present on the product or packaging.
A: Not directly. While IEEE 404 is a similar standard widely used in the United States, the CE Code requires certification specifically to a CSA standard within the C22.2 series. Manufacturers often carry dual certifications (CSA and IEEE), but the installer must verify the CSA C22.2 No. 98 mark is physically present on the product or packaging.
Q: What are the main differences between the 1954 original and the 2012 reaffirmed edition?
A: The 2012 reaffirmation did not introduce a full revision of the technical clauses but incorporated testing protocols compatible with modern polymeric materials (silicone, EPDM, and cross-linked polyethylene). The core test methodology—DC resistance, thermal cycling, and dielectric testing—remains largely unchanged. Users should consult the latest amendment list from the CSA Group for any further addenda.
A: The 2012 reaffirmation did not introduce a full revision of the technical clauses but incorporated testing protocols compatible with modern polymeric materials (silicone, EPDM, and cross-linked polyethylene). The core test methodology—DC resistance, thermal cycling, and dielectric testing—remains largely unchanged. Users should consult the latest amendment list from the CSA Group for any further addenda.
Q: How is the standard number correctly cited in technical documentation?
A: The full reference is CSA C22.2 No. 98-1954 (2012). The number 98 designates the specific standard within the C22.2 series, 1954 is the original year of adoption, and 2012 indicates the latest reaffirmation year.
A: The full reference is CSA C22.2 No. 98-1954 (2012). The number 98 designates the specific standard within the C22.2 series, 1954 is the original year of adoption, and 2012 indicates the latest reaffirmation year.
Published by the International Technical Standards Division. 2026.