Describes current cycle and mechanical tests used to establish performance characteristics of connectors used to join aluminum-to-aluminum or aluminum-to-copper bare overhead conductors. This is the third public review of this standard. It previously appeared in the August 16, 1996 and January 3, 1997 issues of Standards Action. It is being resubmitted due to the following substantive changes, which are listed here in their entirety: Foreword, revise the first sentence as shown: This standard describes current cycle and mechanical tests used to establish performance criteria characteristics of connectors used to join aluminum-to-aluminum or aluminum-to-copper bare overhead conductors. Rationale: The tests described in the standard are used to determine how connectors behave and not the criteria that they must meet. On the other hand, the standard established the criteria with temperature and resistance stability and mechanical values requirements that connectors must meet to satisfy the standard. 3.1 General. Connectors shall be installed and tested for current-carrying and mechanical performance in accordance with the conditions noted in clauses 5 through 7. Rationale: Clarification about the conditions for connector testing. Table 1 - Test duration 1. Asterisk after NA in CCST Method column for Extra Heavy duty (Class AA) should be removed. Rationale: The asterisk is a remnant of an earlier revision. 2. Double asterisk below the table should be removed. Rationale: The double asterisk is a remnant of an earlier revision. Table 2 - Tensile Load 1. Loads for 4AWG & 3 AWG ACSR should be 150 lb. instead of 200 lb. Rationale: The tensile load values for 4AWG & 3 AWG ACSR, of 150 lb., had been accepted by the Subcommittee in March 1997. Table 3 - Tightening torque Column headings showing metric units should be marked with asterisks to note that they are for reference only. Rationale: One set of units must prevail and that they be the traditional U.S.A. units. 5.3.5 Connector installation. Installation shall take place in an ambient environment between 15°C (59°F) and 35°C (95°F). Rationale: To provide cross reference temperature information. Table 4 - Conductor lengths Column headings showing metric units should be marked with asterisks to note that they are for reference only. Rationale: One set of units must prevail and that they be the traditional U.S.A. units. 6.5.2.2 For Class AA, if the conductor for determining test current is copper, then a second control conductor of aluminum should shall be included for the purpose of evaluating stability. . . . . . . Rationale: To emphasize that the second control cable is mandatory. Table 5 - Suggested initial test current to raise control conductor temperature rise of 100°C Rationale: To clarify the title of the chart. 6.9.2 CCT current cycle-OFF period. . . . . The time length for the reduced current-OFF period shall be established by adding 5 minutes to the time required for a the four connectors to reach ambient temperature. Rationale: The group of four connectors must reach ambient before turning the current on again. If only one connector reaches ambient, the warm connectors will not be subjected to the same amount of heat as the cooler one making for a questionable test.