What should you pay attention to when locking Wieland GST18 T-splitters?

Answer: An important point of attention is locking the "third" cable. Other considerations include removing the locked T-splitter from a chassis part and cascading T-splitters.

Applying and locking Wieland GST18® T-splitters with 3 cables

The GST18® T-splitter is intended for use in a chassis part with locking and for connecting an incoming cable and an outgoing cable.

afbeelding1.png

If you connect 3 cables to a T-splitter, the 3rd cable must be secured with a separate lock 05.587.3156.1.

afbeelding2.png

Lock 05.587.3156.1:

afbeelding3.png

Another option is to use a distribution block 92.030.0953.1 or 92.030.6953.1. These distribution blocks have a fixed lock on each connection, so cables are always automatically locked.

afbeelding4.png

Cascading GST18® T-splitters

Non-cascadable T-splitters

The following Wieland GST18® T-splitters produced before 2018 have fixed locks on the horizontal input and output for connecting cable connectors. These T-splitters are therefore not suitable for connecting multiple T-splitters together.

afbeelding5.png

  • 92.030.1053.0/1 (3-pole, produced until 2018)
  • 92.040.1053.0/1 (4-pole)
  • 92.050.1053.1 (5-pole, produced until 2018)

Cascadable T-splitters

Newer T-splitters produced from 2018 are available in a version with a removable lock on one side and are cascadable. Multiple T-splitters can therefore be connected to each other. Take the following into account:

  • Do not place more than 10 T-splitters in a row
  • Use the corresponding mounting plate to attach the T-splitter
  • No physical forces may act on the splitters, not even via the cables

afbeelding6.png

Cascadable T-splitters include, among others:

  • 92.030.3153.0/1 (3-pole white/black)
  • 92.050.3053.0/1 (5-pole white/black)
  • 92.050.3453.0 (5-pole, pastel blue)
  • 92.050.3153.0/1; 92.050.3253.0/1; 92.050.3353.0/1 (5>3-pole, white/black)

afbeelding7.png  afbeelding8.png  afbeelding9.png

Unlocking locked connections

Never use force to disconnect a GST18® connection. Always use a screwdriver to open the lock before separating the connection.

afbeelding10.png

Unlocking a T-splitter

Unlocking a T-splitter in a snap-in chassis part, for example in a lighting fixture or junction box:

Disconnect the incoming and outgoing cables from the T-splitter: insert a screwdriver between the T-splitter lock and the cable connector, and gently lift the lock until the cable connector can be pulled out of the T-splitter. Do this for all connected cables.

If the T-splitter covers the chassis part lock, proceed as follows:

Locate the lock between the chassis part and the T-splitter (see image). Insert a screwdriver correctly between the lock and the chassis part. Gently open the lock (see image) while simultaneously pulling the T-splitter out of the chassis part.

afbeelding11.png

Return to Pluggable electrical installations & NEN1010
  1. Is it important to lock pluggable electrical connections?
    "

    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.

    "
  2. What should you pay attention to when locking Wieland GST18 T-splitters?
    "

    Answer: An important point of attention is locking the "third" cable. Other considerations include removing the locked T-splitter from a chassis part and cascading T-splitters.

    Applying and locking Wieland GST18® T-splitters with 3 cables

    The GST18® T-splitter is intended for use in a chassis part with locking and for connecting an incoming cable and an outgoing cable.

    afbeelding1.png

    If you connect 3 cables to a T-splitter, the 3rd cable must be secured with a separate lock 05.587.3156.1.

    afbeelding2.png

    Lock 05.587.3156.1:

    afbeelding3.png

    Another option is to use a distribution block 92.030.0953.1 or 92.030.6953.1. These distribution blocks have a fixed lock on each connection, so cables are always automatically locked.

    afbeelding4.png

    Cascading GST18® T-splitters

    Non-cascadable T-splitters

    The following Wieland GST18® T-splitters produced before 2018 have fixed locks on the horizontal input and output for connecting cable connectors. These T-splitters are therefore not suitable for connecting multiple T-splitters together.

    afbeelding5.png

    • 92.030.1053.0/1 (3-pole, produced until 2018)
    • 92.040.1053.0/1 (4-pole)
    • 92.050.1053.1 (5-pole, produced until 2018)

    Cascadable T-splitters

    Newer T-splitters produced from 2018 are available in a version with a removable lock on one side and are cascadable. Multiple T-splitters can therefore be connected to each other. Take the following into account:

    • Do not place more than 10 T-splitters in a row
    • Use the corresponding mounting plate to attach the T-splitter
    • No physical forces may act on the splitters, not even via the cables

    afbeelding6.png

    Cascadable T-splitters include, among others:

    • 92.030.3153.0/1 (3-pole white/black)
    • 92.050.3053.0/1 (5-pole white/black)
    • 92.050.3453.0 (5-pole, pastel blue)
    • 92.050.3153.0/1; 92.050.3253.0/1; 92.050.3353.0/1 (5>3-pole, white/black)

    afbeelding7.png  afbeelding8.png  afbeelding9.png

    Unlocking locked connections

    Never use force to disconnect a GST18® connection. Always use a screwdriver to open the lock before separating the connection.

    afbeelding10.png

    Unlocking a T-splitter

    Unlocking a T-splitter in a snap-in chassis part, for example in a lighting fixture or junction box:

    Disconnect the incoming and outgoing cables from the T-splitter: insert a screwdriver between the T-splitter lock and the cable connector, and gently lift the lock until the cable connector can be pulled out of the T-splitter. Do this for all connected cables.

    If the T-splitter covers the chassis part lock, proceed as follows:

    Locate the lock between the chassis part and the T-splitter (see image). Insert a screwdriver correctly between the lock and the chassis part. Gently open the lock (see image) while simultaneously pulling the T-splitter out of the chassis part.

    afbeelding11.png

    "
  3. Are there any applications where locking is not required?
    "

    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.
    "
  4. Can you fit pluggable electrical installations to cable trays?
    "

    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.
    "
  5. Can a pluggable electrical connection be made in a cable duct?
    "

    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.
    "
  6. Is it mandatory to lock pluggable electrical connections?
    "

    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.
    "
  7. Was it also mandatory to lock pluggable electrical connections in the past? Did other standards apply then?
    "

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

    Answer: If a connector joint (combination of a male and a female connector) is part of the electrical
    installation, it is important to know how much load this connection can be subjected to.

    NEN1010 is the standard with which an installation in the Netherlands must comply.

    This states that connectors may be used in a fixed installation to connect through cabling and appliances. (559.5.3 and 526) These so-called installation connector joints shall comply with product standard NEN-EN-IEC 61535. This includes:

    The current cycle test

    An installation connector joint according to NEN-EN-IEC 61535 shall preferably have a rated current according to one of the following values:

    Rated current (A)

    Test conductor mm²

    Test current (A)

    10

    1,5

    12,5

    13

    1,5

    16,25

    16

    1,5

    20,0

    20

    2,5

    25,0

    25

    4,0

    31,0

    32

    6,0

    40,0

    The connector joint must then be tested according to the rules prescribed in NEN-EN-IEC 61535, including a duration test of 384 cycles of 1 hour. The test current is thereby 25% higher than the specified rated current, and testing is performed with the core cross-section specified in the table.

    The voltage drop across the connector joint is directly related to the current, contact resistance and temperature of the connection, and these must remain within set limits during and after the test. If the connector joint meets the test requirements, it may be used safely.

    The test must be carried out by an accredited testing and certification institute. At Wieland, tests and certifications for Europe are often carried out by the VDE.

    Example:

    If we fit an installation connector joint in a domestic system in a group with 16A protection, 1.5mm² or 2.5mm² wiring is chosen. The connector must obviously be specified for this wire thickness. And the rated current load capacity of the connector joint should be at least 16A.

    Each connector for a pluggable connection has a technical specification.

    This specification includes details on the rated current that may permanently flow across the contacts. Some examples from the Wieland connector range

    Connector

    Rated current(A)

    Rated voltage (V)

    Diameter connection (mm²)

    GST15i3

    16

    250

    0,5 – 2,5

    GST18i3

    20

    250

    0,75 – 2,5

    GST18i5

    20

    250 / 400

    0,75 – 2,5

    RST16i3

    16

    250 / 400

    0,25 – 2,5

    RST20i3

    20

    250 of 400

    0,5 – 2,5

    RST20i5

    20

    250 / 400

    0,75 - 4

    RST25i3

    25

    250

    0,75 - 6

    RST50i4/5

    50

    250 / 400

    4 - 16

    "

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