What Is the Difference Between IEC 60502-4 and IEC 61238-1

In medium-voltage (MV) power networks, system reliability, safety, and long-term performance depend heavily on compliance with international standards. Two of the most important IEC standards frequently referenced in MV cable systems are IEC 60502-4 and IEC 61238-1. Although they are often mentioned together, they serve very different purposes within a power system.

Although both IEC 60502-4 and IEC 61238-1 are international standards related to power cable systems, they cover different product scopes and different technical requirements.

1. IEC 60502-4 — Standard for Cable Accessories

IEC 60502-4 specifies the requirements for cable accessories used with extruded insulation power cables (such as XLPE cables) for rated voltages from 6 kV up to 30 kV.

It applies mainly to:

• Cable joints for MV
• Cable terminations for MV
• Accessories for joints and termination

This standard focuses on:

• Electrical performance of accessories
• Insulation coordination and stress control
• Partial discharge limits
• AC withstand and impulse voltage tests
• Environmental and aging performance

2.IEC 61238-1 — Standard for Electrical Connectors

IEC 61238-1 defines requirements and test methods for electrical connectors for power cables, including:

• Mechanical shear head bolt lugs
• Shear-bolt connectors

How They Work Together in an MV System

In a real MV installation, both standards are needed:

• The connector (lug, shear-bolt connector) must comply with IEC 61238-1 to ensure a safe electrical contact on the conductor.
• The joint or termination that covers and insulates that connector must comply with IEC 60502-4 to ensure proper insulation, stress control, and environmental protection.

In simple terms：

• IEC 61238-1 protects the conductor connection.
• IEC 60502-4 protects the cable system insulation.

Jera Line offers mechanical shear-head bolted cable lugs and connector series that have passed the IEC 61238-1 type tests. These cable lugs and connectors are designed to create secure electrical terminations on power cables, ensuring stable electrical contact, mechanical strength, and low contact resistance under thermal cycling and load conditions.

1. MV Mechanical shearbolt cable lugs（16-1000 mm2 ）          
2. MV Shear Off Mechanical Connectors(16-1000 mm2)       
3. LV mechanical shear bolt lugs (16-400 mm2)    
4. LV Mechanical shear off termination connectors (16-400 mm2)   

Features

• Fast and convenient installation process with a hex key.
• High mechanical strength with steady shear head torque
• Wide range application for electrical cable from 16 to 1000mm2
• Material: Tin covered Aluminum Alloy,both aluminum andcopper cables suitable
• Direct Factory location in China

Application

• Power distribution systems: To connect aluminum or copper power cables in utility or industrial applications.
• Grounding Systems:It can be employed to connect ground wires to grounding rods or other grounding components.

Why Choose Jera Line as yourmechanical Shear bolts terminal connectors and lugs supplier?

Jera Line is a reliable manufacturer of power line hardware and accessories, serving energy utilities, telecom operators, and infrastructure companies across the globe.
Choosing Jera Line means you get:

✔ Direct factory,located in Ningbo China,eliminates middleman,provide the competitive price.

✔ Factory-tested, high-quality products

✔ ISO-certified manufacturing,type test are made by 3rd party international lab,Comply to international tests EN-50483,NFC-33020，IEC-61238-1
✔ Long service life and proven performance
✔ OEM & ODM customization options
✔ Fast delivery and global support

Conclusion

By choosing Jera Line, you are selecting a trusted partner committed to quality, consistency, and global standards. We warmly welcome your inquiries and look forward to supporting your projects with reliable connection solutions. Please feel free to contact us for technical support, quotations, or further information.