Revision of standard DIN 46228-4 for ferrules

In addition to using an appropriate crimping tool, the material quality of the ferrules is crucial for optimum and therefore reliable connection.

The hardness of the sleeve has a considerable influence on the workability and therefore the mechanical strength of the connection. The minimum hardness has always been defined in the standard by the specified tensile strength (Rm) of min. 250 N/mm². However, inferior working results can also occur if copper sleeves are too hard, due to the poorer workability. This ultimately results in anything from contact problems to increased safety risks.

Based on these high safety risks, Phoenix Contact took the initiative and proposed a motion to the DIN committee for a maximum material hardness to be defined. DIN 46228-4: 1990-09 has now been replaced by the recently published DIN 46228-4: 2020-03 standard. The update includes the maximum permissible hardness of 105 HV and the corresponding test specifications to determine such values.

For Phoenix Contact, this update and the additional aspects addressed does not alter the products, but is rather a confirmation of their specification for sleeves.