Set screw butt splices for overhead connections?

[KVA]

Does anyone here use these doing your connections for service upgrades?

The polaris connectors are real expensive but I assume these would be cheaper. Can't find them anywhere but here Hubbell but no prices what do they cost? http://www.hubbellpowersystems.com/connectors/dist/bolted/setscrew-aluminum/butt-splices.asp

 

[iwire]

i use the the Ilsco versions sometimes, never have fer a service but would not hesitate to.

http://www.ilsco.com/ProductsDetail...=Q/lMx9S3PbnMJN9L+/TIyiLGOtVWcmKagVucXjD1xEA=

 

[wolfman56]

Best prices I've seen on lugs;
http://www.lugsdirect.com/splicer-wire-lugs.htm

 

[KVA]

Best prices I've seen on lugs;
http://www.lugsdirect.com/splicer-wire-lugs.htm

Nice and made in the USA!:thumbsup:

 

[goldstar]

Many moons ago I started out using split-bolt bugs. They were expensive. Then I switched to the aluminum butt splicers. Never had a problem with them. Rubber taped them and all was well. However, since I bought a crimper I now use insulated barrel crimps. A lot less expensive and safer than either of the others.

http://www.ilsco.com/ProductsDetail...=GYDCtH1L4S+ScJvsIrJO3SRZHu84MRiLSfF/QBv1VK0=

 

[jumper]

Many moons ago I started out using split-bolt bugs. They were expensive. Then I switched to the aluminum butt splicers. Never had a problem with them. Rubber taped them and all was well. However, since I bought a crimper I now use insulated barrel crimps. A lot less expensive and safer than either of the others.

http://www.ilsco.com/ProductsDetail...=GYDCtH1L4S+ScJvsIrJO3SRZHu84MRiLSfF/QBv1VK0=

Why?

 

[goldstar]

Why?

Not sure how to answer you. What methods do you use ? I've known guys that use RX connectors and tape them up knowing that the POCO will be out shortly after they get notified that the service has been upgraded. If you have a better way please share it wqith us.

 

[renosteinke]

For service upgrades, I used to use the PGC's (parallel groove connectors) supplied by the PoCo.

This has changed, since a change in PoCo rules has the connection now made by their guy. Their usual method is to use barrel crimps.

 

[buzzbar]

Not sure how to answer you. What methods do you use ? I've known guys that use RX connectors and tape them up knowing that the POCO will be out shortly after they get notified that the service has been upgraded. If you have a better way please share it wqith us.

I believe that he was asking why you feel the insulated barrel crimps are safer......

 

[Ponchik]

Use them all the time. Then wrap with rubber tape and finish with good electrical tape. Besides POCO comes in to redo connections within a month anyway.

thanks for the good links for less expensive connectors.

 

[jumper]

Not sure how to answer you. What methods do you use ? I've known guys that use RX connectors and tape them up knowing that the POCO will be out shortly after they get notified that the service has been upgraded. If you have a better way please share it wqith us.

I was asking why you think crimp connections are safer than set screw.

I use primarily crimp, but have used set screw for other applications.

 

[jumper]

I believe that he was asking why you feel the insulated barrel crimps are safer......

Correct.

 

[satcom]

We like the aluminum butt splice, they give us plenty of new repair work from customers who lost their service on the first extreme temp change, and they will never call back the company that let them down, don't expect to get a call back from these customers.

 

[KVA]

I rather use the butt splices because it's a lot easier and safer on a ladder with a hex key over using a big bulky crimp tool.

 

[Hv&Lv]

I rather use the butt splices because it's a lot easier and safer on a ladder with a hex key over using a big bulky crimp tool.

We had a bunch of these come in a couple of years ago. If you do alot(and I do mean alot) it is well worth it. We use this tool daily:
http://www.swaintools.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=41

 

[Jerseydaze]

Ive had the barrel crimps come lose enough that I only use the butt splicers.

 

[packersparky]

The POCO's around here use these. Pricey but very quick.

http://www.hubbellpowersystems.com/connectors/dist/bolted/vise-aluminum/single-bolt.asp

 

[goldstar]

I was asking why you think crimp connections are safer than set screw.

I use primarily crimp, but have used set screw for other applications.

IMHO, from the standpoint of exposure to live parts, when using devices like butt splicers or parallel groove connectors you need some type of metal allen, crescent or socket wrench to install these connectors. There's always a chance that you'll accidently come in contact with a grounded conductor (spoken from the voice of experience - I still have a notch in my allen key set). With the insulated barrel crimps you skin away the insulation on the triplex conductor, slide the barrel crimp right on and you're safe to use the crimper.

 

[kwired]

We like the aluminum butt splice, they give us plenty of new repair work from customers who lost their service on the first extreme temp change, and they will never call back the company that let them down, don't expect to get a call back from these customers.

Anything besides a crimped connection on aluminum that is out in the weather seems to be this way, they do guarantee service calls for someone. I can't recall ever replacing a failed crimped connection if it was installed properly.

I rather use the butt splices because it's a lot easier and safer on a ladder with a hex key over using a big bulky crimp tool.

See Hv&Lv's tool in his post. Don't look at the price tag for them though.

We had a bunch of these come in a couple of years ago. If you do alot(and I do mean alot) it is well worth it. We use this tool daily:
http://www.swaintools.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=41

I can never get local POCO guys to accidently leave them at a job - and especially can't seem to get them to leave a battery charger also.

Ive had the barrel crimps come lose enough that I only use the butt splicers.

If properly sized to conductor and properly installed how are they coming loose?

IMHO, from the standpoint of exposure to live parts, when using devices like butt splicers or parallel groove connectors you need some type of metal allen, crescent or socket wrench to install these connectors. There's always a chance that you'll accidently come in contact with a grounded conductor (spoken from the voice of experience - I still have a notch in my allen key set). With the insulated barrel crimps you skin away the insulation on the triplex conductor, slide the barrel crimp right on and you're safer to use the crimper.

I fixed your post.

 

[mjf]

The POCO's around here use these. Pricey but very quick.

http://www.hubbellpowersystems.com/connectors/dist/bolted/vise-aluminum/single-bolt.asp

These are what Poco here requires me to use. I make the connection (wearing proper PPE) and POCO does not come at any time and replace them with crimp connectors or any other connector. Hot summers, cold winters, haven't had problems.