Typical number of strands #10 AWG Copper

[brycenesbitt]

Without asking Gemni, how many strands are typical for #10 cable?

I was doing a build in a UL508A facility and all the #10 wire they had was very fine stranded, and was a royal PITA to get into the lugs cleanly.
I brought some 19 strand wire and that was fine. Are there other strand counts available (I've never cared before ;-)

 

[stretch12]

Was the finer strand , mtw?

 

[winnie]

It is called 'stranding class', and yes you can get much more finely stranded than typical.

Wire stranding by wire class

 

[don_resqcapt19]

7 and 19 are Class B and C stranding respectively per Chapter 9. Table 10. Standard terminations are only suitable for conductors with Class B and C standing. 37 strands is also a common stranding for 10AWG, especially if it is MTW.

Note that the stranding in post 3 does not match up with that in Chapter 9, Table 10.

 

[brycenesbitt]

Here's are pictures of the actual terminals involved.
It looks like a good design in that the curved element will gather strands rather that have them spread out over time.

The UL508A shop only had the fine strand wire: we went through their entire inventory, same stuff. Had to go get my own.

 

[jaggedben]

Take note of the last paragraph of 110.14. Sounds like it applies to the original conductors you had.

 

[Speedskater]

In olden times (1981) there was:
for 10AWG, 37/26AWG, 49/27AWG and 105/30AWG
for 12AWG, 7/20AWG, 19/25AWG, 65/30AWG, 165/34AWG

Each with slightly different resistance (but times have changed).

 

[SceneryDriver]

Here's are pictures of the actual terminals involved.
It looks like a good design in that the curved element will gather strands rather that have them spread out over time.

The UL508A shop only had the fine strand wire: we went through their entire inventory, same stuff. Had to go get my own.

This is what ferrules are for. We ferrule pretty much everything when we build control panels precisely because of the fine stranding of the MTW wire we use. Get a ferrule kit and a good crimper.


SceneryDriver

 

[SceneryDriver]

https://www.ferrulesdirect.com/collections/wire-ferrule-kits/products/sk501

Like I said, a good crimper:

Rennsteig 610 088 3" PEW8.88 Crimping Pliers, Multi-Colour - Crimpers - Amazon.com

Rennsteig 610 088 3" PEW8.88 Crimping Pliers, Multi-Colour - Crimpers - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

It's expensive, but a good tool is worth it.


SceneryDriver

 

[brycenesbitt]

It's expensive, but a good tool is worth it.
SceneryDriver

Is that just for Ferrules?
In general for attaching crimp ends, ring crimps, etc.... what's the most bulletproof thing out there?
I've seen too many failed crimps (not ferrules) to have much comfort with them.

 

[Deltaforce]

Note that the stranding in post 3 does not match up with that in Chapter 9, Table 10.

Is due to above minimum requirements of nec?

 

[SceneryDriver]

Is that just for Ferrules?
In general for attaching crimp ends, ring crimps, etc.... what's the most bulletproof thing out there?
I've seen too many failed crimps (not ferrules) to have much comfort with them.

This crimper is just for ferrules, up to approximately 5awg (it's actually a metric tool).

This crimper, or one like it works well for insulated rings/forks, spades, etc...

Ratcheting Crimper, 10-22 AWG - Insulated Terminals - 3005CR | Klein Tools

The full-cycle Ratcheting Crimper crimps 10-22 AWG insulated wire terminals. This tool features three crimping cavities in one tool with color-coded wire markings for three size ranges of insulated terminals. Crimper design provides low effort to crimp while maintaining a high terminal pull-off...

www.kleintools.com

Uninsulated crimps are harder to find tooling for, and are sometimes mfg. specific.

The important thing is to use a controlled-cycle tool, that ratchets and won't let you release until the crimp is complete. They also prevent over crimping if you have gorilla hands.


Do NOT use a tool like this for... anything really:

Klein Tools 1001 Multi Tool, Made in USA, Wire Stripper / Wire Cutter / Crimper for 8-22 AWG, Multi-Purpose Electrician Tool is 8.5-Inch Long - Wire Strippers - Amazon.com

Klein Tools 1001 Multi Tool, Made in USA, Wire Stripper / Wire Cutter / Crimper for 8-22 AWG, Multi-Purpose Electrician Tool is 8.5-Inch Long - Wire Strippers - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

I honestly can't believe they're still made. Harbor Freight sells these kind of stripper/crimpers too, and they're even worse.


SceneryDriver

 

[brycenesbitt]

Uninsulated crimps are harder to find tooling for, and are sometimes mfg. specific.

My application is for un-insulated crimps (nothing else is insulated, so why bother insulating the crimp, when it makes it harder to inspect
the crimp quality....

Any recommendations for a good insulated crimp tool? Brazed crimps vs. open?

I did see a decent video with pull tests on ratcheting crimp tools. The video is too long, but I liked the pull tests:
https://youtu.be/5fRRUSmG7LU?si=KeWUiux7oNq981dB

 

[hbiss]

Do NOT use a tool like this for... anything really:

I have an old one that I use for cutting #6 and #8 screws. That's it.

-Hal