Barrel type crimp connectors

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W. C. Samson

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What is the NEC position on the use of "Crimp" style barrel connectors for use on AC wiring, both solid and stranded? I have concerns regarding the quality of the connection due to inadequate crimping pressure and/or conductor contamination (oxidation). My fear is excessive heat build-up at the point of connection.
 
Re: Barrel type crimp connectors

The use of these are fine as long as they are installed per the manufacturer's instructions and per the listing and labeling instuctions. Here is a comment from UL on these connectors:

Use of specific tools ? A specific tool and die used to assemble a wire connector to a conductor is identified on the connector, or on or within the unit container of the connector. The identification consists of a catalog or type designation, color coding, die index number, or equivalent means. Color coding of the crimp barrel is common.

Multiple crimping operations ? The number of crimps necessary to make a connection using the specific tool is identified on the connector, or on or within the unit container of the connector. Location and number of crimping points is commonly located on the crimp barrel of the connector.
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Re: Barrel type crimp connectors

Originally posted by W. C. Samson:
What is the NEC position on the use of "Crimp" style barrel connectors for use on AC wiring, both solid and stranded? I have concerns regarding the quality of the connection due to inadequate crimping pressure and/or conductor contamination (oxidation). My fear is excessive heat build-up at the point of connection.
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If you crimp them with the proper tool you will get the correct pressure.

Proper pressure ensures a near air tight connection, reducing the possibility of corrosion.
 
Re: Barrel type crimp connectors

See section 110.3(B).
The correct tool and crimp lug will be trouble free. You must use only the tool the lug manufacture lists in the instructions. The tool must be properly adjusted. I have made hundreds of compression connections, the lug and wire are compressed into one cohedsive mass. You are much more likely to have a problem with the attachment of the lug to the mating surface.
 
Re: Barrel type crimp connectors

If you're doing the #10-#16 terminations with a "Champ Tool", your terminations probably do stink. Use a ratchet type, full-cycle crimper, and you will never have a better termination.

For the larger "color keyed" type terminations, They are bulletproof, as long as your crimper is not worn out. They do have GO and NO GO gauges to check them every once in a while.

For very large crimps, you need to make sure that you're getting the number of crimps that the manufacturer calls for. The only large crimps that I've ever seen fail (C frames and H Taps) are due to the original installer "cheating" and only doing 2 or 3 crimps where the manufacturer calls for 5.

Use the right tool for the right crimp terminal, apply the right number of crimps in the right places, and there's no finer way to end a wire.
 
Re: Barrel type crimp connectors

I'm on Scott and Peter's side. Is John with the good guys or bad guys? :D

(Scott, I might have something for you, [your sig. :eek: ] )
 
Re: Barrel type crimp connectors

I've used the Thomas and Betts crimp ons for years. I've probably installed well over 2000 in industrial control and power circuits, from 480V on down. I LOVE these terminals. I've never had one fail that was installed correctly. I use the WT2000 tool which is rated for 10 gauge and smaller solid and stranded wire crimping (with correct connector). Follow the instructions! Simple really. In vibration environments, as found on machinery, these beat a twist (on in my opinion) any day.

John
 
Re: Barrel type crimp connectors

Originally posted by physis:
Is John with the good guys or bad guys? :D
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I use the crimps and make no apology for it. I've seen more loose wire nuts than loose crimp joints. Does that make me a good guy or bad? :roll:
 
Re: Barrel type crimp connectors

Crimps are fine, I am in the for catagory.

As long as they are not halfway through a conduit as I have found in the past. :D
 
Re: Barrel type crimp connectors

Originally posted by jbwhite:
As long as they are not halfway through a conduit as I have found in the past. :D
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I once found a bare, twisted splice in the middle of a 500' spool of #12 THHN/THWN. Naturally, it was halfway through a fairly long pull at a gas station.

I have to admit that finding it was better than not finding it . . . a little. :roll:
 
Re: Barrel type crimp connectors

I'll go for crimp barrels on equipment ground wires. On current carrying conductors the crimp "ought" to be the insulated type. I hate seeing stak-ons with no insulation used in lew of wirenuts, with a couple of wraps of tape to provide insulation. During summer the tape heats up and unwinds . Cheezy.
 
Re: Barrel type crimp connectors

Originally posted by jbwhite:
As long as they are not halfway through a conduit as I have found in the past. :D
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Your right that is a poor application of them.

Everyone knows the correct way to splice in a conduit is a 'western union' tapped up. ;) :p
 
Re: Barrel type crimp connectors

Originally posted by iwire:
Originally posted by jbwhite:
As long as they are not halfway through a conduit as I have found in the past. :D
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Your right that is a poor application of them.

Everyone knows the correct way to splice in a conduit is a 'western union' tapped up. :D
Click to expand...
 
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