Cold flow elec connection ?

[diggers]

I was talking to an inspector today in referance to service splice connections in a panel.
The inspector mentioned something about a cold flow connection. Can someone clarify this theory for me?

 

[ronaldrc]

Re: Cold flow elec connection ?

I thought that term applied to soldered connection?

 

[pierre]

Re: Cold flow elec connection ?

Cold Flow - Thats what happens late saturday night when you have had one too many and your wife says no, turning her back to you
I really have no idea.

Pierre

 

[stamcon]

Re: Cold flow elec connection ?

Cold flow is a condition caused by overtightening a connection. The wire get distorted from the excessive pressure. When heated, the wire and connector expands and wire squishes out. When cooled the wire shrinks back, smaller than it's prior size. This creates a loose connection and more heat will develop. This extra heat causes more expanding and thus a looser connection when cooled. This can continue until a failure occurs.

[ August 14, 2003, 10:16 PM: Message edited by: stamcon ]

 

[Ed MacLaren]

Re: Cold flow elec connection ?

Cold flow can also occur in connections incorporating aluminum components fastened with steel hardware, even if they are tightened to the specified torque, when there is no means provided to allow for the different rates of expansion of the metals. The use of a "Bellville Washer" is one of the methods used.

Ed

 

[diggers]

Re: Cold flow elec connection ?

outstanding diagram and answers, thanks,