dumb question but got to ask

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shelco

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I am almost embarrased to ask this But...

How do you deal with the concentric neutral on se cable and make it look reasonably neat and professional?
I don't do a lot with SE and it is frustrating as heck to try to make it look good.
Any suggestions? I am sure there is a trick to it.
May be the wrong forum as well.

[ June 10, 2005, 12:38 PM: Message edited by: shelco ]
 
Re: dumb question but got to ask

What I like to do is looking at the connector I separate the strands on the side of the cable, pulling half in front and half in the back. I will pull them towards the side of the neutral connection. I stretch them all out straight and begin twisting them from the end with a pair of channelocks all the way up until they're tight and even with the other conductors. Leave yourself a minimum of about 6 extra inches to be cut off since the end will be slightly crushed.
 
Re: dumb question but got to ask

Not dumb at all. This is the kind of thing you think about when you're doing it, but don't think about later.

If there's plenty to cut off, I'll bend the end into a "Z" and twist it up like a crankshaft. As long as no strands run wild from the bundle, I don't worry about paralleling the strands.

Don't forget the no-ox!
 
Re: dumb question but got to ask

As the years go by, my wrist has taken a toll. Twisting anything is almost out of the question now for me. The neutral strands of SE cable (including 200 amp) fit in the chuck of my Milwaukee 1/2" cordless drill just fine. I bundle the strands and slide them in the chuck and run the drill for a few seconds. It makes for a super neat bundle.
 
Re: dumb question but got to ask

I have used the 1/2" drill method as well. If you don't have one handy use the linesmen pliers.
 
Re: dumb question but got to ask

Thanks Guys
I new I would get some good tips.
I have got try the drill method,
 
Re: dumb question but got to ask

Well I like giving them a little twist and then taping them up nice. I don't like to twist them to tie fearing that you could damage the wire some and could break off. But I don't disagree with the other answers you receive from this thread.
Jim
 
Re: dumb question but got to ask

I thought I invented that crankshaft method back in 1974, Oh well! it has worked well for many years
 
Re: dumb question but got to ask

I know I`ll get jumped on for this but back in the day here we all used the big lug on the ground bar to land all grounding conductors :eek: ,at least here we did then in around 86 we were not allowed to do it any more
 
Re: dumb question but got to ask

Edit: What I posted doesn't go here. :roll:

[ June 14, 2005, 12:15 AM: Message edited by: physis ]
 
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