H Compression Tap Connectors inside wireways

[INGMRS]

Hi,

I have a doubt regarding the use of the "type H compression tap connectors" in USA, in Costa Rica is very commun to use this connectors in the connections of cables inside wireways for meters, but reading the NEC and looking in the Mike's material, I could see that he only use power blocks or pressure connectors to make this connections.
What kind of connector normally do you use for this connections?

Thanks in advance for your retrofit.

 

[tom baker]

In past Ilsco tap connectors and insulated covers as I didn't have an H tap tool. Today, polaris connectors, fast, insulated and safe.

 

[ptonsparky]

We've used h-taps in gutters and wireways. Inexpensive and quick. Taping can consume some time but we usually don't have that many at any one time.

 

[INGMRS]

We've used h-taps in gutters and wireways. Inexpensive and quick. Taping can consume some time but we usually don't have that many at any one time.

Hi,

Thanks for your reply,

This the H connector that are normally use in Costa Rica, with tape super 23, and super 33.

Regards,

 

[INGMRS]

In past Ilsco tap connectors and insulated covers as I didn't have an H tap tool. Today, polaris connectors, fast, insulated and safe.

Hi,

Thanks for your relpy, my question was because as i understand the H connector is not listed for this applications, as i understoood that they are for overhead applications, and this was the reason to ask what do you use normally in wireway and gutters, ( may be is a different H connector, attached is a picture of what we use).

Thanks,

 

[ptonsparky]

I was never cited, but that means little.

 

[tom baker]

Polaris Connectors. The Ilsco connectors work fine, slower to install. "back in the day" I used split bolts, and tape.

 

[Hv&Lv]

FWIW...
The H taps aren’t UL listed or UL recognized.
That being said I’ve noticed (and installed )many in wireways, cans, cabinets, etc. with rubber tape and a vinyl tape over that.
Never failed inspections for them when they were required to be inspected..
Now I would use Polaris type like the others.

 

[INGMRS]

FWIW...
The H taps aren’t UL listed or UL recognized.
That being said I’ve noticed (and installed )many in wireways, cans, cabinets, etc. with rubber tape and a vinyl tape over that.
Never failed inspections for them when they were required to be inspected..
Now I would use Polaris type like the others.

Hi,

Thanks for your reply,

So, what i can see from the responses is that H connectos where used in the past in USA (does not matters if are listed or not for this application), and now are using the polaris connectors or similar (like split bolt).

Thanks again.

 

[ptonsparky]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply,

So, what i can see from the responses is that H connectos where used in the past in USA (does not matters if are listed or not for this application), and now are using the polaris connectors or similar (like split bolt).

Thanks again.

The split bolt would be my last choice now, but they sure worked well in the past.

 

[kwired]

We've used h-taps in gutters and wireways. Inexpensive and quick. Taping can consume some time but we usually don't have that many at any one time.

They make insulators that wrap around them and snap closed, maybe only a buck a piece or so.

 

[Russs57]

I wonder how we will look back on this in time.

I have seen more polaris tap failures than split bolt failures over the last 40 years. I chalk it up to not using a torque wrench/stripping threads and not bothering with tape in areas with vibration and prone to chaffing.

Generally I'd rate a properly crimped connection as one of the best possible alternatives. But then I liked western union soldered splices too so what do I know

 

[paulengr]

I wonder how we will look back on this in time.

I have seen more polaris tap failures than split bolt failures over the last 40 years. I chalk it up to not using a torque wrench/stripping threads and not bothering with tape in areas with vibration and prone to chaffing.

Generally I'd rate a properly crimped connection as one of the best possible alternatives. But then I liked western union soldered splices too so what do I know

There was a large industrial dryer for a glass sand plant in New Jersey where split bolt connections failed and wiped out all the power and control wiring. Investigation showed multiple failures in the making. How do you properly torque a split bolt or control the preload? How do you ensure even pressure on the wire enough to deform and create sufficient alpha spots for contact?

As to WU splices those embrittle the wiring. Aside from that solder is little more than metallic glue suitable only in stationary applications not subject to tension such as telegraph wires. The solder has a different expansion rate so it creates an upper limit on connections in for instance VFDs on life of about 15 years. Does this make sense in residential intended to last 40+ or industrial lasting 25+? The reason solderless connectors and connections fell out of favor everywhere is this. It remains on circuit boards because there is not yet a good alternative to wave or oven soldering. The first person to mention wire wrapping gets forty tongue lashes. GE Don iIs are proof it’s not better.

 

[oldsparky52]

, and now are using the polaris connectors or similar (like split bolt).

Thanks again.

My guess would be very few people still use a split bolt in this scenario.