Hey guys, so Im in the market for a crimper (Ex. milwaukee or greenlee 18 volt) Does anyone use or have any input on using these over the polaris type set screw connectors for service entrance wires? I feel the initial purchase is a hit but the time saved and connection would be worth it.. Any and all input is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Service Entrance Crimper and Crimp type
- Thread starter matt123
- Start date
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I'd say it depends on how many you are doing, and how much you're willing to invest to not have to mess with the polaris connectors. The insulated service crimp barrels are substantially cheaper than polaris connectors ($1.25 vs $15ish)
I'd vote for do it if its not too much of a stretch to buy the tool+dies.
I'd vote for do it if its not too much of a stretch to buy the tool+dies.
ptonsparky
Tom
- Occupation
- EC - retired
We rent one or borrow it from an area wholesale house for the larger connectors.
We have an old manual Burndy tool and die for 4/0 and below which is most of our applications. Not very many at that.
We have an old manual Burndy tool and die for 4/0 and below which is most of our applications. Not very many at that.
goldstar
Senior Member
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Have you checked the prices lately ?
www.zoro.com
This is just one website but I'm sure they're all up there. You can try EBay for a used one. Good luck.
Greenlee Crimper Flip T, 15T Li, Std, 12V, Cable Termination EK1550FLX12 | Zoro
Order Greenlee Crimper Flip T, 15T Li, Std, 12V, Cable Termination, EK1550FLX12 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.
www.zoro.com
This is just one website but I'm sure they're all up there. You can try EBay for a used one. Good luck.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Around here the POCO cuts off the connectors that the electrician uses at the drop so we use the cheapest connectors possible. Unless you have a need for the crimper in other work it may not be worth the investment.
We get them cheaper than most and use them daily.
Still, for ~2K that’s a lot of service entrances to make up to save on Polaris connectors, split bolts, or any other connectors.
As infinity said, we cut them off and put H taps on the service entrances.
Heck, we run across some made up with romex connectors, water clamps, etc…
Still, for ~2K that’s a lot of service entrances to make up to save on Polaris connectors, split bolts, or any other connectors.
As infinity said, we cut them off and put H taps on the service entrances.
Heck, we run across some made up with romex connectors, water clamps, etc…
They aren’t that much new…
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Back in the day when we installed 100 amp services we would occasionally use blue wire nuts.
electrofelon
Senior Member
- Location
- Cherry Valley NY, Seattle, WA
I'd you want to go a more affordable route, you can get one of manual ones discussed here:
Milwaukee crimper with fixed bg
Got my first crimper and was wondering if the bg crimp bay was capable of crimping a #2 alum wire in a insulated blackburn or do i need a die in the d3
forums.mikeholt.com
You would be able to do the common die series lugs mentioned in post #8, and also the Blackburn WR series H taps which are great for connecting service drops, and are cheap at about $3.50 a piece.
goldstar
Senior Member
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
FWIW, I use this type :
www.delcity.net
with this type of insulated crimp :
www.gordonelectricsupply.com
FYI, It's pure isometric exercise crimping 4/0 aluminum. Not sure how much longer I'll be able to do that. The battery powered tool looks great but not for $8K IMHO.
Universal V-Crimp Heavy Duty Crimp Tool - 6-4/0 Gauge
This heavy duty crimp tool crimps different gauge battery terminals and cable lugs with a quick adjustment of the crimper head. The compact size provides easy handling and leverage.
with this type of insulated crimp :
BLACKBURN ICS74-1 SVC ENTR SLV | Gordon Electric Supply, Inc.
Blackburn ICS74-1 Service-Entrance Sleeve
www.gordonelectricsupply.com
FYI, It's pure isometric exercise crimping 4/0 aluminum. Not sure how much longer I'll be able to do that. The battery powered tool looks great but not for $8K IMHO.
marmathsen
Senior Member
- Location
- Seattle, Wa ...ish
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
I was just at a home with a 200A service that was replaced about 8 years ago. I was surprised to see the drop connected with blue wire nuts. That was a first for me. I told him to reach out to Seattle City Light and have them do a "Make-Perm".
Rob G
Has anyone used this Klein crimping tool?
www.kleintools.com
Seems like a cheap alternative and does many different sizes. I primarily use crimping on extending the grounds for the most part anyway.
Large Crimping Tool with Compound-Action - 2006 | Klein Tools
Use this crimping tool to crimp 6 - 4/0 AWG lugs and terminals. High-leverage handles and compound-action mechanism offer superior mechanical advantage. Ultra-comfortable hand grips for easy use and minimal fatigue. Adjustment screw allows user to control crimp depth.
Seems like a cheap alternative and does many different sizes. I primarily use crimping on extending the grounds for the most part anyway.
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