2.1.1.2 Insulation Removal
Conductor coverings and insulations protect the
conductor from corrosion and mechanical
damage, as well as provide electrical separation
between conductive layers and/or from external
contact. When installing a connector, the covering
must be removed completely without damaging
the underlying conductor. The exposed conductor
region must be of sufficient length to
accommodate the entire contact surface(s) of the
connector.
Depending on the type of conductor, the removal
of insulation (and reinsulation of the finished
connection) can be quite complicated. Whether
working with intricate conductors that have
multiple layers of insulating and covering
materials, or just simple jacketed cables, there
exist some basic rules for insulation removal.
1. The insulation must be removed for a
length just greater than the contact length of the
connector to be installed. In the case of
compression connections, the strip length must
include additional length to compensate for the
connector’s extrusion during crimping.
2. Regardless of the method used, the
underlying conductor must not be damaged by
cutting or nicking during the insulation removal
process. Cut or nicked strands reduce the cross
sectional area of the conductor and may result in
an eventual failure.
3. After the conductor is stripped and all
insulation is removed, follow the guidelines for
contact surface preparation and, when necessary,
oxide inhibitor application.