Which is better?

Merry Christmas
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steve66

steve66

Senior Member
Location
Illinois
Occupation
Engineer
I would like a few opinions on which is better.

If one needs to extend feeders for some panelboards (say 100 and 200 amp feeders) would power termination blocks mounted in a hinged enclosure be a good way to go??

Or are the tried and tested split bolts with tape better?

Steve
 
I like these better than split bolts.


They are made by Ilsco and come in a bunch of different configurations.

Chris
 
Better

Better

raider1 said:
I like these better than split bolts.


They are made by Ilsco and come in a bunch of different configurations.

Chris
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I'm w/ raider on this, these as great as when NM didn't need the old rx stripper and on the par w/ PVC instead of RMC. Just an old timer enjoing a time to remenice. Thank you very much:D :D
 
raider1 said:
I like these better than split bolts.


They are made by Ilsco and come in a bunch of different configurations.

Chris
Click to expand...

I like them too as long as it ait my money.Split bolts are just as good but much more time needed and dont even think of reusing.
 
steve66 said:
would power termination blocks mounted in a hinged enclosure be a good way to go??
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Steve I personally hate split bolts and am not that fond of the insulation piercing connectors.

I like the the connector raider posted or compression butt splices or the termination blocks you suggested.

I do question the hinged cover can.

Why would you want to go with a hinge cover can?

I suggest a typical screw cover can as you will not have to service these spices (we hope) and you don't want it to easy to open for others.
 
Ilsco's are the way to go. Expensive but the way to go. Split bolts are cheaper but yet ok. The insulation piercing bugs are not recommended and are illegal to use on the service laterals from the utility company. They tend to not make a good connection. If you really wanted a good connection and a permanant one you should high-press them and then rubber tape them.
 
LarryFine said:
Why not? :-?
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Maybe he's thinking about removing the miles of tape around them?

Personally I dislike split bolts with the exception of temporary tie in's on service upgrades.
 
split bolts

split bolts

chevyx92 said:
Yes Polaris connectors are the way to go nowadays. Thumbs up!
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That seems to be the consensus of opinion in this neck of the woods, but at the average local labor rate, some find them a but pricey compared to split bolts connections.
 
Larry,


One year we did a project in Prudhoe Bay, where the temp was just wires ran in pipe across the tundra, and to the pond, then ran across the ice, (to melt, and be in the pond for "project duration") and then hooked up to some tank motors and controls. The tank motors were 480VAC pumps with about a #4 going to it.

After a few months, and we had built pipe racks running all associated gear, cut over to be the permanent feed, we went back and started butchering out the temp. The temp that had been under water in the pond, had been split bolted together! Even better, we cut off the 88, and went through all the 23, to find a dry core, and no corrosion of the split bolts! So for "extreme conditions" I vote the split bolt. Normally, what ever constitues a "competitive bid" makes my day...as long it's at the job site, and readily available!
 
I try to avoid mechincal connections where ever possible in favor of a crimp or compression connector. My choice for this application would be a compression butt splice insulated with heat shrink tubing.
Don
 
I learned to install split-bolts when they were the device of choice. One thing I remember standing out is alternating tightening and hammering on the bolts, until they wouldn't tightening any more.

Then we covered them with the liner from the rubber tape (which kept the rubber from adhering to the bolts), then rubber tape, then friction tape. Later peeling used bolts only required a sharp knife.

I have rescued many split-bolts, and it's never taken me more than a minute or so. I slit the tape down to the metal along one side, then peel back the tape with the tip of my Kleins. Easy savings.
 
LarryFine said:
I learned to install split-bolts when they were the device of choice. One thing I remember standing out is alternating tightening and hammering on the bolts, until they wouldn't tightening any more.QUOTE]

Larry, a while back there was discussion about torque on connections. Do split bolts require a certain torque? Also what about hammering on the connections? Don't get me wrong Larry, I am old school too. I do alot of these things like you still, but I have to admit that I use the NSI Polaris connectors now for almost all feeder connections. Sometimes on motors we use squeeze on eyelets with bolts and nuts. When we used split bolts we usually turned the sticky side of the tape out so it would not stick. I think you were supposed to use the cloth tape first, but our employer would never buy the proper stuff.
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Thanks for the input.

Don: I would have thought the mechanical connectors would make a more reliable connection. I am curious why you like the crimp or compression connectors better?

Bob: I have to agree, the screw slot cover sounds like a good idea.

Steve
 
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