Should we use copper blade crimps?

[chris day]

hello guys

I quite often find that when terminating 25mm tails into a 100a fuse board isolator you do not get the 25mm tails to squash nicely by the main switch thermals like you would 16mm tails, should be be using copper blade terminals instead to ensure a better connection?

 

[telectrix]

?????.

 

[Pete999]

hello guys

I quite often find that when terminating 25mm tails into a 100a fuse board isolator you do not get the 25mm tails to squash nicely by the main switch thermals like you would 16mm tails, should be be using copper blade terminals instead to ensure a better connection?

Explain please, a picture of what you are suggesting will help.

 

[westward10]

Copper Blade Terminals 25mm - Cablecraft - https://www.cablecraft.co.uk/copper-blade-terminal-25mm.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwnpXmBRDUARIsAEo71tSOSTr_2rqLYlZGgfIJ3fVFloHpbOEd1iATH59Lbx2SsoCL1nMja94aAkXaEALw_wcB

 

[Pete999]

Copper Blade Terminals 25mm - Cablecraft - https://www.cablecraft.co.uk/copper-blade-terminal-25mm.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwnpXmBRDUARIsAEo71tSOSTr_2rqLYlZGgfIJ3fVFloHpbOEd1iATH59Lbx2SsoCL1nMja94aAkXaEALw_wcB

Thanks Westy

hello guys

I quite often find that when terminating 25mm tails into a 100a fuse board isolator you do not get the 25mm tails to squash nicely by the main switch thermals like you would 16mm tails, should be be using copper blade terminals instead to ensure a better connection?

From Westies info then no unless the terminals are designed for flat cables imo

 

[MJPD29]

I'm going to say no, just giving yourself more work then insulating the crimped area above blade

 

[Toneyz]

You shouldn't need to if as I think you are referring to a domestic consumer unit 100A main switch it should be designed to take 25mm tails.

 

[Andy78]

No problem using 25mm tails. Just form them properly, set them in the terminals, then re-tighten after they have settled a bit.
If problems persist try an extra weetabix in the morning.

 

[Toneyz]

No problem using 25mm tails. Just form them properly, set them in the terminals, then re-tighten after they have settled a bit.
If problems persist try an extra weetabix in the morning.

Or have three shredded wheat for breakfast with spinach for the evening meal.

 

[westward10]

Wrap them with a piece of bare 2.5 none of the strands shift.

 

[Charlie_]

The bus bars are flat and they terminate ok

 

[Strima]

We use these quite often and haven't seen any come loose or been subject to overheating.

 

[Cid]

You shouldn't have problems terminating 25mm tails into a switch. If you are then you are doing something wrong.

You need to use your hands and form the cable correctly so it simply drops into place without putting strain on the switch and then tighten.

 

[45140]

As long as there is no risk of galvanic corrosion

 

[Charlie_]

As long as there is no risk of galvanic corrosion

Just use galv spray

 

[Empire]

25mm bootlace ferrule would be better imo.

 

[stevethesparks]

25mm bootlace ferrule would be better imo.

View attachment 49103

What do you use to crimp those as I have found them too thin to be of any use?

 

[DT1991]

What do you use to crimp those as I have found them too thin to be of any use?

It requires a certain crimping tool.
These would be more suited to a Tri-rated type of cable CEFT3 – ratchet crimping tool for bootlace ferrules - https://www.cse-distributors.co.uk/product/ceft3-ratchet-crimping-tool-for-bootlace-ferrules/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkeGPpJ_74QIV05TVCh3yIwrnEAQYECABEgJV3fD_BwE

 

[Squid]

Takes me back many years using a hydraulic crimper on 400 mm SWA.

 

[telectrix]

Takes me back many years using a hydraulic crimper on 400 mm SWA.

had you lost your hammer?

 

[Squid]

had you lost your hammer?

I was working with a scouser, you get the picture..........

 

[telectrix]

aaaaaaaaany decent scouser would have nicked the hydraulic tool and flogged it before you could finish your tea.

 

[davesparks]

Using 19 strand tails instead of 7 strand can help a lot with this, they are much more flexible and easier to work with.

 

[mattg4321]

Using 19 strand tails instead of 7 strand can help a lot with this, they are much more flexible and easier to work with.

Be careful as some DNO don't like this. UKPN didn't recognise the 19 strand tails as acceptable when I last enquired. This may have changed now though.

 

[Toneyz]

Weston Power say no to Tri rated into their cutouts.

 

[davesparks]

Weston Power say no to Tri rated into their cutouts.

As do most DNO's and I think it extends to any sort of flex, not just tri rated. But the 19 strand tails I suggested are not flex, they are just 19 strand insulated and sheathed singles.

 

[davesparks]

Be careful as some DNO don't like this. UKPN didn't recognise the 19 strand tails as acceptable when I last enquired. This may have changed now though.

That's odd considering most DNOs and metering companies seem to use them these days.