Crimped Lugs on Bonding and Main Earth

[Ash]

So I got into a discussion about putting lugs on to the end of the conductors on the 10mm and the 16mm. I thought it might be good to get a discussion going here too.

His side was against it because you're meant to try and limit the amount of breaks in the conductor as possible.

My thoughts were that, with a lug, it will be screwed onto the earth strap and pretty much has no chance of being pulled out unless the crimp itself fails. As well as looking neater and more professional.

I haven't come to a decision on what I'm going to do in future yet.

 

[Larnacaman]

Ash,

So long as you use a decent crimping tool and lug, you will always achieve a superior connection than a bare clamped connection.... And you can take that to the Bank!! lol!!!!

 

[Carnanum]

Ash,So long as you use a decent crimping tool and lug, you will always achieve a superior connection than a bare clamped connection.... And you can take that to the Bank!! lol!!!!

Time to get the ol' wallet out again!

 

[Andy™]

ratchet crimpers are not very expensive. you can get one that does 1.5-16mm for

 

[kme]

And about the same cost for a 6-25mm uninsulated......

 

[gordy71]

lugs definatelty look better and i would say you might even get a better mechanical connection as the lug bites into the copper once it is crimped and more surface area at the washer end?

 

[PC Electrics]

I would agree that using lugs makes the connection look much more professional and "finished". Most clients are only able to judge quality on looks, having little or no electrical knowledge or skills themselves.

I would also agree that the joint should be more mechanically stable (and thus electrically stable) when a lug is used. Without a lug you have 4 strands under one side of the washer and 3 under the other. this causes the washer to be "lob sided" and can strain the screw. Indeed if the hole size on the washer will not allow the washer to 'lean' over enough then one side may have poor clamping force on the strands. Any creep in the copper over time will worsen this.

 

[Andy™]

And about the same cost for a 6-25mm uninsulated......

then stick another

 

[Evans Electric]

Lugs seem to work perfectly well on everything else , why raise a problem with putting them on earth wires ?

 

[Ash]

I wasn't expecting this to be so straightforward since I've never once come across it out and about.

Oh well, you'll see me happily crimping