Termination of Compression Type Lugs
It is common practice for large cables to be connected to switchgear or busbars by fixing lugs to the conductor ends. A method, known as crimping, is used to fix the lug to the cable end, by means of pressure and indentation. The conductor is inserted into the lug, and an indentation made by using a hand crimp tool or hydraulic crimp tool. This pressurises the lug and the cable into a single solid mass, so that the joint is stronger than the cable itself. See Figure 43.
Where compression type lugs are used to terminate cables to switch gear or bus-bars, the following conditions must be observed.
· Use a bolt washer and nut assembly of the correct type and size.
· Install the flat part of the lug against the busbar or switchgear terminal ( surface area ).
· Ensure that the nut is tightened sufficiently.
· ( use a torque spanner for all main connections ).
· Special care must be taken when using dissimilar metals such as copper and aluminium in order to prevent any electrolytic action ( chemical reaction between the two metals ).
Unit Related ETCI Rules
