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Connectors: there’s a twist in this tale24 August 2011Phil Roberts takes at look at what the connector industry is currently offering in terms of speedy, secure installationWhen it comes to making speedy connections, the push-in connector has been providing a fast and flexible alternative to traditional screw-down terminal strips for some time now. The technique features a spring assembly that clamps the conductor securely in place; all the installer needs to do is push the wire into the body of the connector – often a clear polycarbonate shell that allows the user to verify that the connection has been made.
The method reduces user fatigue and means it takes less effort to make electrical connections, saving time and money. In fact, most push-in connector manufacturers claim a 50% reduction in wiring time over that for traditional screw fix connectors or terminal strips. And so, it would seem the push-in connector is well established and faces little in terms of a rival technology. But there’s a twist in this tale.
There is now a rapidly emerging technology - the twist-on connector; but while it is very much the connector of choice in North America, it has yet to make its impact here in the UK. The main reason for this is that twist-on connectors are still largely associated with the notorious 1970s ‘screw-it’ versions, which were poorly manufactured from ceramic and would crack very easily to expose the conductors.
But attitudes towards twist-on connectors are set to change. Today’s products are not only extremely safe but offer even more time and cost savings benefits compared with their push-in alternatives. It is this author’s opinion that twist-on connectors are set to revolutionise modern cable connection procedures.
In some respects, twist-on connectors offer similar features to the push-in option. They are very easy to use, featuring a novel ‘live-action’ square wire spring that bites on the first 360° turn, forming threads on the conductors as they are drawn into the connector body. Some versions even offer an innovative grip design for improved leverage and greater torque, thus maximising their ease-of-use.
However, unlike push-in connectors that were originally developed for lighting applications, and are only rated up to 24A, twist-on connectors can be used in a multitude of applications, some varieties accommodating multiple 6mm2 or 10mm2 wire and rated up to 57A. Despite this, they are still small enough to fit easily within standard junction boxes or connector enclosures. And, as well as having an exceptional wire range capacity, twist-on connectors are also capable of accepting solid and stranded wire combinations.
Other advantages include reusability - the user only needs to twist the connector in the opposite direction to release the conductors or incorporate additional conductors; and twist-on connectors are also available in environmental protection ratings to IP55, ensuring a reliable performance for connections exposed to rain or damp conditions.
Phil Roberts is with Ideal industries
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