Terminal for flexible power cable
Terminal for flexible power cable
(OP)
Hello,
We want to use flexible power cable (locomotive cable) which have approximately 550 stranded for a 4/0.
We have 2 choices for the quick connect connector (posi-lok from cooper), crimp or double set screw.
Do you have any experience wich one is better for a flexible cable, to crimp or the double set screw?
Thank you!
We want to use flexible power cable (locomotive cable) which have approximately 550 stranded for a 4/0.
We have 2 choices for the quick connect connector (posi-lok from cooper), crimp or double set screw.
Do you have any experience wich one is better for a flexible cable, to crimp or the double set screw?
Thank you!






RE: Terminal for flexible power cable
The fine wires of the locomotive cable slide away from the set screws creating a high resistance joint. If this needs to be UL listed, make sure you get a UL listed crimp terminal. If I remember correctly, the listed terminals have a flared opening to guide the fine strands into the barrrel.
We had failures of the extra flexible cables using bolted compression terminals & set screws. This was onlarge cables 500 kcmil equivalent and larger.
RE: Terminal for flexible power cable
Thank you RCWILSON,
Do you know if the crimp is ok for a flexible cable or just for a standard cable?
The plug is UL498 listed.
See page of the catalog
RE: Terminal for flexible power cable
RE: Terminal for flexible power cable
RE: Terminal for flexible power cable
RE: Terminal for flexible power cable
RE: Terminal for flexible power cable
RE: Terminal for flexible power cable
I had a lot of 353 MCM Locomotive cable connections in the switchgear of the 2.2 MW plant. I had to use what was already in service and what was available in the third world.
I used double set screw connecters when I could get them, but we had single set screw connectors in service also.
If your cables are subject to movement I would expect that the strands will start breaking but our cables were a substitute for bus bars and not subject to movement. We never had a failure.
A couple of tips: Use plenty of Penetrox. Apply it to the strands, to the face of the set screws and to the threads of the set screws.
Tighten the set screws and then twist the connector back and forth on the cable. You will generally find that the strands will settle and it will be possible to tighten the set screws further. Repeat several times until the set screws can no longer be tightened any further.
The 353 MCM cable was a very tight fit in 500 MCM connectors. At times we had to gather the strands with a small hose clamp (Aero-clamp) o as to be able to enter them into the connector.
And by the way: After many years in the field, I have come to view manufacturers recommended tightening specs as an attempt to sell replacement parts. Disregard published specs and get those set screws as tight as possible. Using the manufacturers tightening specs on locomotive cable is almost a guarantee of failure.
Bill
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"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: Terminal for flexible power cable
Have used both Cooper and Leviton camlocks for years in gen rental business with set screws and fine strand weld type cable. When properly installed no problems. Have also used crimp style and they work fine, cost of setting up multiple technicians got pricey though.
Thousands of cables in service in over 30 years experience. Do it right, use right parts and procedures, they work as designed for use with proper type flexible cables, what they are made for.
In your catalog look on page 73 under accessories and tools, you'll see pictures of the straps. As I remember most single packed connectors cam with them.
Hope that helps, Mike L.
RE: Terminal for flexible power cable
RE: Terminal for flexible power cable
RE: Terminal for flexible power cable