-----Original Message-----
From: kaz
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2012 9:20 AM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: Soldering in the wild!
---SNIP---
Split bolts can also be found in stainless varieties in case the
materials being joined might not like touching copper. Not a great
selection of sizes though.
---SNIP---
73 de w4kaz
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Milt, N5IA, commented:
Within the electric power distribution industry, where conductors of two
different metals (typically copper and aluminum) are to be connected
together with a "split-bolt" device, the connector is made of plated copper
AND the two conductors are separated in the split by a similar plated
divider. All copper split-bolt connectors are still obtainable, but are NOT
the norm. Personally, I have never seen a stainless variety. I know of no
reason why stainless would be required.
That said, split bolts are NOT in common use for load carrying connections
and haven't been for some 40+ years. Most all connections, tension and
non-tension, are done with compression splices where the conductor
grooves/holes are prefilled with oxide inhibitor. Hand operated hydraulic
or compressed air/gas driven compression tools, with the correct die for the
type/size of connector, are utilized for making splices which will withstand
mechanical and electrical loads at their rated values for the life of the
conductor. The compression tools are quite expensive, but the connectors
themselves are relatively inexpensive.
Mis dos centavos.
Milt, N5IA
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UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
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