To all interested,
The exothermic process is the correct name and "Cadweld" is a brand
type.
I have used it extensively for some 30 years. Not only is it used to
"weld" copper conductors together, but also to "weld" the copper conductors
to steel structures, etc.
All the extensive grounding mats in electrical substations are done in
this fashion with the mat also connected to all the steel structures,
fencing, etc.
With regards to the compression fittings mentioned in another post, they
are used extensively above ground, primarily for splicing and terminating
conductors. The most common types are made of an aluminum alloy that has
the connection portion filled with an oxide inhibiting compound. They are
excellent, and allow the connection of dissimilar metal conductors (ie.
copper and aluminum. They are quite inexpensive, but the tool is another
story. The least expensive is a leverage hand operated type that costs
$200-250. A hand held hydraulic model starts at about $750. Pump driven
hydraulic models cost in excess of $1,200-1,500.
There are other types of compression connectors made of copper, bronze,
etc. These are less commonly used in electric line construction as most
conductors (overhead and under ground) are made of aluminum, aluminum
alloys, or aluminum conductor steel reinforced.
Electric utility line supply vendors are the best source for the
connectors and tools. As mentioned by others, you may be able to purchase
them from your local electric utility, or the utility may special order
them for you at a price less than what you would pay direct. Also, upon
purchasing the connectors, the utility may let you borrow the compression
tool
Good luck, es 73 de
Milt Jensen ARS N5IA
Virden NM Rt. Box 176
Duncan, AZ -- 85534
E-Mail address = miltj@aepnet.com
Home: 505-358-2105 FAX: 505-358-2447
Work: 520-359-2503 FAX: 520-359-2371
----------
> From: Larry Higgins <n9dx@michiana.org>
> To: AA6WG@directnet.com
> Cc: topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: TopBand: Bonding radials
To: <topband@contesting.com>
> Date: Thursday, February 13, 1997 8:27 PM
>
> >Has anyone used the "exothermic" process to bond their radial system
together?
> >It is prefered over the usual soldered bond because solder will melt
with the
> >first lightning strike. Is there anyone who is familar with the process
and
> >can describe the tools and materials that are used. Also does anyone
know of a
> >good supplier or 2 who sells the tools and materials?
> >
> >Thanks,
> >Joe AA6WG
>
> Joe, if exothermic welding is what I recall from 31 years ago, it's what
we
> used to bond the grounding system at a tropo station in Vietnam. Pretty
> good grounds were needed for 80-foot dish antennas on a mountaintop in a
> lightning-prone area. Thing is, I recall that we called it cadwelding,
> which may be the same as exothermic welding. I work as an electrician,
and
> the other day there was a discussion about grounding systems in which
> someone mentioned cadwelding. It is apparently the bonding method of
> choice. It welds the copper conductors together.
>
> You can probably get info and materials from any large electrical supply
> house, since they are supplying it to electrical contractors for large
> grounding systems. Another source might be your local electric company.
> Many electric utilities will sell supplies, and all would certainly have
> anything you might need for grounding or bonding. Try contacting their
> supply warehouse people.
>
> 73
>
> Larry
> N9DX
>
>
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