Topband: Soldering in the wild!

[Milt -- N5IA]

-----Original Message----- 
From: kaz
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2012 9:20 AM
To: topband at 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