![]() The AlumiConn website - has installation videos, Wire combinations, specification sheets, and other information and assistance in purchasing or using this product.Watch out: For a safe proper installation follow the complete AlumiConn installation instructions provided by the manufacturer and found at However in an interview of more than 50 licensed electricians conducted by the autor in Dallas TX, not one electrician owned a torque-setting screwdriver measuring in the inch-pounds range and not one electrical supply store had the SK 73004 torque measuring screwdriver in stock. Watch out: only the measured-torque method of installation is officially a "listed" and CPSC recommended application of the AlumiConn device. We conclude that as long as the installer does not so over-tighten a setscrew so as to damage the connector, strip the screw, or excessively compress and damage the wire, this method will meet the required torque specifications. Results of all tests performed (n=10) showed that the "specified number of turns" method always exceeded the inch-pounds of torque specified by the manufacturer. To compare these procedures I (Daniel Friedman for ) performed simple torque measurement experiments using AlumiConn™ connectors and the SK 73004 torque measuring screwdriver (about $100) provided courtesy of King Innovations. We were concerned that there is subjectivity in deciding exactly when "first contact" between the setscrew and the wire has been achieved. Use a specified number of turns of the setscrew past "first contact" with the wire in the connector.Use a torque measuring screwdriver and set the AlumiConn screw against the electrical wire to 10 inch pounds on aluminum solid conductor wires, or 15 inch-pounds on #10 aluminum or any solid stranded copper wire.The maufacturer lists two methods for achieving the required splice connector torque, a measure of turning force that in turn reflects how securely the screw is pressed against the wire that has been inserted into the splice terminal block. But as quoted above, Aronstein emphasized that the connector's acceptable performance relied on using the proper torque settings. Reading the UL document recommending use of the AlumiConn™, we found no mention whatsoever of torque specifications - those are particularly important for this particular connector as it involves tightening a screw in a terminal block to secure the aluminum or copper wire being spliced. is predicted to have a high probability of failure-free long-term safe performance, PROVIDED THAT THE SETSCREWS ARE CAREFULLY TIGHTENED TO THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDATION". Click any image to see an enlarged, detailed version. Our photo (left) shows the bit of a torque screwdriver inserted into the screw in the AlumiConn™ terminal block. The AlumiConn™ connector shown at left is used to splice a copper "pigtail" wire together with one or two aluminum wires as a step in reducing the fire hazard associated with aluminum electrical wiring. Testing AlumiConn™ Splice Connector Torque Test Results Abstract We also provide an ARTICLE INDEX for this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest.
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