Cable Joints

[wreck-it-steve]

Hi,

I had an electrician extend 10 cables in some galvanized box trunking in my work shop and have just come to put the capping back on to find that he has used crimp joints and just put them back in the trunking....

Should these not be covered by heat shrink or brought in to an adaptable box and terminated there?

Just want to get my facts streight before I go shouting the odds.

Thanks

 

[RF Lighting]

No, crimps in trunking is fine.

 

[xr4x4]

I always tape my crimps.

 

[RF Lighting]

So you're the one

 

[flyingsparks]

I always tape my crimps.

Hate seeing that!

 

[xr4x4]

Too bad.

IMO they aren't totally safe unless covered/taped, also they are a permanent joint, so i can't see a reason way you would want to uncover them.

 

[Taylortwocities]

They are insulated crimps connecting two pieces of single insulated conductor. Why would you need to double insulate the (already) insulated junction.

If you are going to wrap the crimp in tape, then you may as well wrap the entire cable. Its a pointless exercise.

And have you seen what happens to that tape after a few years…?

 

[Monkeh]

And have you seen what happens to that tape after a few years…?

Obviously not, or he wouldn't still be wrapping things in vinyl-clad goo.

 

[JohnW2]

They are insulated crimps connecting two pieces of single insulated conductor. Why would you need to double insulate the (already) insulated junction. ... If you are going to wrap the crimp in tape, then you may as well wrap the entire cable. Its a pointless exercise.

It's hard to disagree with, that, provided we are talking about singles. Although I suppose it's probable, I don't think that we have actually been told that they are (singles).

And have you seen what happens to that tape after a few years…?

Quite. If one needs (or feels the need) to do it, then PVC tape is clearly not very desirable - heat-shrink would surely be the thig to use?

Kind Regards, John

 

[DetlefSchmitz]

heat-shrink would surely be the thig to use?

It's a lot of work though.

First you have to crimp the cables together.
Then you have to get the heat shrink.
Then you have to cut the crimp out again.
Then you have to slide on the heat shrink.
Then you have to re-crimp the cables.
Then you have to shrink the heat shrink.

 

[RF Lighting]

No need for anything at all over the crimps.

 

[wreck-it-steve]

Thanks guys.

 

[JohnW2]

It's a lot of work though.
First you have to crimp the cables together.
Then you have to get the heat shrink.
Then you have to cut the crimp out again.
Then you have to slide on the heat shrink.
Then you have to re-crimp the cables.
Then you have to shrink the heat shrink.

Appreciably less than that, though, if one does it by first intent! However, as I've already said, none of the shrink-related steps are needed unless one feels the need for additional insulation over the crimp.

Kind Regards, John

 

[bernardgreen]

I have seen crimps ( in industrial control wiring ) where it was possible to access the metal connector by inserting a thin wire or probe between the sleeve of the crimp and the wire going into the crimp. Very low risk of any random metal getting into the crimp but they certainly were not water proof.

 

[JohnW2]

I have seen crimps ( in industrial control wiring ) where it was possible to access the metal connector by inserting a thin wire or probe between the sleeve of the crimp and the wire going into the crimp. Very low risk of any random metal getting into the crimp but they certainly were not water proof.

I'm sure that's true, but don't forget that, within an acceptable enclosure, even 'bare' accessible live conductors are not necessarily forbidden.

Kind Regards, John