Crimping tool - DIY use

[IJWS15]

Have a ring main cable to extend (it would be very difficult to replace the full length) and the joint will be under the floor. Moved the socket on Saturday and currently joined with connector blocks.

Is this a reasonable tool to buy for the job . .

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/70036...rs/Crimpers/Forge-Steel-Ratchet-Crimping-Tool

Or would I be better investing a couple more pounds for this

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/60547...atchet-Crimping-Tool-for-1-5sq-mm-to-16sq-mm.

 

[davelx]

They are different tools for different types of crimps. The one with the red handle is for insulated crimps the other is for copper tube lugs which are not the same thing.

 

[IJWS15]

Was suspicious about the description - thanks for the confirmation.

 

[slup]

Much cheaper from TLC if you have a branch nearby.

Steve

 

[Markey]

or qvs if you have one of those http://www.qvsdirect.com/Silverline-Ratchet-Crimper-Tool-pr-21389.html

 

[pukka]

or www.wagobox.com

Paul

 

[IJWS15]

Birmingham and wanted to pick it up on the way home so looks like screwfix.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

or www.wagobox.com

Paul

In what way is a website selling pushfit connectors a suitable suggestion for a physical location where the OP can buy a crimper?

 

[pukka]

just looked like the pushfit connectors would work out cheeper.

Paul

 

[Chri5]

The push fits have to be accessible since they are not considered any better than a terminal joint.

If you have to obscure a join, permanently it must be crimped, or if you have the patience (and talent) sleeved, soldered and heat shrunk joints.

Those are the ONLY two recognised methods of jointing without the need to access the join.

 

[pushwire]

What makes you think pushfit connectors need to be accessible?

Read Appendix 15 of the Reg's.

Which element of a cage clamp or pushwire terminal requires maintenance?

Who doesn't believe Pushfit connectors are not a whole lot better than screw terminals?

Are you aware of the product testing and safety certification that pushfit terminals have to conform to?

Can you cite any certification that screw terminals conform to to justify the remark "they are not considered any better than a terminal joint"

I've witnessed plenty of crushed broken and burnt out cables in bit's of chock block and BS6220 junction boxes and fitted many 100's of pushfit connectors. In my experiance if fitted correctly a pushfit connector is 100% reliable end of.

 

[RF Lighting]

They do not comply with regulation 526.3 in BS7671:2008, so they MUST remain accessible.


Regulation 526.3:

Every connection shall be accessible for inspection, testing and maintanence, except for the following:

(i) A joint designed to be buried in the ground
(ii) A compound-filled or encapsulated joint
(iii) A connection between a cold tail and the heating element as in ceiling heating, floor heating or a trace heating system
(iv) A joint made by welding, soldering, brazing or appropriate compression tool
(v) A joint forming part of the equipment complying with the appropriate product standard.

Which category of those above do pushfit connectors fit into?

What makes you think that appendix 15 has any relevence anyway?

 

[pushwire]

Appendix 15.

Junction Box to BS60670-22 with screw terminals must be accessible for inspection or alternatively use maintenance free terminal connections.

 

[RF Lighting]

I see what you've done there, and it's quite clever.

You have only quoted part of appendix 15.

But, you missed out one VERY important bit.

You wrote this:

Junction Box to BS60670-22 with screw terminals must be accessible for inspection or alternatively use maintenance free terminal connections.

As we all know, that isn't exactly what BS7671:2008 says now is it?

What it does infact say is : "Junction boxes with screw terminals must be accesible for inspection, testing & maintenance or, alternatively, use maintenence-free terminals / connections (Regulation 526.3)."

That says you can use maintence free connections as long as they comply with regulation 526.3


Regulation 526.3:

Every connection shall be accessible for inspection, testing and maintanence, except for the following:

(i) A joint designed to be buried in the ground
(ii) A compound-filled or encapsulated joint
(iii) A connection between a cold tail and the heating element as in ceiling heating, floor heating or a trace heating system
(iv) A joint made by welding, soldering, brazing or appropriate compression tool
(v) A joint forming part of the equipment complying with the appropriate product standard.

So, I'll ask you again, which category of those above do pushfit connectors fit into?

 

[pushwire]

lol

(v) A joint forming part of the equipment complying with the appropriate product standard.

113.1 The Regulations apply to items of electrical equipment only so far as selection and application of the equipment are concerned. The regulations do NOT deal with the construction of assemblies which are required to comply with the appropriate standard.

BS60670-22
Junction Box

Now are pushfit terminal blocks maintenance free... i think so!