September 21, 2020

Finding the right connector for the job

Have you ever come across a cable that doesn’t connect with the connectors because it doesn’t fit the cable. You are not the only one who has gone through this experience. It usually happens when you have limited or no knowledge about the dimensions of cables you are using. There are a number of options available when it comes to choosing a connector, you just need to know which cable you have and what are your requirements. Connectors are made up of various materials, copper and aluminium connectors are widely available. Here is what you need to know about connectors and how you can choose the right connector:

Connectors:

In this section we will elaborate on what actually connectors are, how they work, and what are their uses? Connectors or cable connectors are basically connected to the cables for the purpose of getting power from the power distribution board and delivering the obtained power to cables which then deliver this power to the required destination. The absence of a cable connector means you will be unable to connect the power cable with the distribution board and obtain power from it. In terms of make, connectors are of two types, aluminium connectors and copper connectors. You need to figure out which type of connectors should fit aluminium or copper cables. This decision is really critical, you actually need to know what should be connected with which type of cable otherwise you can’t choose the right connector and may end up wasting power because of an inappropriate cable connector. Here is some valuable information that will help you in choosing the right connector that is capable of addressing your requirements for your next project:

Options for Aluminium Cables:

When it comes to connectors for aluminium cables there are a variety of connector types available that are different from each other in terms of composition of material used to manufacture these connectors. Additionally, it also depends on the cable it is used for, connectors for aluminium cables and other cables, cables can be categorised in three basic types. The first one is flexible aluminium cable, the second type is fine stranded or solid aluminium cables, and flexible copper cables. Usually, flexible aluminium cables need to be pressed several times more as compared to fine stranded or solid aluminium cables and flexible copper cables. This is essential to determine the length of the pressing surface available on the connector. Here are some types and uses of aluminium connectors:

●     Aluminium cable lugs are used for connection of cables with a terminal like a machine screw or a nut on a threaded pin. Most aluminium cable lugs are tinned and can be used for both types of cables, the copper and aluminium ones.

●     Aluminium Compression bolts can be used for connection of a cable directly to appliances or even a screw terminal. Tinned aluminium compression bolts offer a lighter, cheaper, and above all stronger connector option as compared to equivalent bimetal bolts. These bolts can be applied for connection with aluminium cable in connections that are basically designed to address copper materials.

Aluminium compression connectors are important as they are used to establish connection between two cables which are made up of aluminium.