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Overview
Connectors & Grounding
—
Blackburn
®
Compression Connectors Featuring the Color-Keyed
®
System
The T&B method utilizing compression tools with matching dies forms
the connector and conductor into a solid, homogenous mass to provide
an optimum electrical bond between connector and conductor.
Thomas & Betts method dies are designed to produce a circumferential,
hex- or diamond-shaped compression rather than a simple indent.
Precision dies are an integral part of the Thomas & Betts method. The
precision hardened steel dies exert tremendous, controlled pressure on
the connector and conductor. The dies compress the connector around
the cable, converting the round strands to hexagonal or diamond shapes
and forming the strands and connector into a solid mass. Each die
is designed so that all conductors receive the same amount of
compression force.
The circumferential compression creates a large area of high-pressure
contact between cable and connector which, in turn, assures high
conductivity, low resistance, and high pullout values which exceed
UL requirements. These features result in a permanent, low installed
cost connection. You can install it, and forget it.
Precision Dies Form
a Solid Homogenous Mass…
Blackburn
®
connectors featuring the Color-Keyed
®
system not only identify
the correct installing die to be used for positive compressions, but also
indicate the proper placement of the die on the connector. This is done
by the bands of color on the connector which match the color on the dies.
Compression is made between or on these color bands. The color name
is also spelled on the connector as an added means of identification.
The Thomas & Betts System Tells You Where to Place the Installing Die.
Dies that are used in Thomas & Betts hand and hydraulic tools contain the
“die code” numbers which are engraved on the compression surface of the
die. Under compression, this number becomes embossed on the completed
connection for inspection purposes.
The inspector compares the die code number embossed on the connector
with the die table to ensure that the proper connector was compressed
with the correct die for that particular size conductor.
Thomas & Betts Dies Offer Inspection Capability.
Before compression, a typical cross
section of cable and connector consists
of about 75% metal and 25% air.
After air compression by the T&B Method,
the cross section looks like this, nearly
100% metal with virtually no air spaces.
Colored bands
Die code embossed
Aluminum
Die located
ON Bands
Copper
Die located
BETWEEN bands
Blackburn
®
Connectors featuring the Color-Keyed
®
System
are banded by colored stripes or engraving to indicate location
of die on connector for compression.