Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin Sevcik
Mike,
What kind of currents are we talking about here? As I understand the system, all/most of the current should be flowing through the copper current bar. The spring steel clip shouldn't see much current, given the relative sizes and resistivities of the clip and current bar. So I don't really see a mechanism for the extreme kind of heating needed to take the set out of the spring steel, save a rather poor installation.
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Kevin,
The Wall-Nuts which failed were rated for #10 wire on an AC installation so atleast 30amp.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alan Anderson
That was the installation where aluminum wiring was quietly substituted for the copper that got stolen the night before the work was done, right? I remember reading something about that this summer in an electricians' newsletter. The connectors involved (I think they were called something like "WAGO Wall Wire") were explicitly not intended for use with aluminum.
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Alan,
Our store did not have that issue. I have viewed nearly 100% of the runs of wire in our store ( I work at the Holland Menards and work with my dad (master electrician) when issues arise). The wires are all copper some larger than needed. The article was not about our store.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Don Rotolo
The spring tab that contacts the wire isn't where most of the current flow happens - instead it is the large flat (and thick!) surface that it is pressing the wire against. I will suggest that (for these connectors) the temperature rise in the wire will exceed that of the connector.
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Don,
Now if you look at the locations of the large flat surface this is right next to the steel spring which will conduct heat and wear out the spring when continuously pushed to maximum current ratings. These are a different and much improved form of connector than what WAGO has had in years past.