There has been previous discussion on TT about how to connect copper wires
to a galvanized tower (e.g., for lightening ground protection or when the
tower is to be used as a radiator).
My electrician has suggested to me what appears to be an especially simple
and inexpensive solution for this need---the use of an aluminum alloy
"mechanical lug" that bolts to whatever and has a screw-down clamp for the
conductor. These lugs are available at any electric supply house and come
in two sizes. The smaller one costs a little more than a dollar handles
down to #6 wire. The larger one costs a little more than $2 and will handle
down to #2 copper wire). The 1/4 inch hole is perfect for the smaller bolt
on a Rhon-25 tower leg. The ones I found locally are manufactured by Ideal
Industries. The package says clearly "for copper or aluminum conductors"
and in a Google search I found the following description
"The Power-Connect mechanical lug line includes lugs that are UL-listed for
600VAC for wire ranges of 6 to 14AWG through 1000 to 500kcmil cable, and
are acceptable for use to 2000V. Lugs are dual-rated for both aluminum and
copper conductors and are electro-tin plated, made of high-strength
aluminum alloy. Ideal Industries, Inc."
The instructions say to use an antioxidant (presumably on the conductor
before it is clamped).
Does anyone see a potential problem using these lugs in tower-related
applications?
73,
Bill
K0KT
William Q. Meeker
Department of Statistics
304C Snedecor Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa 50011
Phone: 515-294-5336
Fax: 515-294-4040
Home Fax: 515-232-1323
www.public.iastate.edu/~wqmeeker
_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather
Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
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