-----Original Message----- From: kaz Sent: Monday, August 06, 2012 9:20 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Topband: Soldering in the wild!
---SNIP--- Split bolts can also be found in stainless varieties in case the materials being joined might not like touching copper. Not a great selection of sizes though. ---SNIP--- 73 de w4kaz --------------------------------------------- Milt, N5IA, commented: Within the electric power distribution industry, where conductors of two different metals (typically copper and aluminum) are to be connected together with a "split-bolt" device, the connector is made of plated copper AND the two conductors are separated in the split by a similar plated divider. All copper split-bolt connectors are still obtainable, but are NOT the norm. Personally, I have never seen a stainless variety. I know of no reason why stainless would be required. That said, split bolts are NOT in common use for load carrying connections and haven't been for some 40+ years. Most all connections, tension and non-tension, are done with compression splices where the conductor grooves/holes are prefilled with oxide inhibitor. Hand operated hydraulic or compressed air/gas driven compression tools, with the correct die for the type/size of connector, are utilized for making splices which will withstand mechanical and electrical loads at their rated values for the life of the conductor. The compression tools are quite expensive, but the connectors themselves are relatively inexpensive. Mis dos centavos. Milt, N5IA _______________________________________________ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
