Crimping 240v Twin and Earth - Safe??

[ngunge]

Hello, I would like to know what the regs say on crimping 240v 1.5mm twin and earth (single core) using red straight through crimps...

Is it legal/safe/can it be done and pass inspection etc etc?

What can I do/use instead of using a chockblock (connnector block) to join 1.5mm twin and earth together in trunking?

Crimping, soldering, heatshrinking?

Thanks

 

[pushrod]

Just read thru this whole thread again - not initially realising how old it was

If working for the water board, power stations large steel works, mines and quarries etc, anywhere in fact with a clerk of works and a spec. Solid core cannot be crimped. I know because once we had to rip about 1000 metres of 1.5 7core out, because it was solid core and all connections out in the field were crimp connections. And thinking about other places I've worked never have crimped solid core before.

We didn't know it was solid core until connection time, nor did the gaffer, tried to bluff through..no chance it was spotted quickly. Wholesaler at fault, or so was told to us -;
At the time I wondered why not, ask the clerk of works...he looks at me like mainwaring looks at pike..Because solid core breaks under vibration at weak point on crimp, because of expansion and contraction eventually losens the joint, stranded does not..and your boss should know why...oops

It occurred to me that these are good reasons in the environments mentioned , but that in a domestic situation the cable is probably more protected and less likely to be subject to extremes of temp and vibration - maybe??

So, and sorry because this is probably off the topic now, if you want to join say a 2.5, can you use spring loaded multiconnectors like Helacon Plus range - in a box, which can then be inaccessible?

However I like crimping, its therapeutic.

If they are similar style to those Ashley ones then yes, that is what a lot of people on here have said.

 

[leolec]

I go with bootlace ferrules for stranded flex in FCU's - really not sure about crimps on solid conductors

 

[nickblake]

As long as the crimp is attatched using the correct tool then there isnt a problem ,correct tool i mean ,a ratchet crimper not a hand crimper , yes it does crush the solid core but so does every termination you do ,how often have you fixed say a light switch and over tightend it and the wires broke ,so crimp insulate job done ,great for mains board upgrades when the wires need extending

 

[Ponty Massive]

As long as the crimp is attatched using the correct tool then there isnt a problem ,correct tool i mean ,a ratchet crimper not a hand crimper , yes it does crush the solid core but so does every termination you do ,how often have you fixed say a light switch and over tightend it and the wires broke ,so crimp insulate job done ,great for mains board upgrades when the wires need extending

I agree.....Crimps fitted properly are a life safer sometimes for CU changes. I also heat shrink over the top.

 

[nickblake]

Only cable that shouldnt be crimped is cable with aluminium conductors ,as for insulation over the joint i use 8kv rated coloured self amalgamating tape

 

[Knobhead]

Only cable that shouldnt be crimped is cable with aluminium conductors ,as for insulation over the joint i use 8kv rated coloured self amalgamating tape

There’s no problem with crimping aluminium conductors if you use the correct tool and an anti-oxidising paste.

 

[Abdul]

ive just crimped a ring mains few days ago. would it pass inspection?

 

[Sintra]

If done correctly yes.

 

[La Poste]

Sounds good.
I personally like the sound of using copper crimps on copper cables and then heat shrinking.
The regs clearly state that all mechanical joints should be accessable for inspection and maintenance with a few exceptions one being unless a permanent joint is made with the appropriate compression tool.
Copper crimps would be good because if the crimps are not copper there may be some sort of reaction between two different types of metal at the joint.
I would prefer to run a new cable but then sometimes this is not practical.
I guess you would haveto make sure you did not over stress the crimp because you may damage the cable leading it to snap at a later date especially if it was solid core copper.

 

[martysparky]

crimps in trunking?
I would say it ok if cable can be clipped or fixed to the back of the trunking as any movement from maintenance etc could loosen connections. The regs say without quoting that crimps are acceptable in a plastered wall ( maintenance free ).

 

[nickblake]

i use crimps all the time always check the connection then insulate with self amalgamating tape insulated to 8 k ,well thats what it says on the packet , but always make sure the connection is good , graet for extending cables in cdu's and sockets some time to

 

[sjm]

i use crimps all the time always check the connection then insulate with self amalgamating tape insulated to 8 k ,well thats what it says on the packet , but always make sure the connection is good , graet for extending cables in cdu's and sockets some time to

Yes I also use them a lot. However I was told by NICEIC helpline that if you use amalgamating tape you should crimp then put cable sheath around joint then tape up, or just use heatshrink. I find heatshrink much quicker than tape.

 

[martysparky]

Yes I've done the sheath before tape method. Did it once when I ran out of heat shrink. Good to know NICE advise the same.

 

[Jimmy Boy]

As a matter of interest what does everyone do when Mr DIY man sticks his drill through a bit of T&E in the middle of his lounge wall ? Crimp/bury/forget or stick a gopping box on the wall ?

 

[Jimmy Boy]

Re Heatshrink

When I worked on Marine craft i used Glue lined Heat shrink nice and waterproof