Torque Screwdrivers

[Andy78]

The problem is that by mandating the use of torque screwdrivers across the board as a solution to loose terminals, standards might actually drop.
A good termination is about good preparation of the cable including dressing, cropping, forming and settling. It's not good enough to say that a torque driver is the solution to poorly installed cables, especially larger cables like domestic tails.

The NICEIC will be insisting on these implements being used as there is a known problem with standards of installation, and they know they have been registering poorly trained and inexperienced installers for years. More covering themselves and playing to the lowest common denominator rather than upholding standards.

 

[Rpa07]

Also they need calibration and a lot of places wouldn't touch them. The cost would be the same amount again to get them set - electricians again getting stuffed from every angle. Is it not just 'F' tight or 'VF' tight as it used to be in my mechanical training all those years ago.
Agree with the 'preparation of the termination' as being the most important.
Liking the idea of posting it around for every assessment. No carving little notches 'I wuZ yer'!

 

[Pat H]

I was looking at them. But the price...

 

[HandySparks]

A good termination is about good preparation of the cable including dressing, cropping, forming and settling. It's not good enough to say that a torque driver is the solution to poorly installed cables, especially larger cables like domestic tails.

Quite. Totally agree.
The other, related, issue is actually getting the conductor in the terminal. I have seen:

Screw had never been tightened onto busbar.

CU busbar on wrong side of cage clamp.

Tail missing hole in Henley block (screw was tight though!).

 

[LeeH]

IMO,we should all be using them.

Why what's wrong with my terminations?

 

[Andy78]

Aye, seen the busbar wrong side of the clamp many a time. Impossible with the Hager MCBs though. They have a barrier behind the clamp that moves forward as the clamp is tightened.

 

[7029 dave]

Why what's wrong with my terminations?

Don't know. I have not seen them.?

 

[The Ghost]

ghost post deleted

 

[Midwest]

I think the concept of using a torque screwdriver is a good idea, and I have one myself. Over tightening or under tightening are both as bad.

However, I see some issues. As someone has already said, annual calibration. Okay to use one when installing a new CU or device, cos your have access to the manufacturers instructions with torque settings, what do you use as reference when checking connections in an existing CU or devices. AND I have the Whia model with slotted/pozidriv bit heads, which don't fit all manufactures cage clamp screw heads. AND even the slimbits won't fit into the neutral terminal holes on most makes of RCBO's I've fitted.

So the concept is flawed, perhaps.

 

[The Ghost]

I have Wiha and Armeg. Bought the Wiha as the Armeg dial fell off and the driver tips kept fracturing. The rep told me I was using the wrong size and that was the problem, still I suppose he had a point with forty years inexperience thats the sort of mistake you would make isnt it. The Wiha is nice comes with normal screwdriver heads so you can replace them cheaply. Armeg, you are stuck with their particular screwdriver heads. I find I have been over tightening for forty years! Still dont trust the manufacturers numbers. For instance I phoned MK and asked what torque to use on their sockets and was told .5! I do not believe that.

 

[rolyberkin]

http://www.screwfix.com/p/monument-...tracking url&gclid=CIjIpb6quNACFcyRGwodEQYO_w

Got to be a must in the tool bag to check that you have actually tightened the mcb's onto the busbar!

I have also snapped a armeg tip recently, I was using the wrong size though!

 

[interlude]

I have the 16 piece Draper one, I quite like it although I don't use it too often. Initially I was going to get the Wera set but that only goes up to 3Nm whereas the Draper (and wiha i believe) go up to 5Nm.

 

[GL4Spark]

In my opinion anyone who NEEDS (not wants) torque screwdrivers shouldn't be working on any installation.. every spark should know whats expected with connection tightness, its only the idiots who don't take enough care in their work who leave loose connections or don't screw busbars into MCBs correctly....

 

[Pat H]

But couldn't you say the same about car mechanics? Why torque a head down when bloody tight will do?
Looking at the specs for the various connection torques it suggests too tight can be an issue.

 

[Pete999]

In my opinion anyone who NEEDS (not wants) torque screwdrivers shouldn't be working on any installation.. every spark should know whats expected with connection tightness, its only the idiots who don't take enough care in their work who leave loose connections or don't screw busbars into MCBs correctly....

Yes I agree but remember some guys have only done a 5 week course