Torque screwdrivers

[TAZ]

Sorry if there is already a post on this subject. With regulations stating that installed equipment is to be as per manufacturers instructions, what % of you folks use a torque screwdriver. Thanks

 

[telectrix]

what's wrong with using an impact driver. that'll get 'em bloody tight. LOL.

 

[imago]

My elecsa assesment guy told me in october that shortly they will be compulsary for board changes (to follow manufacturers guidelines) and they will need to be shown on annual assesments

ELECSA and the rest will need to start treading carefully with what they insist on. They're already on thin ice, so it wouldn't take much for them to hear "get stuffed" on a regular basis.

 

[Robert Turnbull]

This is more stupid than a book by David cockspur!!

 

[Brendan976]

Whether we like or not, torque screwdrivers will be one of those tools that you just will have to have. We cannot cherry pick what reg we will adhere to and which one we will choose to ignore, unfortunately ( manufacturers instructions ) ties you into doing what they recommend.

Ben

 

[imago]

Whether we like or not, torque screwdrivers will be one of those tools that you just will have to have. We cannot cherry pick what reg we will adhere to and which one we will choose to ignore, unfortunately ( manufacturers instructions ) ties you into doing what they recommend.

Ben

OK, with most regs there is going to be evidence which shows it was not followed. With the torque setting there isn't. Prove I didn't torque the screws on the board I did last week. Prove it hasn't been tampered with since. Prove that the thermal effect of the fire didn't alter the torque on the screw. Can't be done, and I very much doubt the will to try and enforce it anymore than they do anything else.

 

[Guest55]

after 20 years of tightening terminal screws i've developed a feel for the correct amount of force
now schemes recommend i bin this skill for an overpriced tool i dont need lol.
**** off.
;-)

 

[sparkdog]

Re-SIMA24 post.I was going to ask my assessor on Tuesday the same thing.I suspect its going to be noted as a non compliance if you haven't torqued it up and fitted tamper proof labels and I suppose had it calibrated.

 

[Brendan976]

after 20 years of tightening terminal screws i've developed a feel for the correct amount of force
now schemes recommend i bin this skill for an overpriced tool i dont need lol.
**** off.
The Schemes are just stating that you need to comply with bs7671. I dont like the fact you need to use at torque screwdiver but it like or not thats the way its going.
Ben

 

[AdieB]

Did a multible switch board installation with three phase busbar system. Used a torque wrench on all the nuts and bolts as specified by the manifacturer. Boss came in showed him what I had done. First thing he does is to get a spanner and then tighten the nuts that were available that little bit more just in case he said. In case of what I replied only to get the answer he knows best.
AdieB

 

[Heisenberg]

I heard that the Wiha slimVario ones...

Wiha 10pc Slim Vario VDE Torque Screwdriver Set from Tool Venture

which seem to be the ones most people would use, are only good for around 5000 uses then they need to be re-calibrated.

It would be interesting to know if the powers that be consider over-tightening to be as significant a problem as under-tightening, given that over-tightening is more likely than under :crazy:

 

[Des 56]

Did a multible switch board installation with three phase busbar system. Used a torque wrench on all the nuts and bolts as specified by the manifacturer. Boss came in showed him what I had done. First thing he does is to get a spanner and then tighten the nuts that were available that little bit more just in case he said. In case of what I replied only to get the answer he knows best.
AdieB

Are you saying you don't use the "just in case" turn on them there nuts

I like your boss, he seems to want to be sure the mechanical contraptions have done their job

With the above in mind,I can't fault him for being so diligent, because in the domestic sector useful tools are becoming abused
Did you know ? It has been rumoured for people to actually use torque screwdrivers for domestic boards (instead of the skill in their fingertips) :90:

I know its hard to believe but we have to be careful sometimes that the job is continuing to be done to a proper standard, not relying needlessly on silly mechanical toys

 

[kingeri]

I don't have one..considered it a while ago but it's hardly a priority at the moment. Maybe I should cut down on luxuries like gas, electric and food so I can afford one.

 

[Dcf]

Not overly convinced that torque drivers are really needed for boards myself
Most Recommend 2.5 to 3 nm which is hee haw really.
if I don't know what's tight and not tight after 25 years I really should give up
i use one of my Bosch 10.8v "lady" drills set to 4 or 5 and it's on the money with a wee check with a hand driver
Main switches are a different thing altogether .had a Crabtree 63 tp switch today and the fuse bolts must have been put in by king kong himself.
all this does is stretch the bolt and instead of a decent connection it is slack.
I've one across in the past and the result is usually a burnt out terminal, so torque for them, DBS no

 

[Marvo]

We have torque screwdrivers and 1/2" ratchets in the workshop, we only use them on control panels/DB's if there's a specific request in the specifications. I don't carry them in my handtools or use them for general work, I prefer to tighten termination screws and bolts by feel.

 

[TAZ]

Ok fellow sparks i have today ordered a torque screw driver £ 105 more so to show any future assessment that i have one in my toolbox. I do have to agree with IMAGO that proving that you used it would be very difficult even if you put those anti tamper stickers on as well, even a photo would not be proof you tightened it to the required torque. As mentioned before copper is a soft metal & is subject to creepage & thermal effects as well. I have often found on consumer units fed with 25mm tails having done them up to the point where the main switch looks like it is going to part company in the middle & going back in a few months time & found the terminal will take up a bit more & thankyou for all your input guys.