Following electrical connection torque specifications? March 20, 2021, 04:36:54 pm Does anyone know the torque specs for the electrical panel connections?Also, the new Auto Transfer Switch installation manual has torque specs for its connectors.I didn't follow, nor did I know if there were any, torque specs when I replaced my converter and panel a few years ago. I just snugged them up and recheck now and then.A bigger question:Should I go ahead and purchase a screwdriver/torque wench set and follow the spec guides or will good and snug do?
Re: Following electrical connection torque specifications? Reply #1 – March 20, 2021, 06:55:44 pm I commissioned large rotating equipment for a manufacturer for 20+ years. There was no spec recommended for our factory-built control panel terminations on this equipment. Electricians always did the field wiring to the equipment and panels. I always checked every termination (both factory and field wiring) myself before powering up our panels. I used screwdrivers appropriate for the size lug I was working on. I hand tightened only, until I met with firm resistance. That was a practice that never caused me or my company any trouble as far as I know. I always recommended checking all of the terminations annually to my customers as part of the training I provided. How often that happened I don't know. But you rechecking "now and then" is certainly good practice IMO. 4 Likes
Re: Following electrical connection torque specifications? Reply #2 – March 21, 2021, 12:56:49 am Quote from: tedeboy - March 20, 2021, 04:36:54 pmShould I go ahead and purchase a screwdriver/torque wench set and follow the spec guides or will good and snug do?Good-n-tight is good enough, I doubt if you have the hand strength to over-tighten the screws using just a screwdriver.Checking the screws every year or two isn't a bad idea, always with all the power sources disconnected or turned off.Larry 2 Likes
Re: Following electrical connection torque specifications? Reply #3 – March 21, 2021, 05:50:48 pm there is foot lbs, hand lbs, finger lbs and finger tip lbs. :~) //the little thing at the end is a smiley face but the guy made one to many wise cracks and now has a broken nose// 1 Likes