[RE-wrenches] Split bolts

[Drake]

When using split bolts, roll up splicing tape and 
push it between the forks of the bolt. This fills 
in the gap and is very helpful in eliminating the sharp edges.

Our utility won't allow piercing connectors on a line side tap.


At 02:14 PM 6/25/2014, you wrote:
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>Friends:
>
>I narrowly avoided catastrophe yesterday.  I 
>created a tap connection on a 200 amp main 
>breaker.  I wrap split bolts with Scotch 2229 
>mastic and then cover that with a generous layer of Scotch 33+ tape.
>
>On this occasion, just as I was putting the dead 
>front in place I noticed the glint of metal 
>poking through the mastic and tape.  The points 
>on the legs of the split bolt are sharp and the 
>mastic and tape had crept away from this point 
>and exposed a tiny point of metal.  This point 
>would have contacted the dead front lightly or 
>at least would have been in close 
>proximity.  Had I energized the breaker, I would 
>have had a significant arc.  I unwrapped both 
>connectors so both bolts had the legs facing 
>away from the dead-front, creating a good ½” of 
>clearance and then wrapped them more carefully.
>
>30 years ago I had access to rubberized cloth 
>tape that we used instead of the mastic.  I 
>suspect the cloth tape is more durable than the 
>mastic, but I don’t see it in the supply houses anymore.
>
>How do the rest of you wrap split bolts so you 
>are confident that the mastic won’t creep away 
>from a high point on the connector?
>
>Thanks in advance.
>
>William
>
>Gradient Cap_mini
>
>Lic 773985
><http://www.millersolar.com/>millersolar.com
>805-438-5600
>
>
>
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