Compression Connectors
- Insert conductor into connector until the end of conductor reaches the bottom of the barrel. Mark the conductor where it comes out of the mouth of the barrel.
- With a wire brush thoroughly clean the conductor from the mark made in step (1) to the end.
- Apply a generous amount of oxide inhibitor with particles IE:(Alcoa Filler Compound (AFC)) into the conductor barrel and onto the conductor to ensure that excess filler compound will protrude from the connector barrel when the conductor is inserted. (See Applying Correct Oxide Inhibitor for Cable Connections pg. 5 & 6)
- Select the correct die based on the connector recommendations, not on the cable size. Over compressing a connection can damage cable strands and cause the connector to fail. Under compressing can cause a loose connection that will also lead to failure. Ensure that the die does not have excessive ware and that the recommended outside diameter is attained after crimping. Dies can ware either through normal use or for example: (Leaving them in the compression tool and hanging it on a hook, especially on a line truck.)
- Apply the first compression at the end of the barrel nearest to the pad on the line marked (START) and continue compression crimps toward the mouth of the barrel being careful to overlap the compressions by approximately ¼”.
- File off all of the flashing formed by the compression tool so that the barrel of the connector is smooth.
- Clean off all excess filler compound leaving a smooth finger size fillet where the conductor exits the mouth of the now compressed connector barrel.
