August 14, 2012 – Blackburn Copper-Clad Aluminum Lugs and Splices from Thomas & Betts, designed exclusively for termination on copper-clad aluminum (CCA) cable, are UL Listed for this application. Made of aluminum, the lugs and splices are compatible with Thomas & Betts’ HEX-FLEX Die System, an indent-style crimping system that enables die identification on the crimp for traceability, and feature the Color-Keyed Compression System, which ensures proper connections. CCA cable is lighter and more flexible than copper, and only slightly heavier than bare aluminum, making termination with conventional terminals and crimping methods challenging. Blackburn Copper-Clad Aluminum Lugs and Splices, however, properly compress CCA cable for maximum pull-out force and longevity.
They also are designed with an oxide inhibitor pre-applied in their barrels. Brian Burke, product manager at Thomas & Betts, said, “We’re providing not only a cost-saving solution in terminating CCA cable effectively, but also a product that is UL Listed. Because they’re compatible with our HEX-FLEX Die System, they also offer 20 percent more pull-out force than competitor die sets, as well as fewer crimps per barrel, which reduces installation time and labor costs.” Blackburn Copper-Clad Aluminum Lugs and Splices are currently available for 750 and 800 kcmil wire ranges, with additional sizes to be released in response to demand. Additional features include slotted holes to ease installation and narrow tongues for side-by-side mounting on standard NEMA spades.
Thomas & Betts Corporation is a global leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of essential components used to manage the connection, distribution, transmission and reliability of electrical power in utility, industrial, commercial, and residential applications. With a portfolio of more than 200,000 products marketed under more than 45 premium brand names, Thomas & Betts products are found wherever electricity is used. Thomas & Betts’ headquarters are in Memphis, Tenn.
