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Re: [TCML] Source for copper hardware
Hi Dave,
You could also try using silicon bronze bolts and washers. Although it
has relatively poor electrical conductivity (12% IACS), it has
comparatively high tensile strength, and very high corrosion resistance.
It's often used by the utilities for bolting bus bars together because
of its high tensile strength and corrosion resistance. I got my bolts,
nuts, and washers from the local recycling center - they had a barrel
full from substation tear downs. Lots of folks carry them on the web
too. After prepping the joints to remove any oxide, you may also want to
try using an electrical joint compound made for copper-copper joins,
such as Penetrox or similar with copper particles to help reduce
oxidation in the gap.
I had a similar problems terminating #00 cable and lugs for my coin
shrinker. Found that smashing the lug onto the cable using a good sized
hammer and anvil did the trick. Not elegant, but permanent. No problem
carrying 40-80 kA pulses with no sparking/arcing.
Bert
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Dave Leddon wrote:
I've been trying to eliminate hot spots in the primary circuit of a
relatively high current (~3000 amp) drsstc by replacing high resistance
connection points with copper. Even a one-inch length of 3/8-inch brass
bolt can generate enough heat to melt the solder right out of a terminal
lug. Which raise another interesting point, what about solder? It has
ten times the resistance of copper so maybe all lugs should be crimped.
I only soldered them because I don't own a crimper large enough to deal
with #2 welding cable. But I digress. I've not had any success locating
a source for copper nuts and bolts, probably because copper isn't strong
enough to be consider a fastener, and so have been force to machine my
own. I would much rather just plunk down the credit card. Does anybody
know of a good source for copper hardware?
Dave
Pleasanton, ca
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