I am connecting 3 phase 400v power supplies to some woodworking machinery with multi strand SY cables. I would like to use bootlace ferrule connectors for the wire ends before they are secured in screw terminals. I have seen a kit that (on the face of it) looks suitable here.

However the ferrule material or amp capacity are not noted. I then viewed similar ferrules on RS, and TLC electrical which again were not rated. I have seen that Farnell do rate their ferrules and have amp ratings but are significantly more expensive)

Commonly these terminals are tin plated copper. Is there a significant risk in using generic cheap ferrules? Would metal type / conductivity pose a risk of overheating? Or does the fact they are so thin negate this being an issue? Previously I have used many generic crimp connectors without a second thought. I would like to have an understanding so I can better assess what I'm buying and using.

Jess
(A woodworking guy)

 

Hi Jess, the ferrules really just keep the ends of wire nice and tidy. The wire itself is pushed firmly inside to the full length of the ferrule so as you say, really you are only carrying current across the wall of the ferrule, (its not like the pins of a plug). As such I cant really see any big potential for problems.

 

Hi Jess, the ferrules really just keep the ends of wire nice and tidy. The wire itself is pushed firmly inside to the full length of the ferrule so as you say, really you are only carrying current across the wall of the ferrule, (its not like the pins of a plug). As such I cant really see any big potential for problems.

What @pmd34 says is true, but I will add this proviso. The crimp is important. Use a six jaw tool and make sure it is the properly sized part for the wire gauge. It depends on good overall contact with the wire being terminated and the crimp is key.

Poor crimping and wrong size connectors can lead to excessive heat. In practice it would be hard to mess this up too badly, but being careful at the outset with both the tool and the part will help ensure that you don’t.

 

Thanks very much for your input.

 

@Yaakov.. has a great point there! I have played with 4 and 6 jaw crimpers and the 6 jaw ones make a much nicer job. Have a look for "HSC8 6-6" for example.

 

Thanks for the tips, I just ordered a 6 jaw crimper based on your recommendations.

 

Thanks for the tips, I just ordered a 6 jaw crimper based on your recommendations.

“Tips”, I see what you did there...