What are Burndy Compression Lugs or Crimp Connectors?
Burndy Compression Lugs are a part of the Burndy Engineered System. Designed to provide dependable connections for terminating telecommunication dc cable ends in the central office installation of DC power cable. These crimp connectors are specified by the DC power engineering group for either ground lug or telecom equipment installation. These crimp connectors note the die index number and are marked to show cable size with colored bands that correspond to color markings on the proper Burndy® lug.
Importance of Burndy Compression Lugs for Telecommunications Supplies Industry
Most telecommunications contractors know it is important to correctly match the power cable to the proper crimp connector lug and proper die. Telecom equipment installation regulations, dictated by the end user in order to comply with the manufactures installation guidelines specifically call for the correct power cable to be matched to the correct compression lug, and crimped by the corresponding crimp die. Site inspections in many telephone central office locations will see that this is adhered to properly.
Now that we know how important Burndy® Compression Lugs are for a certain application, or finding the right compression lug for a DC Power cable job. We get several queries from clients on how to select the right Compression lug. Here’s what you need to know.
Finding the correct compression lug is important for your DC power jobs
- Know your Cable Size : Likely using DC Power cable, with sizes ranging from 14awg to 750mcm
- Is it Flex or Non-Flex Cable : Telco-Flex does not specify flex or non-flex cable. Flex cable has more stranding per cable size than code or non-flex cable. Flex cable is labeled List 2 (with a smooth rubber-like jacket) or List 4 (cloth jacket). Code cable or Non-Flex cable is labeled as List 3 (with a cloth jacket)
- What is the Hole Size in the lug or the stud you’re securing it to? The stud or bolt is typically 1/4″ 3/8″ or 1/2″, or sometimes 5/16″
- Is a Single Hole Lug or 2 Hole Lug required?
- If it’s a 2 hole lug, what is the center to center dimensions required? How far apart are the studs spaced?
With this information, you can properly identify and order the correct cable lug you need for your job. Without all this information you’re at risk of waiting for your order only to find out you’ve got the wrong lug from your telecommunications equipment supplier.
Typical Configuration for a 2 Hole Lug
- 1/4″holes are most typically spaced 5/8″ center to center spacing, although 3/4″ and 1″spacing is common as well.
- 3/8″ holes are most typically spaced 1″ center to center
- 1/2″ holes are most typically spaced 1.75″ center to center
Without properly matching the Burndy® lug to your power cable size, the crimp connector lug will not fit properly. Too big or too small creates an inadequate connection. With the wrong hole size or spacing between the holes, you will fail to make the proper tight connection required by your customer.
What is more likely to happen is, as a telecommunications contractor you will be the one spending costly man hours on site unable to complete your task. We all know how that feels. If you or your crew is working out of town, you have schedules, reservations etc that could end up snowballing costs beyond profitability.
