Product FAQ's

• What is the temperature rating of BURNDY® connectors?

  All BURNDY® UL Listed connectors have a 90° C temperature rating. There is no indication of the temperature rating on our UL Listed copper connectors because it is not required by UL. Our Listed aluminum connectors are marked with AL9CU to indicate the 90° C temperature rating, as required by UL. The UL publication titled, Electrical Construction Materials dictates the connector marking requirements, in the section titled Wire Connectors and Soldering Lugs (ZMVV). It states how connectors are rated and marked: Terminal connectors, rated for copper conductors only, for all wire ranges, with no temperature markings, are rated for 90° C.

• Can AYP/AYPO style connectors be used on copper wire?

  Yes, they are UL Listed for use on both copper and aluminum wire.

• Can compact and compressed cable be used with the BURNDY® line of compression terminal without downsizing?

  HYDENT CONNECTOR SELECTION FOR COMPRESSED AND COMPACT CONDUCTORS:
  
  When installing connectors on compressed or compact conductors, the BURNDY® recommendation is to use the same HYDENT product that would be chosen for concentric conductors. To clarify recommendation:
  
  The diameters of compressed and compact conductors are reduced approximately 3% and 10% respectively, than that of concentric conductors.
  
  Each have the same electrical ampacity because they have equal cross sectional conductor area. The cross section has been re-arranged to minimize the air space between the stands.
  
  Because a compact conductor has a reduced diameter, usually it is possible to insert the conductor into a connector which is one size smaller, often referred to as "downsizing". For example, a 4/0 compact conductor would fit into a 3/0 terminal. BURNDY® DOES NOT RECOMMEND DOWNSIZING.
  
  Some connector manufacturers recommend downsizing, however we don't for the following reasons:
  
  The smaller connectors have substantially smaller cross-sectional area than that of the conductor. Our concern is to provide high-reliability even under the most severe conditions.
  
  Downsizing calls for the installers to use a connector which is clearly marked for smaller conductor which could cause confusion.
  
  In our crimping system, the die is designed to accommodate the cross-sectional area of the connector plus the cable.
  
  When a connection is made by downsizing, the result could be over compression due to the increase in cable metal area. The results of over compression are reduced strength, reduced current capacity, excess flash and loss of inspectability for the correct usage of die/connector/cable.
  
  We recognize that the installers will notice a loose initial fit, however we encourage them to proceed anyway, with the standard installation tools and dies recommended in our catalog and on the connector. We are confident in the outcome because the results are proven.
  
  The BURNDY^® ENGINEERED SYSTEM has been properly designed to compensate for the differences between various cable stranding. Therefore a HYDENT connector can be used regardless of the conductor being concentric, compressed or compact stranding. By using our connection system size for size, optimum performance is assured with inspectabliity, with no tooling confusion and no need to identify stranding.

• What die set should be used for 500 Kcmil copper?

  Although BURNDY® recommends referring to the specific connector being installed, section O in the master catalog has a list of common die sets for copper and aluminum non- tension connectors.