Pressure-Type Connectors for Aluminum and Copper Conductors

A study of the connection to aluminum conductor indicates that high pressures are required to effect a satisfactory connection and that relative movement between strands during tightening greatly assists in reducing contact resistance. A properly designed connector will incorporate means for applying high pressures with considerable distortion of the conductor. Heat-cycling tests which included mechanical stressing were found to be valuable in comparing designs. An aluminum-bodied connector with an aluminum screw gave satisfactory performance with both copper and aluminum conductors.