Page 50 - IEC Insights May-Jun20
P. 50
FEATURE
STREAMLINING
INSTALLATION
TIME AND EFFORT
Through Powered Torque
Wrench Capability
T installation instructions for an alternative
The importance of torquing electrical
method of achieving the required torque.”
connections is not a new concept. In fact,
(NEC 2017 110.14(D))
research has shown that up to 90% of
electrical failures occur at connections.
As such a critical part of the process, it’s
not surprising that the National Electrical The Importance of
Code (2017) states that “listed and labeled Properly-Applied Torque everything has traditionally worked
equipment shall be installed and used in Electricians have a responsibility to fine once the equipment is energized.
accordance with any instructions included install conductors and make connections Unfortunately, what they rarely see is what
in the listing and labeling” in installation according to the manufacturers’ happens years down the road when these
standard 110.3(B). instructions. Unfortunately, it’s connections start to fail.
commonplace for many electricians to
A new addition in 2017 provides further tighten connections one of three common Over-Tightened Connections
clarification in regard to torquing by ways: (1) With a torque tool that may not
requiring “where a tightening torque be calibrated properly, (2) Using an impact • Potential to yield a fastener or put too
is indicated as a numeric value on and then a torque wrench, (3) Manually much pressure on the wire, resulting in
equipment or in installation instructions applying torque with a crescent wrench hot flash.
provided by the manufacturer, a calibrated and using the torque wrench to get to • Could cause the fastener to break, cut
torque tool shall be used to achieve the torque value. These professionals the wire, and damage the connection.
the indicated torque value, unless the may believe they know how to accurately • Over time, the connection could begin
equipment manufacturer has provided to overheat and fail.
tighten connections this way because
48 Insights Magazine | May/June 2020 | www.ieci.org
