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Ferrules or fork-crimps in screw-clamp terminals

Currently in a dispute with a customer over bootlace ferrules I have used in screw-clamp type terminals - this is an industrial control panel designed to BS EN 60204-1, the wire used is class 5 tri-rated.


The customer says bootlace ferrules are the wrong type and wants them changing to fork-type crimps, arguing that the screw-clamp applies even pressure on fork crimps and a better contact but not so when ferrules are used - if you can picture the bootlace-ferrule on one side of the screw- with its clamp being at an angle as there is nothing on the other side of the screw. However, the termination is tight and makes a good solid contact with the ferrule so I think this is perfectly acceptable.


While I wouldn't generally disagree with a customer, there are hundreds of terminals to change, they didn't specify fork-crimps at design stages and I don't interpret anywhere in BS 60204-1 or BS 60947-1 that ferrules are wrong in screw-clamps.


Any opinions much appreciated.


Parents
  • Thanks for your reply. Do you base that on a standard that you know of or just personal judgment, experience?  i.e. do you have good evidence to back up why bootlace ferrules should not be used in screw-clamp terminals? I haven’t found anything as yet so am keen to know if there is. 


    if it were a few terminations I wouldn't hesitate to change them just to ‘keep the customer happy’ but we’re talking 50% re-wire of a panel that they had many opportunities to change during various design reviews. 


    thanks again.
Reply
  • Thanks for your reply. Do you base that on a standard that you know of or just personal judgment, experience?  i.e. do you have good evidence to back up why bootlace ferrules should not be used in screw-clamp terminals? I haven’t found anything as yet so am keen to know if there is. 


    if it were a few terminations I wouldn't hesitate to change them just to ‘keep the customer happy’ but we’re talking 50% re-wire of a panel that they had many opportunities to change during various design reviews. 


    thanks again.
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