Re: [TCML] Source for copper hardware

[David Sharpe <sparktron01@xxxxxxxxx>]

Dave

Use silicon bronze hardware, check at any local fastener supplier.  That's
all we use on copper bus bars in switchgear.  Also use lock washers and
flat-washers.  Your rms currents are significantly higher then a SG TC.
If rms currents are approaching 100% DC, standard industry convention
is 1 sq in cross section copper / 1kA (NEMA, UL, IEEE standards).
FWIW

Regards
Dave Sharpe, TCBOR/HEAS
Chesterfield, VA USA

On Tue, Mar 30, 2010 at 2:30 PM, Dave Leddon <dave@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> I've been trying to eliminate hot spots in the primary circuit of a
> relatively high current (~3000 amp) drsstc by replacing high resistance
> connection points with copper.  Even a one-inch length of 3/8-inch brass
> bolt can generate enough heat to melt the solder right out of a terminal
> lug.  Which raise another interesting point, what about solder?  It has ten
> times the resistance of copper so maybe all lugs should be crimped.  I only
> soldered them because I don't own a crimper large enough to deal with #2
> welding cable.  But I digress.  I've not had any success locating a source
> for copper nuts and bolts, probably because copper isn't strong enough to be
> consider a fastener, and so have been force to machine my own.  I would much
> rather just plunk down the credit card.  Does anybody know of a good source
> for copper hardware?
>
> Dave
> Pleasanton, ca
>
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-- 
Dave Sharpe, TCBOR/HEAS
Chesterfield, VA USA

Sharpe's Axiom of Murphy's Law
"Physics trumps opinion!"
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