Wiring and electric industry depend on several types of wires and connectors. They are used to connect electrical and mechanical equipment. The connectors used to join the two devices together are known as electrical lugs and which connect the device to the terminal are called terminal lugs. Use of these cable lugs allows a flow of current without disturbance. Lugs are used when a permanent connection is not possible.
Why Are Terminal Lugs Used
Use of electric and terminal lugs makes it easy to install, maintain, and repair the electrical cables & wires. Electric lugs are most commonly used when one wire needs to be connected to the other cable or when there is a need to connect more than two cables. Other than connecting power lines and cables it can also be used for making connections between fuse sockets, electric appliance, and load switches.
Special compression lugs are used to connect high voltage cables and electrical connections. Most of these connectors are made of rubber & plastics insulated sheets. Both of these materials ensure safe handling, and they are less prone to accidents. When there is a need to connect one or more cables to the connectors & terminals lugs are used to ensure the secure joint.
Application of Terminal Lugs
The one end of the electric lug is used to connect a cable to the device while the other end is attached to the connection terminal. The first end is crimped, soldered or welded to make sure the secure connection. The second end is fastened with a screw or a bolt. The usage of terminal and bimetallic lugs differs from industry to industry.
Many different sizes, shapes, and materials are available in cable lugs along with different configurations. Wiring, automation, control panel, and instrumentation industry requires insulated lugs with varying terminals including a pin, blade, hook, fork, and ring terminal. Most devices are connected with copper ring type lugs for multiple connection purposes.
Butt and parallel connector is another type of lug. When two cables need to be terminated or connected these are used. Most common are heat shrinkable, closed-end type, butt type, and PVC insulated. Copper cable lugs can also be used as the butt and parallel connectors, but it depends on the type of cable used.
Bottom Line
As power distribution industry requires to pass high voltage power, tube crimping lugs are used. Majority of these connectors have a thick layer of insulation. The material of the lugs used should always be selected on the purpose of usage. The use of lugs is obligatory in wiring and electric industry as they maintain a flow of electrical current without hindrance. Before using a lug in heavy duty application, its strength must be checked beforehand. Strength and shape of the lug matters in its application.
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