How to: 3 critical electrical construction installations.
Your reputation hinges on the quality of your install.
Electrical construction standards are there for a reason – your customers and the public need to trust that the scope of work is completed with the highest safety and reliability standards. However, electrical construction technologies are constantly evolving and projects are becoming increasingly more complex.
My colleagues Mario DeAgazio, Paolo Rocca and I often train and retrain electricians, linesmen, and engineers because it is vital to remain up-to-date with the installation application steps.
We identified three critical installations that every electrical professional should know and created step-by-step videos on the installation process.
The three installations we identified were:
- installing a medium voltage splice with a shearbolt connector
- installing a motor lead splice
- installing a molded t-body
Here’s our how-to video series:
Watch: How to install a medium voltage splice with a shearbolt connector.
Expert quick facts:
- When should you use the 3M™ Cold Shrink QS-III Splice Kit? When you need to splice two-line medium voltage cables.
- Why are the 3M™ Mechanical Shearbolt Connectors (QCI Series) important? They connect the conductors of two cables quickly and reliably.
Expert tips/advice:
- cable preparation is crucial
- always follow kit instructions accurately
Watch: How to install a motor lead splice.
Expert quick facts:
- When should you use 3M™ Motor Lead Pigtail Splice Kits? When splicing feeder cable to motor leads in a motor junction box. Instead of taping a pigtail connection (lugs bolted together) the 3M™ Motor Lead Pigtail Splice Kit can be used. It’s important to remember that motors get switched out frequently or taken out for repair.
- Why are 3M™ Motor Lead Pigtail Splice Kits important? The motors that need to be replaced or moved for repair require an easy re-enterable and easy to disconnect connection. With 3M™ Motor Lead Pigtail Splice Kits you don’t have to struggle with cutting the old tape off or re-tape the new connection. They are easy to remove, install, and are reuseable.
Expert tips/advice:
- use appropriate lugs and hardware compatible with the kit
- create a bottom seal for moisture protection
Watch: How to install a molded T-Body.
Expert quick facts:
- When should you use molded T-Body? You should use the Richard’s 600/900A molded T-Body when connecting to deadbreak apparatus bushings and when cost constraints are tight or if you already have some of the components for the application.
- Why is the molded T-Body important? They provide a cost-effective industry compliant (IEEE 386) connection to deadfront switchgear, all the way up to 35kV.
Expert tips/advice:
- take your time
- use plenty of grease
- do not twist the adapter or body as you install them
- make sure you size the components appropriately, as the range taking window is very narrow