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Joined: Oct 2000
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How many installers use torque tools to verify torque values at 15 and 20 ampere circuit breakers? Read the label at the termination.
[This message has been edited by Joe Tedesco (edited 10-16-2002).]
Joe Tedesco, NEC Consultant
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Joined: Apr 2002
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Joe: I know that 66WV is proud of his torque tools, and I know that we use them also; mfg ststes a torque spec, and it should be followed. John
John
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Joined: Jul 2002
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I've seen the torque specs but have never really paid attention to them, I have never heard of anyone in my area who does!. They make tools that do this I assume( I own torque wrenchs but not torque screwdrivers). I have never seen the tools before in any supply house!!. You mean tight isn't until I can't turn it anymore .
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Joined: Jan 2001
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Count me as one who uses a torque screwdriver.
I did an experiment when I got mine. I had electricians tighten a connection on a SQ D 1 pole breaker to what they thought was appropriate & found they were only doing about 25 in-lbs compared to the 35 in-lbs shown on the label.
Since I am self-employed, I bought mine with a view towarsa limiting my liability.
Tom
Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.
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Joined: Nov 2000
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As John points out, Yes! On any thing giving a torque spec, including Range Receptacles...
I've even been experimenting with the 12 in lbs that Leviton suggests for their screw-terminal devices that aren't otherwise labelled.
I would have never bought either a torque-wrench or a torque-screwdriver without what I've learned here on ECN, mostly do to Tom, Joe, George Corron, Don, and probably some others that may just escape my poor memory at this time!
As far as I know, I'm the only EC in Greenbrier County that has 'em.
Showed 'em to my inspector once, and he said: "Boy, you're serious aren't you?!?"...
That would be an understatement!
-Virgil Residential/Commercial Inspector 5 Star Inspections Member IAEI
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Joined: Apr 2001
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I'd really appreciate it if someone would post the "default" torque specs (perhaps used by NEMA or UL)- so I'd have a baseline to use on unmarked terminations.
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Joined: May 2002
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some one post a pic of one of these screwdrivers and were can you get one.
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Joined: Nov 2000
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How 'bout a link instead, Jerry? Klein Torque Limiting Screwdriver I got mine for about $130, still kinda steep, but better than the list price on that link. I called Leviton to find out their specs, "12 in lbs on all unmarked screw terminals" and I said "Boy, that's light!"... He said, "Yep, 12 in lbs"... My first instincts is that it isn't tight enough, but then I also keep picturing the scene of Mr. Lawyer asking Mr. Electrician if he owns and uses a calibrated torque screwdriver...
-Virgil Residential/Commercial Inspector 5 Star Inspections Member IAEI
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Joined: May 2002
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thanks iam going to have to get one of those
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Joined: Jan 2001
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John,
If you'll look in the NEC Handbook, there are four tables of torque values. Since these tables are in a book that has a copyright, I'm not sure about scanning them & posting it.
Tom
Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.
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Tom
Shinnston, WV USA
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