ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area M-I-C-K-E-Y-M-O-U-S-E

Do you make your (larger) terminations straight into the lugs, or make large loops (Mickey Mouse Ears)?
Why?

I use the loop (mickey mouse ears) mainly for two reasons. One, larger conductors are harder to get bent around and go into a lug straight on after cutting to length, if they are to go straight in from opening to lug. Second, larger conductors in my opinion ( if not properly torqued) tend to become loose at the lug easier than smaller conductors and with loops there might be a chance to save wire, time and of course cost, when you need to cut back on the conductor after it became damaged from the heat at the lug.
Just my idea.
Dan

There's been some interesting chat about this , drifting off into the EE land, loops vs. an S ...if I remember the S's fared better, so I've been an S man since.

How about bending radii? Is a loop more acceptable than an S?

My wife goes to Disney World at least once a year. I try to stay out of that place. As for electrical work, I try to stay away from anything that's "Mickey Mouse", and that includes Old Mickey's ears. Let's face it. Anything with ears that big is going to give you trouble. Think about it, ear infections, ear mites, wax build up, etc, etc, etc.
So, The Watt Doctor's perscription for problems with mouse ears is "Decon", but if you have problems with terminations notice the following:
1. Form the wire in the space provided (panel, switchgear, disconnect, etc) in neat and workman like manner.
2. Torque mechanical lugs to manufacturer's specs.
3. Don't use mechanical lugs. Go buy the crimp on (compression) type.
I hope that all who read this realize that it's just my opinion, and if you have a method that works, don't stop on my account. I would, on larger wire, begin to question the bending radius of the wire. I would also begin to wonder about the effects of those types of bends in a fault situation.

Zoological Regards,
Doc

Okay, Watt Doctor.
You opened the door for discussion of "the effects of those types of bends in a fault situation" so lets hear your prognosis. This was a controversial thread on another forum.

Mr. Powell,
I'm sure that it will, or would, raise as much of a fuss on this forum as it did on the other. Therefore, I respectfully request that you post a link to the other thead, and after I read it, I may very well flame myself.

Respectfully,
Doc

Doc,
I don't remember exactly where and when the discussion was. Think it was on IAEI the middle of last year. I haven't been to that site in a good while. Think they changed format and required new registration so I dropped out. Since no injuries or deaths have been attributed to mickey mouse ears a discussion may not be worth the emotional turmoil.

Emotional turmoil ....."Roger that, Mr. Powell"
I will say, that I read, and post on this forum first, and foremost to have fun. Second, and third reasons, in no particular order, to learn, and as some people in my neck of the woods might say, "To learn others."
I will submit, or admit that my responce to your "open door" post was, in all truth, a "cop out". The fact is, I don't like to argue on these forums (though I have been known to vent from time to time).
Instead of making vague references to bending radius, and fault current, I should have said, "Hey guys, I just don't like it. To me, it doesn't look good." I must say, "I think my "vague references" can be argued."
You're a gentleman, Mr. Powell, and best regards to you and yours.

Keeping the door open, so to speak,
Doc