"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Mike Gilmour wrote:
When you've tightened down a bare cable to a binding post wait a few
hours then retighten - you'll always get a bit more clamping power
without overtightening the connection. The same applies to 'choc bloc'
terminal strips - when they are fully tight, wait - then tighten again.
(The clamped cable does relax over a short time).

Good grief. Considering the number of such terminals in the average house
carrying a great deal more current, I'm surprised there's not fires
everywhere. ;-)

--
*Born free - taxed to death *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.


Its just informing HiFi folk (who are generally fussy) that they can tighten
down connections some more - no harm in that. Considering houses are not
subject to constant vibration this hardly applies to domestic ring mains,
cookers etc. Actually there are quite a few incidents of arcing and
localised heating due to loose 13A socket terminal connections but because
the area being metal clad and grounded it generally goes no further (ask any
leccy)

Mike

In article ,
Mike Gilmour wrote:
Actually there are quite a few incidents of arcing and localised
heating due to loose 13A socket terminal connections but because the
area being metal clad and grounded it generally goes no further (ask any
leccy)

Yes - I've come across it several times. Due to inadequate tightening in
the first place. I'm inclined to think even deliberate by some
electricians to make more (chargeable) work for them later. However, I've
not known of any of the things I've installed - quite a few over the years
- give trouble in this respect. I do them up until they groan. ;-)

--
*Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker? *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article ,
Mike Gilmour wrote:
Actually there are quite a few incidents of arcing and localised
heating due to loose 13A socket terminal connections but because the
area being metal clad and grounded it generally goes no further (ask
any leccy)

Yes - I've come across it several times. Due to inadequate tightening
in the first place. I'm inclined to think even deliberate by some
electricians to make more (chargeable) work for them later. However,
I've not known of any of the things I've installed - quite a few over
the years - give trouble in this respect. I do them up until they
groan. ;-)

I've snapped terminals from overtightening in the past...

--
"Get a paper bag"

In article ,
Tim S Kemp wrote:
Yes - I've come across it several times. Due to inadequate tightening
in the first place. I'm inclined to think even deliberate by some
electricians to make more (chargeable) work for them later. However,
I've not known of any of the things I've installed - quite a few over
the years - give trouble in this respect. I do them up until they
groan. ;-)

I've snapped terminals from overtightening in the past...

Depends on the type. On a socket, etc, you'll more likely just damage the
screw slot.

Same with most plugs - although MK types with the nut arrangement will
snap the studs if you're *very* brutal.

However, far more under tighten than break them. Due to using a silly
small screwdriver.

--
*If you don't pay your exorcist you get repossessed.*

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
Same with most plugs - although MK types with the nut arrangement will
snap the studs if you're *very* brutal.

I use a lot of MK stuff... I find cheapos will not tighten enough for my
liking. Solid core wiring stuff rarely works loose like flex anyhow.

However, far more under tighten than break them. Due to using a silly
small screwdriver.

Indeed - right tool for the job... Now where's that kitchen knife love...



--
"Get a paper bag"

In article , Mike Gilmour
writes

"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Mike Gilmour wrote:
When you've tightened down a bare cable to a binding post wait a few
hours then retighten - you'll always get a bit more clamping power
without overtightening the connection. The same applies to 'choc bloc'
terminal strips - when they are fully tight, wait - then tighten again.
(The clamped cable does relax over a short time).

Good grief. Considering the number of such terminals in the average house
carrying a great deal more current, I'm surprised there's not fires
everywhere. ;-)

--
*Born free - taxed to death *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.


Its just informing HiFi folk (who are generally fussy) that they can tighten
down connections some more - no harm in that. Considering houses are not
subject to constant vibration this hardly applies to domestic ring mains,
cookers etc. Actually there are quite a few incidents of arcing and
localised heating due to loose 13A socket terminal connections but because
the area being metal clad and grounded it generally goes no further (ask any
leccy)

Mike



Do like my old dad did who was a mechanic on spitfires in the war.
Ring off, and back off half a turn after all if it all went bang over
France Germany North sea wherever the user wasn't too likely to come
back complaining;(
--
Tony Sayer