I am now torquing all circuit breakers, panel terminals, switches, and receptacles per 2017 NEC requirements. Torque for Leviton residential devices is 12 -14 inch pounds, commercial devices 20 inch pounds. I believe Hubble is 9-12 inch lbs for residential devices. Of course follow what is printed on the device, or consult the manufacturer.
I use a torque screwdriver with a range of 5 to 60 inch lbs. which cost about $70. I always return the dial to zero after a torquing session. I find it is much faster to use the torque tool verses a screwdriver and going 1/4 turn past "snug" which is not accurate.
I would like someone to explain the proper way to torque a lug set screw. When a lug is torqued to spec: DO OT WIGGLE THE WIRE. If you do the wire wiggles around and loosens up screwing up the torque setting. Is it proper to torque, wiggle retorque, wiggle then retorque to get the wire to set in the lug?
Just screw them till they squeal.
The only two places I have ever used a torque wrench on small screws was a nuclear power house and NASA.
We were not using torque wrenches on receptacles at either place.
Panels yes.
Now you have just made the lives of all the electricians in his area a living hell. He is now going to make them video every termination to prove they did torque every one.
If this is trolling, my compliments, if not, maybe switch to decaf. Looking for sharpie marks is worth about $0.01.
It doesn't catch mistakes made by the guy who really tries to do the right thing.
It doesn't catch the guy who doesn't give a damn and puts a sharpie mark on as if.
It catches the guy who torques correctly and does not make an ink mark.
Exactly what does it catch?
It's a joke.
As far as anyone video taping every connection - you're really onto something there. They should put those body cams police are wearing on the head of torque wrenches. You should propose that for the next code revision.
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Here is what happens when you don't torque to spec. This failure took less than 12 months. The wire sheathing melted into the contacts, alerting the customer to the poor work when their oven stopped working. They're lucky their house didn't burn down. The bigger the current and smaller the gauge, the more torque is needed. If your electrician/handyman/whoever does not torque to spec, fire them.
Not torqueing or cheap Chinese made stuff? I have stuff that when torqued to the right spec, the device either breaks in you hand or the wire is pinched soo tight it breaks as you put the device into the box.
I am now torquing all circuit breakers, panel terminals, switches, and receptacles per 2017 NEC requirements. Torque for Leviton residential devices is 12 -14 inch pounds, commercial devices 20 inch pounds. I believe Hubble is 9-12 inch lbs for residential devices. Of course follow what is printed on the device, or consult the manufacturer.
I use a torque screwdriver with a range of 5 to 60 inch lbs. which cost about $70. I always return the dial to zero after a torquing session. I find it is much faster to use the torque tool verses a screwdriver and going 1/4 turn past "snug" which is not accurate.
There are various bldg dept here in California that require a torque test be done in front of the inspector in order to get a final. Some of the tech companies we work for require it for ISO.
I know this issue has been beat to death, but I still have not gotten an answer on the proper procedure to torque a lug. When we install a 250 kcmil xhhw al into a SqD lug and tighten it to 450 inlbs, then back off and retorque to 450 inlbs the wire still will come loose and fall out of the lug when it gets wiggled wihile installing other wire in the panel. I am sick of hearing "just torque it to the spec." There has got to be a procedure to follow. does anybody know what it is?
It is like after rebuilding an engine. You have to go back after a set time period and re-torque everything. Building shut downs and opening every panel and disconnect....
I asked an inspector what he thought about using a torque wrench on everyday connections, he said he wouldn’t comment, then took out his Allen keys and hand checked tightness on the mains.
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