I keep seeing guys in my area use the wrong torque on aluminum lugs

Did a service upgrade in Springfield last week and the old panel had lugs that were way too tight, they were starting to crack. The spec sheet for the Eaton BR breakers says 35 inch-pounds for aluminum wire, but a lot of guys just crank them down like copper. I've found using a cheap torque screwdriver from Harbor Freight stops that problem cold. Anyone else run into this or have a better tool they use for this job?

2 comments

2 Comments

haydenp952mo ago

My buddy had a service call for a flickering light that turned out to be a cracked lug from over-tightening. He said the whole panel was a mess. That Harbor Freight screwdriver is what he uses now too.

noahclark2mo ago

That Harbor Freight screwdriver bit is a little soft for my taste. I've had better luck with a basic Klein for electrical work.