Just realized my old foreman was right about using a torque wrench on lugs

I used to just crank down panel lugs by feel until he saw me on a job in Phoenix last year and said, 'You're gonna warp the bus bar or have a hot spot in six months.' I bought a cheap click-type torque wrench and started setting them to the spec on the breaker, which is usually around 35 inch-pounds. The difference in even heat distribution is actually noticeable now with my thermal camera. Anyone else make that switch and see a real change?

3 comments

3 Comments

butler.mark26d ago

You actually saw a difference with a thermal camera?

mia_park5d agoTop Commenter

Ever think about the vibration damage from loose connections?

nathan_barnes26d ago

Oh man, absolutely. It's not just about heat, it's about long term connection integrity. That exact pressure spec is there for a reason. Too loose and you get arcing and heat, too tight and you crush the conductors. Using the wrench takes the guesswork out and actually makes the install better. Your foreman knew his stuff.