- Author
-
Burns, G. W.
|
Scroger, M. G.
|
Evans, G. A.
|
Beausoliel, R. W.
|
Meese, W. J.
- Title
- Experimental Determinations of Temperatures and Power Losses at the Electrical Connections of Some Duplex Receptacles. Final Report.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC
- Sponsor
- Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington, DC
- Report
-
NBSIR 77-1380,
April 1978,
- Distribution
- AVAILABLE FROM National Technical Information Service (NTIS), Technology Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Springfield, VA 22161. Telephone: 1-800-553-6847 or 703-605-6000; Fax: 703-605-6900. Website: http://www.ntis.gov
- Keywords
-
electric connectors; electric outlets; wiring; residential buildings; safety; power loss; temperature measurement; overheating; power supply circuits
- Abstract
- The data presented in this report compare the reliability of power loss determination with the reliability of temperature measurements as a means for determining the quality and adequacy of electrical connections on wiring devices used in branch circuit wiring. The basic premise for the tests presented here is that in the laboratory the determination of power loss is easier, quicker, and not nearly as dependent on environmental factors as temperature. This research indicates that, if power at a specific current level does not exceed some set value(s), temperatures will not be excessive. This investigation also illustrates the overheating problems associated with copper-wire electrical connections. No. 14 copper wire connections frequently showed significant rises in temperatures and significantly increased power losses when tightened to a torque of only 2 lbf-in, as compared to nominally tight connections (6 lbf-in. or more).