Cheap RCD's - will a crimp tool help

[fjr1300]

Hi All

I come across a number of cheap RCD's where you can pull the feed wires out (10mm or 16mm - H07VR).
Put the wires back in, tighten the screws so that the heads start to break up, wait a few minutes and you can then wiggle the wires out again.
I think that the problem is that the cable clamps bend a bit and also the wires flatten out so that only the two end strands actually get clamped. Twisting the wire with pliers helps but I'm not happy with that.

So wondered if putting bootlace Ferrules on the ends will help ?
the HO7VR wire is a semi rigid wire but hopefully the ferrules would stop the wires flattening out

Another reason I need a crimp tool is that I'd like to use H07VK wire (flexible), trying to get 16mm semi rigid wires around a packed CU is not much fun.

Looking at the pressmaster range - may have to go up to 25mm on the odd occasion
http://www.pressmaster.com/sok_produkt.asp
But the crimp company appears to have a cheaper option
Mobile Frame by Elpress from The Crimp Company

But so many choices of jaws, still not sure as to if the crimp "shape" matters on the RCD's/Terminal strips.



Lee

 

[telectrix]

answer might be in the title. cheap RCDs. best tool for them is a club hammer.

 

[Dan the spark]

I'd just spend a bit more on the rcd's peace of mind for yourself then, at least u can sleep at nite

 

[fjr1300]

Would be nice but I come across so many,

A 100sqm house has to have 4 RCD's (In france), so if I ask for 400-500€ to replace them (Legrand/Schnider RCD's cost 80-130€ each) when I got called in to do a simple job the customer would probably not be very happy.

I'm trying to find a cheap solution that I'M happy with in that the wires are making a good connection and won't fall out.

Lee

 

[Adam W]

To answer your question yes it probably would help.
IMO given that the purpose of the ferrule is just to hold the cores together and not join cables together under tension you don't need an expensive ratchet crimper - the 'plier type' ones for about 8 quid work just as well.