Ground Wire CU Crimp Sleeves

[nwav8tor]

I'm a homeowner adding some lighting and power circuits in my garage. I purchased a package of copper crimp sleeves at HD that said to use a certain model of crimping tool. Unfortunately, I couldn't find that particular tool anywhere in town. I didn't even find it listed on the manufacturer's web site! Therefore, I just used the crimper on my electrical muti-purpose tool (stripper/plier/crimper/bolt cutter). Now I just heard that doing so might make me fail my inspection. I used the sleeves only for ground wire connections and used regular wire nuts for the hot and neutral connections.

What has your experience been with inspectors demanding to see the crimping tool you used and checking it against the info on the crimp sleeve packaging?

If you don't have the packaging available ("Oops, I tossed it after I was done making all the connections.") and the connections are tight will the inspector most likely just approve the ground connections?

I know all inspectors are different and my "mileage" might vary, but I'd be interested to hear your thoughts/experiences. I'd hate to have to cut them all off and redo the connections using "Greenies."

Paul

 

[Norcal]

Is the tool a C-24 Pres-Sur-Tool? I used to use the crimper on my lineman's pliers but it really depends on the inspector.....


http://www.idealindustries.com/prodDetail.do?prodId=C24

 

[Speedy Petey]

I use the steel crimps and also use the crimper on my linemans.
Ideal steel crimps specifically list using their linemans for this purpose.

If they look and feel proper you should be fine. Then again, we all hear the stories about power mad inspectors enforcing stupid rules pulled out of their asses.

 

[Aceman]

Everybody in our shop uses these pretty much:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006M6Y5M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

We've never been flagged on an inspection, just make a good crimp.

 

[Zeke]

I can see the wisdom of using a 4-point crimping tool.

I have run across a few loose connections. Mostly due to the wrong size crimp sleeve. Come to think of it, the wrong size sleeve might not crimp properly with this tool either. But there's a better chance if the sleeve is not very full.

 

[BigGMC]

Just looking for input as to why crimp the ground instead of nutting it?

 

[Thruxton]

Just looking for input as to why crimp the ground instead of nutting it?

My amateur's read: cheap, fast, secure (all if done properly), and less room in the box. I just switched over to using them, and that's what I see.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Everybody in our shop uses these pretty much:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006M6Y5M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

We've never been flagged on an inspection, just make a good crimp.

Best tool on the market IMHO.

Its cheaper online than HD but with shipping, its about even!

 

[nwav8tor]

I saw that sleeves were used on grounds in other boxes in my house so I thought that's what was supposed to be done. It does save a bit of space in the boxes compared to wire nuts.

Paul

 

[Speedy Petey]

Best part is you can leave as many tails out of the crimp as there are devices.
This is MUCH cleaner and easier and eliminates splices.
It also eliminates that silly looping from device to device with one long wire.