Burndy UniTaps

[b-boy]

I bought 4 of these Burndy Unitaps: https://www.grainger.com/product/22...kwcid=AL!2966!3!264955915667!!!g!461787464874!

They weren't cheap. I used them to splice SER 2-2-2-4 to THHN/THWN inside a box in my crawlspace.

They use a hex screw to secure the cable inside a small, insulated AL block. While installing them I had some issues while unscrewing the hex screws to insert the cable end. Several of them were very tight, and difficult to unscrew. I really had to force the screw to turn. I needed more force than I thought I should.

In one case, I couldn't insert the cable into the block. It turns out there were strips of AL in the block. The screws were cross threaded causing AL shavings to deposit in the block.

I'm a little concerned about these now. If the threads are stripping, will I get a secure connection? I'm tempted to pull them out and replace them with Polaris connectors.

I've contacted the company, but I haven't heard back yet.

Does anyone have experience with these connectors?

 

[Zeke]

NO experience but it sounds like you were sold some that were used and returned. I'd be pissed if that's the case. Get new ones.

 

[VT JD]

b-boy

These connectors are used for certain types of underground connections in the electrical utility industry and they should be very easy to back out the screw.

Zeke is right on. Return them to the supplier and get good ones.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I wouldnt have used them.

Return and get another set.

 

[b-boy]

I don't have power running through them yet. I won't do anything until I get these replaced.

I just wanted to make sure that this was a fluke. I'm not really familiar with Burndy, but it looks like they've been around a long time.

I might just go with another manufacturer. Everyone on here seems to recommend Polaris.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Yikes, was that the price for each connector?? I'd return those and go to a supply house. Our local shop has Burndy 2-port clear taps in that size for $7 each.

 

[b-boy]

I didn't get them from Grainger, but that's what they're selling for.

 

[b-boy]

I'm going to try to return the Burndy connectors if I can.

I ordered a set of Polaris connectors. They were about $20 each as well. This is getting pricey.

 

[nsula_country]

Yep, sumthing wong...

CT

 

[toplessHO]

Burndy makes excellent products
Im guessing someone over torqued them then returned.

 

[b-boy]

I did some research on the company and they looked pretty solid. Their stuff is everywhere. They're made in the US too.

I guess I either got a couple of lemons, or a returned item. It happens. I was uncomfortable using them the way they were.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[manwithtools]

I'm not all that impressed with their products. I will use anyone other than Brundy when they opportunity exists.

Regardless, I think you got a lemon.

 

[nadogail]

both Brundy and Grainger have good reputations. I am sure they will attempt to retain you as a customer.

 

[Evan(CA)]

I'm not all that impressed with their products. I will use anyone other than Brundy when they opportunity exists.

Regardless, I think you got a lemon.

What product turned you off to them? I use their stuff on a weekly basis and have zero complaints.

 

[manwithtools]

What product turned you off to them? I use their stuff on a weekly basis and have zero complaints.

Probably not a product most folks would use, but we have had issues with stripped threads on mechanical grounding lugs when torqued to the recommended specification. It's been several years ago, perhaps that's been solved.

 

[b-boy]

I received replacements for the original Burndy unitaps. The screws on the new set are much easier to turn. There was definitely a problem with the old ones.

I had to cut one of the old ones off. The screw was so badly stripped that when I tried to remove it, it striped the hex head of the screw.

I must have received a bad set of these.