Cable Crimping – Lugs & Tools
Indent Crimping Of Cables – Benefits & Limitations
October 11th, 2018
Indent Crimping Of Cables – Benefits & Limitations
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uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager
Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, are leading suppliers of cable crimp lugs and associated crimping tools for Low, Medium & High Voltage Cables and Power Systems – this series of articles by Klauke discusses the theory and practise of installing compression type cable lugs and connectors for use with copper and aluminium conductors.
Klauke cable lugs and crimping tools are used by Jointers, Linesmen, Panel Builders and Electrical Engineers to install underground cables and overhead line conductors on power, transmission and distribution networks including LV MV & HV systems, 11kV-33kV.
➡ Download 2018 Klauke Cable Lugs catalogue and see the complete range of tools for cutting and crimping cables.
In this Article we cover the following:
- W-crimp and indent crimp for different cross-sections
- The permitted cable spectrum for indent crimping comprises both Class 2 multistranded copper conductors, as well as Class 5 and Class 6 fine and ultrafine-stranded types in accordance with VDE0295 up to a cross-section of 400sqmm
- Klauke F cable lugs for ultrafine and fine-stranded conductors avoid fraying
- Practical crimping method for small cross sections below 6sqmm and also in switch cabinet construction up to 1000V
Indent crimping
Well-tried yet reliable?
Benefits & Limitations: the oldest form of electrical connection, indent crimping has proven its worth in countless electrical cable termination applications. Yet for some time now, experts have been repeatedly asking the question: is indent crimping reliable?
Why this uncertainty?
Today, hexagonal crimping is considered to be the technical standard that has generally become established. But indent crimping is considered to be an acceptable and a reliable form of cable crimping that is preferred for switch cabinets of up to 1000V.
Indent crimping is still a reliable form of crimping cables, often used in the construction of switch cabinets up to 1000V.

Indent crimping is a purely manufacturer specific type of crimping.
In other words – the manufacturer must ensure that a standardised cable crimp can be produced using its components. Leading manufacturers demonstrate this through appropriate tests.
In tests to IEC 61238, for example, Klauke proved its crimping tools and cable lugs combined can be used to make connections of equivalent quality to a hexagonal crimp.
Warning: unlike hexagonal crimping, indent crimping is suitable only for processing copper. In terms of technology, indent crimping is set apart by its high degree of compaction.
The greater impact forces, however, cause high material stress. So it‘s important to remember that connections caused by indent crimping are always strain relieved.

Indent crimping allows multistranded, fine-stranded and ultrafine-stranded conductors to be permanently connected
The variants are W-crimp and indent crimp. There are two different versions of indent crimping in use:
- the W-crimp for cross-sections from 0.5sqmm to 16sqmm
- the indent crimp for cross-sections from 6sqmm to 400sqmm
Types Of Indent Crimp

The W-crimp is ideal for smaller cross- sections, since the material in the region of the two tips of the crimp insert is extremely highly compacted

Indent crimping is especially suitable for cross-sections from 6sqmm to 400sqmm
The W-crimp is preferred for smaller cross sections, since the material in the region of the two tips of the crimp insert is extremely highly compacted. Indent crimping is commonplace and generally accepted for processing small cross-sections, since the hexagon crimp is normally used only from cross-sections upwards of 6sqmm.
For multi-stranded, fine-stranded and ultrafinestranded copper conductors
The permitted cable spectrum for indent crimping comprises both Class 2 multistranded copper conductors, as well as Class 5 and Class 6 fine and ultrafine-stranded types in accordance with VDE0295 up to a cross section of 400sqmm.

Class 1 round single-stranded (rs) conductor (commonly known as solid conductor. Class 2 round multi-stranded (rm) conductor. Class 5 fine-stranded conductor 5 (commonly known as flexible conductor. Class 6 ultrafine-stranded conductor 6 (commonly known as highly-flexible conductor).

Conductor Types
In contrast to the hexagon crimp, thinned conductors can also be reliably crimped without transmission losses by means of indent crimping. The reason – thinned cables have in reality a smaller cross-section than is nominally specified – a specified cross-section of 50sqmm can in actual fact only be around 43smm, for example.
Thinned lines are produced from high-purity copper. Despite its smaller cross-section, this material has identical conductivity characteristics. The benefit to the manufacturer is the reduced material usage and the associated lower costs.
One of the key advantages of indent crimping is this versatility in the wide range of the conductor types to be processed. What’s more, all these conductor types can be indented simply and cost effectively using one tool. Klauke offers a mechanical crimping tool for indent crimp that covers a cross section range of 185sqmm to 400sqmm, for example.

The Klauke mechanical crimping tool K07 for indent crimps covers a crosssection from 185sqmm to 400sqmm
Generally speaking, only mechanical hand crimping pliers are used for indent crimping.
The cable crimping profiles to be used are based on the tube dimensions of cable lug and connector. But because indent crimping is not a standardised form of cable crimping, it is crucial that high-quality materials and crimping tools tested to IEC61238 from the same manufacturer are used.
A professional indent is obtained only from clean workmanship using a suitable tool and matching cable lug. That means the crimping tool must be correctly applied and the indent made up to the end stop of the tool. The same number of indents as for a hexagonal crimp is required. For example, a professional hexagonal crimp of a tubular cable lug with a cross-section of 240sqmm calls for four narrow crimps; an indent likewise requires four crimps.

Just like a hexagonal crimp, the indent crimp for a cable lug with 240sqmm cross section also requires four narrow crimps
With indent crimping too, the cross-section is stamped on the back of the cable crimp for checking. Important in all cases – to avoid under or over-crimping the use of a suitable and well-maintained crimping tool is a basic pre-requisite.
Incorrectly made cable crimps due to an incorrect tool setting for example can increase contact resistance which can in turn cause temperature rises and ultimately cable fires.

Indents made incorrectly due to unsuitable crimping tools, for example, can in the worst case cause a cable fire
Klauke recommends that its cable lugs are crimped using only Klauke tools – this is the only way the electrical engineer or cable jointer is guaranteed the use of matched cable lugs or connectors and tools, which are the prerequisite for a reliable connection.
Also important in this regard Klauke F or R cable lugs (Cu copper standard version) can be used for indent crimping.

F and R-series cable lugs can be used for indent crimping
Klauke F & r series cable lugs
Due to their design F cable lugs for fine stranded and ultrafine-stranded conductors avoid the problem of fraying as they are introduced into the cable lug. These tubular cable lugs have a larger internal tube diameter than standard cable lugs – they also have funnel-shaped widening to better guarantee cable entry into the lug.

F cable lugs have a larger tubular inside diameter than standard cable lugs; they also have a funnel shaped widening
Besides easier handling, this also provides advantages in terms of safety – cross-section tapering due to fraying is prevented and so the cable retains its full cross section.

The funnel-shaped widening of the F cable lugs prevents a cross-sectional tapering of the cable caused by fraying
Suitable for use with Klauke F series tubular cable lugs, various manufacturers also offer joints for conductor extensions or repair purposes. These also have funnel-shaped widening and an enlarged tube diameter. A central impression prevents the two cable ends being inserted unevenly.
Tubular Cable Lug – Commercially Available
In addition to DIN cable lugs, various manufacturers offer standard Klauke R-series tubular cable lugs. Due to their dimensions, these tubular cable lugs differ from DIN cable lugs – they are usually shorter than the DIN designs. But because they are governed by the same test standard this does not affect the durability of the electrical and mechanical connection.

The standard R series tubular cable lugs, which are shorter than DIN cable lugs, guarantee a durable connection when indent crimping is carried out correctly
Conclusion & outlook
Indent crimping remains a standardised and practical crimping method. For small cross sections below 6sqmm in any case and also in switch cabinet construction up to 1000V. If the recommendations given in this article are followed, any uncertainties about their reliability are unfounded.
There is no doubt, however, that the acceptance of indent crimping among experts is not quite what it once was with hexagonal crimping increasingly preferred and specified. It is therefore important to clarify with customers in advance as to whether they allow indent crimping in their technical facilities and plants. The arbor and 4-arbor crimp offer a similar degree of compaction to indent crimping.
These cable crimps even allow the production of gas-tight crimped connections. We will be explaining what is important to note about these types of crimp in a later issue.
Further Reading
Review other Blogs in this series of articles about Cable Lugs, Crimping Cables & Tools:
Cable Lugs – Crimping Applications & Standards
Copper Cable Lugs For Special Applications
Cable Lugs & Crimps – Hexagonal v Indent Methods of Crimping
Cable Lugs & Crimping Using The Hexagonal Crimp Method
DIN Standard – Crimping & Compressing Aluminium Cable Lugs & Connectors
Copper & Aluminium – Crimping CU-AL Cables
Electrically Driven Crimping Tools For High Volume Applications
LV MV HV Cable Accessories & Substation Electrical Equipment
Thorne & Derrick are Specialist Distributors of leading manufacturers of Cable Accessories, Jointing & Installation Equipment.
LV MV HV cable accessories used to joint, terminate, connect, cleat and gland power cables to air and gas insulated substations, transformers, switchgear and overhead line networks.
Hover over our Interactive Electricity Grid to learn more about our product ranges.
LV 600/1000V ◊ MV 11kV 33kV ◊ HV 66kV 132kV
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Substation & Overhead Line Electrical Safety Equipment
Manufactured by CATU Electrical to enable the safe construction, maintenance and repair of underground cables and overhead lines network up to EHV (400kV).
T&D - CABLES ♦ JOINTS ♦ TERMINATIONS ♦ CONNECTORS ♦ GLANDS ♦ CLEATS ♦ CRIMPS & LUGS ♦ DUCT ♦ SEALS ♦ ARC FLASH PPE
EARTHING ♦ FEEDER PILLARS ♦ JOINTERS TOOLS ♦ CABLE CUTTING & CRIMPING TOOLS ♦ COLD SHRINK ♦ HEAT SHRINK ♦ FUSES
Battery Operated Torque Gun – Lithium Type Industrial Bolting Tool
September 17th, 2018-
uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager
Thorne & Derrick are Specialist Distributors of Battery Operated Cable Crimping & Cutting Tools – this is supported by a range of battery type torque guns specified to reduce worker injury and improve Health & Safety with a reduction in hand-arm vibration related injuries associated with the use of conventional hand-held power tools.
Battery Operated Torque Gun
Lithium Series battery operated torque guns are the ultimate solution for portability and convenience on industrial bolting jobs. With the world’s first 36-volt industrial battery system, these tools are ready for heavy industrial use. The lightweight design of the torque tools and dual speed capability make this system the go-to choice for industrial maintenance, contracting and production environments worldwide.
The Lithium Series was designed from the ground up using aerospace-grade materials to provide a compact design with industrial durability and power. The metal frame cut from a solid piece of aluminium alloy protects the tool from damage on industrial jobs. The 36-volt battery provides sufficient power to get through the toughest bolted joints.

Industrial-Grade Power
With a simple switch, the Lithium Series goes from high speed rundown mode to accurate final torque mode eliminating the need for multiple systems on a job. The precision machined gearbox provides constant power without the vibration and noise found in impact guns. Adjust the power through the digital readout on the back of the gun to fine-tune the torque output for any job.

Dual Speed Bolting
The Lithium Series makes torque and angle bolting simpler than ever before. The desired torque can be entered in Imperial or Metric followed by the desired angle. When the trigger is pulled the tool will automatically apply the torque, pause, and then apply the programmed angle. When complete the light on the back of the tool will turn green and a short beep will be heard.

Data Recording

Battery Operated Torque Gun – Dimensions
Lithium Type Industrial Bolting Tool
Specification
Should you require any further information or advise in order to select or purchase the most suitable Battery Operated Torque Guns & Tools please do not hesitate to contact us.
| Lithium Series Part Number | H | W | L | D | Square Drive | Weight | Torque | |
| mm | kg | Nm (Min) | Nm (Max) | |||||
| BTM-0700 | 326 | 88 | 290 | 66 | 19 | 4.64 | 203 | 949 |
| BTM-1000 | 326 | 88 | 290 | 66 | 19 | 4.82 | 271 | 1626 |
| BTM-2000 | 335 | 88 | 330 | 81 | 25 | 6.45 | 440 | 2710 |
| BTM-3000 | 338 | 88 | 358 | 87 | 25 | 7.39 | 678 | 4065 |
LV MV HV Cable Accessories & Substation Electrical Equipment
Thorne & Derrick are Specialist Distributors of leading manufacturers of Cable Accessories, Jointing & Installation Equipment.
LV MV HV cable accessories used to joint, terminate, connect, cleat and gland power cables to air and gas insulated substations, transformers, switchgear and overhead line networks.
Hover over our Interactive Electricity Grid to learn more about our product ranges.
LV 600/1000V ◊ MV 11kV 33kV ◊ HV 66kV 132kV

T&D are Main Stockists of Cutting & Crimping Tools manufactured by Cembre
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Substation & Overhead Line Electrical Safety Equipment
Manufactured by CATU Electrical to enable the safe construction, maintenance and repair of underground cables and overhead lines network up to EHV (400kV).
T&D - CABLES ♦ JOINTS ♦ TERMINATIONS ♦ CONNECTORS ♦ GLANDS ♦ CLEATS ♦ CRIMPS & LUGS ♦ DUCT ♦ SEALS ♦ ARC FLASH PPE
EARTHING ♦ FEEDER PILLARS ♦ JOINTERS TOOLS ♦ CABLE CUTTING & CRIMPING TOOLS ♦ COLD SHRINK ♦ HEAT SHRINK ♦ FUSES
Cutting SWA Cables – Recommended Cable Cutting Tool For Steel Wire Armoured Cables
September 5th, 2018
LV-HV Cable Cutting Tools For Copper, Aluminium & Telecommunication Cables
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uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager
This Post addresses a customer query received earlier today by Thorne & Derrick, the stockist and supplier of Cembre, and highlights suitable cutting tools for use with SWA Armoured Cables.
Question About Cutting SWA Cables
Is the Cembre B-TC950E capable of cutting a Steel Wire Armoured cable?
The cable has a outside diameter of approximately 70mm. The cable has 3 triangular (sector) aluminium cores, the cores cross sectional area is unknown but it is suggested that they would be approximately 240sqmm. If the Cembre B-TC950E cable cutter is suitable could you advise of the approximate number of cuts that the blades could do on this cable before needing replacing. Or would you recommend an alternative cable cutting tool?
The SWA (steel wire armour) wraps completely around the outside of the cable under the outer layer of PVC – each steel wire in the armouring is approximately 3mm in diameter.
We require 5 cable tools.

Cembre reply:
Cembre B-TC950E is capable of cutting up to 240sqmm 3 core SWA cable (with 2 cuts at 90 degree angles) – this includes LV MV HV cables up to 11kV/33kV.
Hydraulic type cable cutting tools are also available.
With regards to an approximate number of cable cuts before the tool blades need replacing, we would not be able to provide this information as there are too many variable and external factors involved to give a definite answer.
We can quote for spare cable cutting blades as applicable for use with all Cembre manufactured tools.
Should you also need to terminate the same specification cable using cable lugs we would recommend the Cembre HT131-C tool which is a hydraulic crimping tool for use up to 400sqmm using hexagonal die sets.
When it comes to cutting and crimping cables the trusted world-market leading manufacturer of cable tools is Cembre.

Cable Lugs & Connectors LV HV

LV Lugs & Connectors – complete range of copper crimp connectors suitable for use with joints and terminations for low voltage cables | Cable Lugs | Cable Splice Connectors | Aluminium Lugs | Aluminium Splices | Bi-Metallic Cable Lugs

HV Lugs & Connectors – complete range of copper crimp connectors suitable for use with joints and terminations for medium/high voltage cables | Cable Lugs | Transformer Lugs | 2 Hole Lugs | Pin Stalk Connectors | Through Connectors | 11kV 33kV
DIN 46234 Solderless Terminals
September 4th, 2018
Manufacturers of Cable Lugs, Electrical Connectors & Tools
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uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager
Terminating & Crimping Cables To DIN SPEC
What Is DIN Standard or SPEC?
DIN, the German Institute for Standardisation, founded in 1917 is the independent platform for standardisation in Germany and worldwide – for DIN Standard cable lugs the scope is similar to British Standard BS7609 providing quality and safety guidance for electrical cable termination, connection and also crimping cables.
A DIN Specification, or DIN SPEC, is a document that specifies requirements for products, services and/or processes. However, in contrast to standards, DIN SPECs do not require full consensus and the involvement of all stakeholders. These DIN Specifications or SPEC’s are drawn up in temporary bodies called workshops. DIN SPECs are a trusted strategic instrument for quickly and easily establishing and disseminating innovative solutions into the electrical industry market.
Solderless terminals used for cable terminations to conform to the DIN 46234 standard must satisfy specific application, dimensional and marking requirements – the main application for solderless terminals is to connect, terminate or crimp round type multi, fine and superfine stranded conductors.
Note: DIN 46234 solderless terminals are not suitable for the termination or for use with single-stranded solid conductors – please refer to compression or crimp cable lugs to DIN 46235 for this particular application.
The conductor cross-sections of solderless terminals to DIN 46234 range from 0.5sqmm to 240sqmm, the bore diameter for the connecting bolt from M2 to M16 stud holes.
Solderless terminals are used in panel building and control cabinet manufacturing.
Similar to conventional crimp/compression and tubular cable lugs the solderless terminals are manufactured from electrolytic copper. For production, however, a different source material is used: while compression cable lugs are manufactured from tubes, solderless terminals are made from copper sheets. So by virtue of their design, rounded and soldered from a metal sheet, they have a distinctive soldered joint.
The quality of the soldered joint is key to the crimp result.
Poor-quality soldered joints carry the risk of opening during the crimping process.
Unlike the compression cable lug to DIN 46235, solderless terminals are not processed by hexagonal crimping, but instead by indent crimping.
Klauke manufactures various cable crimping tools to install cable lugs, connectors and splices to both DIN 46235 and DIN 46234 standard – please call us to discuss your specific application or review the catalogue downloads below.

Solderless Terminals

Solderless Terminal Crimped With Indent Crimp

Solderless Lug Crimped Terminal With Indent Crimping Die
Solderless Terminals
Klauke are a market-leading manufacturer of electrical connection products including copper connectors and solderless terminals for round conductors including to DIN EN 60228 Class 2, 5 and 6.
Klauke terminals with grooved profiles for improved electrical contact are tin-plated to protect the terminals against corrosion. Suitable for the following nominal cross section area conductors (sqmm): 0.5-1sqmm, 1.5-2.5sqmm, 25sqmm, 4-6sqmm, 35sqmm, 50sqmm, 70sqmm, 95sqmm, 120sqmm, 150sqmm, 185sqmm and 240sqmm.
Manufactured from copper with a high quality brazing process in the cable crimp area.
DIN 46234
Terminal Ends for Solderless Connections: Ring Type, Without Insulating Sleeve, For Copper Conductors
- Standard by Deutsches Institut Fur Normung E.V. (German National Standard), 03/01/1980

DIN 46234 Standard Solderless Terminals – Manufactured by Klauke
Crimping Cables, Lugs & Tools
Thorne & Derrick distribute Cable Lugs & Cable Connectors to terminate, splice and joint LV MV HV cables – this includes copper, aluminium and bi-metallic connectors and a complete range of crimping tools for specific use on all Low, Medium & High Voltage cable types.
➡ Associated Brands & Products | Klauke | Cembre | Pfisterer Sicon | Cable Crimping & Cable Cutting Tools
Electromechanical Crimping Tools For High Volume Applications
September 4th, 2018
Electromechanical Crimping Tools Manufactured by Klauke
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uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager
Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, are leading suppliers of cable crimp lugs and associated crimping tools for Low, Medium & High Voltage Cables and Power Systems – this series of articles by Klauke discusses the theory and practise of installing compression type cable lugs and connectors using ratchet, hydraulic, battery-operated or electromechanical crimping tools.
Klauke cable lugs and crimping tools are used by Jointers, Linesmen, Panel Builders and Electrical Engineers to install underground cables and overhead line conductors on power, transmission and distribution networks including LV MV & HV systems, 11kV-33kV.
➡ Download 2018 Klauke Cable Lugs catalogue and see the complete range of tools for cutting and crimping cables.
In this Article we cover the advantages of using Electromechanical Crimping Tools:
- With a manual force of up to 20 kilograms per crimp, excessive strain in the wrist and forearm can occur over time when cable crimping
- There is a good case here for taking measures to safeguard against such conditions and prevent expensive employee absences and injury
- Electromechanical cable crimping tools reduce the physical effort, achieve the best crimping results and also guarantee the consistently high quality
- For specialist operations in which large numbers of crimped connections have to be processed quickly, purchasing such crimping tools is justified
- DIN 46234 standard compliance and cable lug connector installation
Cable Crimping & Health & Safety
It usually begins innocuously: first a numb feeling in the thumbs, index and middle fingers during the night. But then later, pain and sensory disorders throughout the day too. The hand becomes less sensitive, the fine motor skills start to dwindle and the hand gets weaker.
Day-to-day tasks become increasingly difficult and certain professional activities are difficult or even impossible to accomplish. This is caused by what is known as carpal tunnel syndrome. A nerve in the hand is permanently trapped against a constricted area that is inflamed – here are the typical signs and symptoms:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Cable Crimping
One suspected cause of this widespread condition is one-sided strain, which is often encountered in the electrical trade for example. There is a good case here for taking measures to guard against such conditions and prevent expensive employee absences.
Choosing the correct electromechanical crimping tools can help reduce workplace injuries and improve site and worker Health & Safety.
One of the most commonly recurring tasks in switch cabinet construction and installing LV cable joints is the crimping of cables. This task is usually carried out using mechanical type, ratchet crimping tools and in most cases, is completed without any problem at all. It can be become critical, however, when it has to be carried out by employees on a recurring basis. With a manual force of up to 20 kilograms per crimp, excessive strain in the wrist and forearm can occur over time.

Employee Health & Safety – less physical effort with electrically-driven cable crimping tools
One key factor is considered to be the number of cable crimp operations that are carried out on a regular basis. While a young and healthy employee who has not previously experienced excessive strain can easily achieve 100 to 150 crimps per day without their health being adversely affected, the use of a cable crimping tool with motorised drive is recommended for higher numbers of repetitive crimps.
Leading manufacturers now recommend tools that allow work to be carried out much more comfortably with far less physical strain.
The electromechanical crimping tool Klauke Micro with 10.8 V lithium-ion battery, for example, requires a manual force of just two kilograms per crimp.
In other words: the force that needs to be delivered from the hand and forearm is around 90% less than that required for a crimping tool operated purely by hand.
“When we developed our Electromechanical Micro, the aim was to manufacture a cable crimping tool that is easy to use and would allow ergonomic and health-promoting work, thereby combining the benefits of a manual crimping tool with the ease of a cordless one in a single cable tool device”, explains Lutz Remmel, Product Manager at Klauke.

To make the day-to-day tasks of a qualified electrician easier and benefit from the time-saving, the selected crimping tool should cover the broadest range of tasks possible.
The electromechanical tool from Klauke is able to process cable cross-sections from 0.14 to 50sqmm with a cable crimping force of up to 15KN, with a long-term time saving compared to the mechanical crimping tool.

Because, in terms of the system concept, the electromechanical crimper tool is designed to take the interchangeable die sets from Klauke’s 50 series, it is also suitable for crimping various cable types, cable end-sleeves, and also tubular cable lugs, insulated solderless terminals and pin cable lugs.
This not only makes the cable tool a versatile companion for switch cabinet construction, it is also gentle on the installer physicals joints and allows consistently fast operations for numerous other manual, industrial and high voltage cable crimping applications.

The sequence is always the same: first, the manual pre-clamping. When the operating lever is actuated, the crimping jaws of the tool close in order to fix the electrical cable connectors.
During this particular step, the cable lug or connector material can be precisely aligned and positioned. In the second step, the cable crimp is achieved by the force of the motor.
The operating lever simply needs to be depressed fully and the crimping tool automatically starts the crimp process, which takes no more than 1.5 seconds, depending on the material.
Once the cable crimp has been made, the operating lever is released to initiate the return movement, also fully-automatic, into the original position.

Electromechanical Crimping Tool Operation
Electromechanical crimping tools reduce the physical effort, and offer the following advantages: they achieve the best crimping results for minimum force, they also guarantee the consistently high quality of these electrical connection results for years afterwards.
This is because a suitable cable crimping tool in faultless condition (properly maintained) is crucial to avoiding under-crimps and over-crimps. Otherwise, the consequences can be hazardous: incorrectly-made crimps can, for example, increase joint resistance which can in turn cause temperature rises and ultimately trigger cable fires.
When choosing a crimping tool, simple and reliable operability is the key to ensuring safety.

Cable Tools & Costs v Benefits
When Is Investment Returned?
Profitability, of course, is the question posed by any investment. The cost of a branded electromechanical crimping tool is around 180 Euro (?), or more for a manual crimping tool.
Any concerns about the durability and reliability of the electrical variant of crimping tools are unfounded. For its Micro model, for example, Klauke states a long service life if the service intervals are maintained (at 35,000 press or crimp cycles).
The cable crimping tool is equipped with a multi-function LED for maintenance display and data transfer, which can also be used to transfer crimp and tool data to a PC via a USB adapter from the tool accessories range. Test reports showing date and time can readily be created as a PDF for recording completed crimp operations. An effective way of demonstrating a safe and correct working method.
Purely mechanical manual crimping tools do not offer this option of displaying wear and creating documentation.
And also the lithium-ion batteries now used in most cable crimping tools give no cause for technical concern. These energy sources conform to a perfected technical standard that applies today in practically all sectors in which rechargeable batteries are used. Lithium-ion batteries are set apart by short charging times without memory effect and a constant, uniform power output.
DIN 46234
The charging time for the battery installed in the Klauke tool is around 40 minutes. A fully-charged battery, can then achieve some 300 crimps on copper cables with a cross-section of 10sqmm in accordance with DIN 46234. Despite this high efficiency, the total weight of the tool, including the battery, is just 960 grammes.
- DIN 46234 Standard – Terminal Ends For Solderless Connections, Ring Type, Without Insulating Sleeve (Copper Conductors)
Yet a far more important factor for assessing profitability, is sustaining the employee’s physical strength. The cost of sick leave due to carpal tunnel syndrome, which is mentioned at the beginning, tendinitis or tennis elbow, far outweigh those of procuring electromechanical crimping tools in the short-term.
Electromechanical crimping tools are preferred by panel builders for carrying out the termination and connection of LV MV HV cable conductors into electrical control panels.


Conclusion
Electromechanical Crimping Tools
The decision to invest in an electromechanical crimping tool should be made according to economic calculations. For specialist operations in which large numbers of electrical cable connections or cable lugs have to be processed quickly, purchasing such cable tools makes is clear sense.
Electromechanical crimping tools not only increase the efficiency of work processes but also protect the health of employees. Since maintaining good health also means sustaining physical strength, such an added investment can benefit employer and employee in equal measures. Especially in light of demographic change and the shortage of specialists this brings about, physical fitness has become an economically valuable asset which must be sustained for as long as possible.
Contact Thorne & Derrick to discuss the optimum Electromechanical Crimping Tools for your budget, application or to arrange a product demonstration.
Further Reading
Review other Blogs in this series of articles about Cable Lugs, Crimping Cables & Tools:
Cable Lugs – Crimping Applications & Standards
Copper Cable Lugs For Special Applications
Indent Crimping Of Cables – Benefits & Limitations
Cable Lugs & Crimps – Hexagonal v Indent Methods of Crimping
Cable Lugs & Crimping Using The Hexagonal Crimp Method
DIN Standard – Crimping & Compressing Aluminium Cable Lugs & Connectors
Copper & Aluminium – Crimping CU-AL Cables
LV MV HV Cable Accessories & Substation Electrical Equipment
Thorne & Derrick are Specialist Distributors of leading manufacturers of Cable Accessories, Jointing & Installation Equipment.
LV MV HV cable accessories used to joint, terminate, connect, cleat and gland power cables to air and gas insulated substations, transformers, switchgear and overhead line networks.
Hover over our Interactive Electricity Grid to learn more about our product ranges.
LV 600/1000V ◊ MV 11kV 33kV ◊ HV 66kV 132kV
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Substation & Overhead Line Electrical Safety Equipment
Manufactured by CATU Electrical to enable the safe construction, maintenance and repair of underground cables and overhead lines network up to EHV (400kV).
T&D - CABLES ♦ JOINTS ♦ TERMINATIONS ♦ CONNECTORS ♦ GLANDS ♦ CLEATS ♦ CRIMPS & LUGS ♦ DUCT ♦ SEALS ♦ ARC FLASH PPE
EARTHING ♦ FEEDER PILLARS ♦ JOINTERS TOOLS ♦ CABLE CUTTING & CRIMPING TOOLS ♦ COLD SHRINK ♦ HEAT SHRINK ♦ FUSES











