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+ | ====== CADWELD ====== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== One Shot ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{ erico_cadweld_one_shot.jpg|}}The CADWELD® ONE SHOT produces a permanent exothermic connection to a ground rod that will not loosen, corrode or increase in resistance for the life of the installation. A convenient, single-use ceramic mold eliminates the need for a mold and handle clamps and/or frames. Ideal for both threaded and plain copper-bonded ground rods. | ||
+ | Features | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Easy to use, single-use ceramic mold eliminates need for mold and frame, handle clamp | ||
+ | * Produces permanent connection that will not loosen or corrode | ||
+ | * NEC® compliant, cULus® Listed | ||
+ | * Rural Utilities Service (RUS) accepted | ||
+ | |||
+ | Applications | ||
+ | |||
+ | The CADWELD ONE SHOT is ideal for making permanent reliable connections to ground rods for electrical transmission and distribution, | ||
+ | * http:// | ||
+ | * {{: | ||
+ | |||
+ | == PRO == | ||
+ | * Ideal for field use where reusable molds and tools would be cost-prohibitive | ||
+ | * | ||
+ | |||
+ | == CON == | ||
+ | * Probably not approved for air transport | ||
+ | |||
+ | == COST == | ||
+ | * Approximately $10 per shot | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== One Shot Plus === | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{ cadweldplusweldmetal.jpg|}}The convenient single-use package makes the connection to the ground rod without a mold or starting material. | ||
+ | |||
+ | **Features** | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Easy-to-use electronic ignition. | ||
+ | * Durable disposable ceramic body eliminates the graphite mold and frame. | ||
+ | * Produces a permanent connection that will not loosen or corrode. | ||
+ | * NEC® compliant. | ||
+ | * cULus® Listed. | ||
+ | |||
+ | **Applications** | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{ cadweldplus_cutaway.jpg|}}The CADWELD PLUS ONE SHOT is ideal for making permanent reliable connections to ground rods for electrical transmission and distribution, | ||
+ | * http:// | ||
+ | * {{: | ||
+ | * Demo Video: http:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | == PRO == | ||
+ | * Ideal for field use where reusable molds and tools would be cost-prohibitive | ||
+ | * Easy to handle, store and transport – by air, land or sea in unlimited quantities [Cadweld Plus PDF, p.3] | ||
+ | |||
+ | == CON == | ||
+ | * Requires expensive electrical igniter ({{: | ||
+ | * Specific model required for each size wire of connection | ||
+ | * Could use " | ||
+ | * Adapter sleeves also available, as well as mold sealer for packing molds (also p105) | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | == COST == | ||
+ | * $10 (one connection) to $15 (four connections to ground rod) | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== GN Connection Kit ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{ erico_cadweld_gn.png|}}Ideal for making ground rod connections for the telecommunications, | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Works on ground rods where the head has been " | ||
+ | * Drive rod to installed depth even after the connection has been made | ||
+ | |||
+ | The GN Connection Kit can be specified for connecting #6 or #4 solid copper ground wire to 1/2", 5/8", or 3/4" ground rods. http:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | == PRO == | ||
+ | Wire connects to side of ground rod in same direction as ground rod. | ||
+ | * Works on mushroomed ground rod heads | ||
+ | * Can drive ground rod after making the connection | ||
+ | * Multiple connections can be made to a single ground rod | ||
+ | * Better for lightning as there is no 90-degree angle at connection | ||
+ | |||
+ | == CON == | ||
+ | * Requires reusable mold (~$90) & clamp (~$40) | ||
+ | * Large expense for one-time use | ||
+ | |||
+ | == COST == | ||
+ | * $2/shot | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Telecom Lugs ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Ideal for connecting ground wires to lugs for termination on a ground bus. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * One CADWELD mold for 7 lug sizes minimizes inventory of molds | ||
+ | * Multiple molds are replaced with ONE versatile mold that utilizes inexpensive conductor sleeves | ||
+ | * No multiple tools or dies required as with crimped connections | ||
+ | * http:// | ||
+ | * {{: | ||
+ | |||
+ | == PRO == | ||
+ | * Adaptable for multiple sizes of wire (#6, #5, #4, #3, #2) | ||
+ | * Suggests possibility of using this technique for One-Shot molds | ||
+ | |||
+ | == CON == | ||
+ | * Requires expensive mold | ||
+ | * Only connects to specified lugs, not ground rods | ||
+ | |||
+ | == COST == | ||
+ | * Sleeves -- | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Selection Calculator === | ||
+ | * http:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Safety === | ||
+ | * http:// | ||
+ | < | ||
+ | moisture is a huge safety hazard when doing any type of exothermic welding. | ||
+ | |||
+ | if there is any moisture in the blocks, or in the strands of wire (think 500 mcm | ||
+ | buried in dirt), and you fire the shot, 1/2 second later, there will be a burping | ||
+ | sound like an old coffeemaker, | ||
+ | out the top of the block, about three feet up in the air. it's about 3,000 | ||
+ | degrees, and will burn thru anything. | ||
+ | |||
+ | any material you are wearing is going to be more material they have to pick | ||
+ | out at the burn center. first and foremost, do not be in the path of weld | ||
+ | material. do not depend on any safety equipment to protect you from weld | ||
+ | material. it's thermite, for all practical purposes, and will smoke thru cast iron, | ||
+ | copper, or my tennis shoes before you can say " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | | ||
+ | * Use the remote electric control unit/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Tips === | ||
+ | |||
+ | * http:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | I screwed up a few molds, and had a pretty poor success rate at first. I kept bugging | ||
+ | the folks at R. F. Connection until they got me in touch with the experts at Erico. | ||
+ | Erico has a few products that I would highly recommend to anyone considering this product: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * How to CADWELD, An Easy Connection to Make (videotape) | ||
+ | * CADWELD ONE-SHOT Connections (videotape) | ||
+ | * Booklet: Installers and Inspectors Guide for CADweld Electrical Connections{{: | ||
+ | * Booklet: Contractor Tips for the Use of CADweld Products {{: | ||
+ | |||
+ | I had fouled up a number of one-shots before getting this material, then had a 100% success | ||
+ | rate after looking at the data. | ||