What Are Polaris Taps? How Do You Connect Large Gauge Wires?

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 11 гру 2024
  • We all know to use wire nuts to splice small loose wires in a junction box. But what about the larger ones? What to do there? In today’s episode, Dustin explores one of our shows sponsors- Polaris Connectors- and the multitude of options they provide for the larger wire terminations.
    🤘⚡️EU Learning System⚡️🤘
    For Individuals --- electricianu.c...
    For Businesses --- electricianu.c...
    -Video courses on every side of the electrical trade (theory, code, safety, wiring, install, troubleshooting, leadership, and more)
    -Practice exams for 2017, 2020, 2023 code
    -UA-cam videos categorized and searchable
    -Audio lessons
    -Forum
    -Business version has admin portal and ability to assign learning to technicians and monitor progress
    -Any business size from 2 techs to 2,000!
    🎓💡CONTINUING EDUCATION💡🎓
    Sign up here --- electricianu.c...
    -State Approved
    -Video Based
    ✍📝PRACTICE EXAMS📝✍
    Get them here --- www.electricia...
    -2017, 2020, and 2023 NEC versions
    -Online Residential Wireman Exam
    -Online Journeyman Exam
    -Online Master Exam
    -300 Question Online Code Cannon (not license specific, all code)
    -Take as many times as you want
    -All of the above come with printable PDFs
    🎤🎧PODCAST🎧🎤
    Spotify:
    open.spotify.c...
    Apple Podcast:
    podcasts.apple...
    📱👍SOCIALS👍📱
    TikTok - / electricianu
    Instagram - / electrician_u
    Facebook - / theelectricianu
    Reddit - / electricianu
    Rumble - rumble.com/c/E...
    Discord - / discord
    🎧🎹Music, Editing, and Videography by Drake Descant and Rob LeBlanc🎹🎧
    ⚡⚡ SPONSOR: Polaris Taps ⚡⚡
    www.nsiindustr...
    #electrician #electrical #electricity
    In years past, to splice large wires, we had to use a Kearney (split bolt) connector to join the wires, then apply rubber insulating tape around the entire thing, before wrapping the entire thing with a high grade electrical tape. You may have a need to simply splice a set of wires or have a need to tap off of a larger feeder wire with smaller wires to feed different equipment. Labor intensive and time consuming for sure!! But thanks to Polaris Connectors, they have developed high grade termination blocks that are completely surrounded by a non-conductive rubberized coating. These terminations drastically cut down on installation time and much hated frustrations by the installing electricians!
    The Polaris connectors are arranged by size of conductors, quantity of conductors, application needs, and installation environment. First, you choose the size of conductors you are going to be using. They are made with a wide range of cables in mind- #4-#14 on the smaller end, 3/0-#6 somewhere in the middle, up to 750kcmil-250kcmil on the larger end. Wire quantity is also to be considered when using these types of taps. You don’t want to just order the largest (which can be over 12 conductor capacity, although they do offer different options if space is an issue) as the taps are not overly small in size. Pick the quantity of conductors you are working with (add additional spaces if there is a possibility of future expansion) and order accordingly.
    Another item to consider is the application itself. The connector can be ordered with the connection ports on one side if you are looking to splice conductors that enter/leave on the same side of the enclosure. They also offer a splice with the connection ports on opposite sides of the connector to be used if the wires are entering/leaving on opposite sides of the enclosure or if you are using it as a butt splice of sorts. If space is an issue in your scenario and you are needing to splice say 6 wires, they even offer a stacked connector that still provides spaces for 6 cables, but the ports are stacked on top of one another in lieu of all on the same plane. In other words, in lieu of 6 ports in one row, you can get them in 2 rows of 3. There are even models that have bolt down holes so you can bolt the splice to the back/bottom of the enclosure so your conductors can be trained out of the way and not just flopping around!
    While most of our splicing needs are in a dry environment, there are instances where we would need a splice that is capable of living in a damp environment. Polaris Connectors offer a line of connector that is rated for wet/damp environments as well as a series that is capable of being used in a direct burial option.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 209

  • @Chris_In_Texas
    @Chris_In_Texas Рік тому +15

    10:30 Those are non-insulated ferules. Ideally you would use a ferule crimper and compress over the wire and then insert into the polaris block. Any fine stranded wire should be done this way with compression screw connectors to prevent the wires from being cut and pressed out of the way. You see this much more on smaller wires in both insulated and non-insulated ferules. As an example in the UK they use them on their RCBO breaker's neutral line, that uses finely stranded wire before being inserted into the neutral bus bar screw connection.

    • @TheTruthSeeker756
      @TheTruthSeeker756 11 місяців тому

      Thanks man, I’m going to buy some before I put stranded in the polaris!

    • @richardphillips2405
      @richardphillips2405 4 місяці тому

      How much would you torque the ferrules? I have not found any articles on this subject.

    • @Chris_In_Texas
      @Chris_In_Texas 4 місяці тому

      @@richardphillips2405 There are specific ferrules and crimping tools that crimp them. I am not sure what they use as specific torque, but they are just like a ratcheting compression fitting tool that bottoms out and "sets" the ferrule itself on the wire, as ferrules are made for a specific gauge wire.

    • @michaeldove339
      @michaeldove339 3 місяці тому

      I believe the Greys are made specifically for fine stranded cables like DLO/Genny cables. We've never had to crimp ferrules on first as AFAIK. Been a while cause everything we use these days for our clients Verizon and Transit is Hypress Barrels or Hypress H Taps.

  • @deyonsadler6828
    @deyonsadler6828 Рік тому +14

    Not even an electrician. I’m a plumber and still find myself watching your vids all the time. Great content man!

  • @chrisathomas1
    @chrisathomas1 Рік тому +20

    I've used a ton of those in my days. One thing you have to pay attention to is the AMP rating on them. I have had several melt down even when they are torqued down tightly. So, make sure that you use them for the correct application.

    • @peterdiamond5677
      @peterdiamond5677 25 днів тому +1

      Can you provide any direction on the amp rating. I can not find any info for this on Polaris website. I remember someone saying if you tap a 2-wire parallel set with a 3-port device...the parallel wires should not be landed in adjacent ports...but 1-port over with the tap wire in the middle?

  • @MrDontcareify
    @MrDontcareify Рік тому +31

    I’ve always called them Polaris lugs. And also you can use them for smaller wires. We use them in the solar industry because they usually seat a wire more securely and is more protected than a wire nut.

  • @whochecksthis
    @whochecksthis Рік тому +2

    I was on an old resturaunt upfit, and the mass of 350km with split bolts and a TON of wood planks stuffed in to hold the conductors in place...
    I was quite proud of the final job with all the taps in place...
    And i went back with paralleled 500kcm...

  • @benfowler2127
    @benfowler2127 Рік тому +5

    I love these things! I like things to be organized, and junction boxes (troughs, cabinets, etc…) are almost always chaotic when there are terminations. A little thinking ahead when using these makes a huge difference.

  • @garbo8962
    @garbo8962 Рік тому +5

    Great product . Great for temporary & emergency work. At a large hospital/ research center that had 19 large ( 2,000 KW ) generators and almost halve did not have built in load banks so we had to push around at least six 100 KW portable load banks and use these to connect wires for them.

    • @mikerosoft1009
      @mikerosoft1009 Рік тому

      These can be used permanently too right? Like say if you're swapping out an ATS or generator and the conductors aren't long enough, you can use these to extend them?

    • @CoreycantCutit
      @CoreycantCutit Рік тому

      These taps are a must when deploying port gens , not all sites have cam boxes or Appleton plugs . I’ll just pull the wires in the meter and use these monkey knuckles! These things are clutch !

  • @XGibsonOwnerX
    @XGibsonOwnerX Рік тому +12

    Dude, I've seen so many of your videos now and since I'm a Master Electrition in Sweden I do compare US electritions to Swedish Electritions on how we do things differently, Would be soo coool to see you speak to different electritions from different countries and see how things are done differently. It's just amazing to see how our trades are done differently =)

    • @popinfresh3088
      @popinfresh3088 Рік тому

      Go back to school boy!

    • @AndrewMerts
      @AndrewMerts Рік тому +1

      What was your opinion on the weird "insert" as opposed to a ferrule at 10:30? It looks like they just stuck a non-insulated ferrule in the tap and called that good enough but I don't know why on earth they would just use the screw to crimp it onto the wire as opposed to a proper crimp tool.

    • @XGibsonOwnerX
      @XGibsonOwnerX Рік тому

      @@AndrewMerts First of, I'm a Swedish Electrition In Sweden hence why I think all of his videos are intresting cause it's so different compared to here
      For the inserts, I understand that for time and money they did a solution like that cause it's faster then needing to get a crimp tool that's that big, Sometimes you 'd have to use a hydralic crimp tool and they're not cheap, That's a nice solution to a expensive problem, Keeps everything tidy in the time of need, It's still approved so no matter how you argue against it, It's still approved by the code and if it's approved it has gone through testing before approving. So, It's fine. It's not the best but it's fine if tourqed to spec.
      Openly finely stranded cables in that without the insert will make not such as a good termination like he explained in the video
      Over here, FInely stranded conductors at that large/big does not exist over here, And they only exist in few strand conducters for really big cables in ALU, I have done Coppar finely stranded once that was really big but that went from a out of the country system 6 ton generator, Wouldn't recommend. And for that we use something called GARO GKLs to do connections in a fuse box or distribution panel like the Polaris Taps
      We do have to worry more about 3 phase 400 volt or 600 volt systems alot more frequent when it comes to phase rotation and doing those right so we can't use the huuuuuge polaris taps blocks there, we strictly come to use GLKs or something similar and making sure we connect them properly for rotation and worry about not shorting stuff out
      The rotation become extra important when it comes to electrical motors, Making sure you do a Y or D connection to a motor, If it's 400 or 600 volts and such
      Other then that, that's a fine solution

  • @drubradley8821
    @drubradley8821 Рік тому +1

    I used to HATE with a passion when I was planning a job out, knowing I was gonna have to use these.. After about the 3rd or 4th job that these were incorporated and always feeling frustrated or just flat out irritated, knowing that I am simply putting this, O.C.D. when I wire a building. I demand that my systems not only on paper look like art work, but be wired as such. My boxes look like butterfly wings, of symmetry and geometry and are balanced visually, of course with safety as my first goal. now days, it is just second nature as to how I run and plumb my wiring. BUT, I actually had to sit down and plan how this can be used, so they do not look so much like a "repair" or a "botched mistake"... I spent about 4 to 6 hours one night, messing with about $7K worth of these various units of all sizes and used bunches of scrap/used wire to do several mock-up's on the workbench, trying to find the sweet spot and angles that is enough angle or lean, that doesn't prevent removal or installation of one feed or being obstructed against the interior of the walls, yet will allow for the wiring to be clamped down flat. Please note, clamping the wiring down is not a requirement in my county, but check with your building code dept for your county's requirements. Now days, I kinda look forwards to the jobs that may has as many as 20 of these, although a rare and exceptionally specialized installations, I love the look of a flat laid feed where not one wire crosses over another.. I little planning once the job is understood, and I hit the drafting table for this part.
    There was a massive job that incorporated bunches of these and every output in its own box has its own disconnect, each wired to a PLC or some other means of running CAT cabling to a central computer for weekly safety checks to shut one or all systems down. When done, it was wonderfully beautiful. about 9 weeks later, these business was set to fire things up and start honing the flow of their business, and a semi truck ran off the road and punched through the back wall of this building, and just happened to punch through, in the section where all the breakout boxes and feeds are, breakers flung all over the place.. Please note, I only seen pictures of the chaos as I was about 200 miles away on another job. Thankfully, nobody was hurt, the heavy mains were still luckily not turned on at the sub about 60 yards away. They wanted me to come back and rebuild what was busted down, which was about 30 feet of that block wall. But, I couldn't make it for about 5 to 6 days, as I was already locked into the the job I was on. They found somebody else. A year later, I was contracted to rebuild what the last guy did. which, normally I would say, in defense of that guy, "he was under extreme conditions and just got it up and running"... but, what an absolute mess. There was several things that made no sense even by standards of code, and there was a few issues that prevented a few circuits form ever working.
    The contract was "are you wanting just a fix?" or "Are you wanting a tear out and redo?"... They wanted it just like it once was so there was no excuse for any future issues, considering what they were doing as lives were depending upon things being 100% good. The fixes, if I had only been allowed to do that, may have taken a week to rectify, assuming, but, may have only taken a day, as in the process of being allowed to rip all the old stuff out, and run new, that offers a luxury of seeing where the actually problems were, hind sight is 20/20 I suppose. but it took a month and a week to redo everything to meet all the standards that were required and asked.. and even made that one look even better, because I got to do it a second time, and knowing what I didn't like about the first artwork, I got to learn from that and just make it even better looking.
    Some say, making your routing look good takes too much time. And yes, it does take more time, but I am telling you, the more you do it, the faster you are at working like this, and if you ever have troubles in the future, you now SHINE, because not only you but any other journeyman can walk right in, gather his bearings as to the layout of the land, so to speak, and jump right in, and not be grumpy at a mess of messes of spiderwebs of wiring. Just remember to put your company name on everything, inside and outside of every box, and wiring run, even tag the one wire you run in a system that is already there, that states "This tag, attached to this wire, was installed by company XYZ" and do it at both ends of that run, clarifying that you have not messed with the other stuff or had nothing to do with it. .
    OOPS... sorry, I was running down the rabbit hole in a novel.. I am sorry.. lol

    • @aspensulphate
      @aspensulphate Рік тому

      You should go ahead and write that book instead of pouring out your philosophy in a comment section. What a waste.

  • @ValenceFlux
    @ValenceFlux Рік тому +3

    I remember when we had to use these when stringing up Christmas lights around city parks. I counted almost 24,000 bulbs installed into the strings by hand in under two weeks! Great job good times. Too bad they laid me off before the tree lighting shop photo. Apprentices are sometimes nobodies hahaha.

  • @TheZombieButler
    @TheZombieButler Рік тому +3

    I was expecting a code time, especially for taps but still a great video thanks! Oh another great trip is to carry a silver marker so you can make your strip mark on the black jacket.

  • @whochecksthis
    @whochecksthis Рік тому

    Reworking an old trough, these are a godsend.
    So much neater and faster and safer.

  • @josephnance3843
    @josephnance3843 Рік тому +4

    Polaris will also create custom versions of their blocks. They are made in Florida and have a turnaround time of about 1-2 weeks. If you want one to be mountable, and there isn't one, you can get them to make it. Also to answer the question of what is the largest, we had a customer order a custom 24 port (barrel), 500MCM, single stacked block. Polaris now has a Service Entrance and Parallel rating on certain blocks. - TN State Rep for Polaris (Joseph Nance)

    • @Dicofol1
      @Dicofol1 Рік тому

      Do you know if it's possible to order a custom Polaris block made 100% of Brass or Copper for copper only applications ?

    • @josephnance3843
      @josephnance3843 Рік тому +1

      ​@Dicofole I'm currently checking with Polaris. May I ask what the application is that you would need these? The Standard material works well with Copper wire.

    • @josephnance3843
      @josephnance3843 Рік тому +1

      @@Dicofol1 I have confirmed that the material Polaris uses is designed for AL/CU, and they do not purchase material for Copper only due to the standard material already being usable for both Aluminum and Copper.
      I'm interested in hearing where and what application you would use a copper-only Insulated Lug.

    • @Dicofol1
      @Dicofol1 Рік тому

      @@josephnance3843 It would be for extending a 00 power line inside a building prone to water infiltration. I do not trust the Oxide prevention compound used to enable AL/CU connections., in general. This is why I was looking for a CU only alternative. How durable and effective is the anti-oxidant for this Polaris connector?

  • @michaelbartlett1589
    @michaelbartlett1589 Рік тому

    Thank you for all your videos. After watching you for two years Iv finally decided to take my EE98 and EE98J tests. Keep up the good work!!

  • @MrWaynesea
    @MrWaynesea Рік тому +2

    Great presentation. As usual, you provide a treasure chest of information in an easy-to-understand format.

  • @geojerome461
    @geojerome461 Рік тому

    What a great video! Well done, sir! I am running a 400 amp service 2x200, with 4/0 ALUM.
    This solved my problems. Love ya, bro!

  • @GotWire
    @GotWire Рік тому +1

    ive seen these in a new apt building build i opened the door to the box they was in and they kinda just fell out at me they was resting on the inside of the door big cabinet with about 5 meters above it. love the videos by the way man!

  • @davisjohnson3621
    @davisjohnson3621 Рік тому +2

    For telecommunications DC power distribution, the industry standard is crimped H-taps, lower resistance, higher mechanical strength. Even on the AC side we really prefer crimped connections over screw compression.

  • @johnnymalicoat754
    @johnnymalicoat754 Рік тому

    I remember the first time I saw one of those, I fell in love. Before those all we had was split bolts and paper backed Rubber tape.

  • @pyroman590
    @pyroman590 Рік тому +8

    Are there any code constraints in regards to using these? I think that'd make for a good video.

  • @manmachinemake3708
    @manmachinemake3708 Рік тому +1

    @ 2min you mention using it as a "pass through" but that can only be accomplished by feeding the whole cable through from one end. This connector system doesn't allow for "in the middle" long run taps without cutting the main branch. We always used "H" taps or "C" taps and hydraulic crimpers for a true pass through connection. To bad, as the Crimp style uses a WAY to large cover and these are quite compact.

  • @skiukb
    @skiukb 7 місяців тому

    4:27 picture shows these taps being used in an outdoor raceway. Isn't that considered "damp" since it is outdoor? Or is this another "varies by location/jurisdiction" thing. Trying to see if I can use these in my upcoming solar install. in an outdoor meter/box combo enclosure.

  • @TheCircuitJunkie
    @TheCircuitJunkie Рік тому +1

    The Polaris taps work well to step up/down for voltage drop reasons. Also they are faster than wrapping a kerney

  • @bruceanderson9461
    @bruceanderson9461 Рік тому +1

    I would love a video on splicing 14, 12 or 10 UF underground. How to and different methods.

  • @Brian_L_5168
    @Brian_L_5168 Рік тому +1

    Dustin is a legend, cutting lots of 250 MCM heavy wires just to show how Polaris work 👍

  • @FStewartIII
    @FStewartIII Рік тому +1

    @ 6:40 I thought it was funny "you're not gonna have a cut off wire, but bear with me" I heard "...but bare with me"

  • @baileypalmer1708
    @baileypalmer1708 Рік тому

    Just started an apprenticeship on Monday down on fort myers beach and we are having to use tons of these to restore temporary power.

  • @Sparkeycarp
    @Sparkeycarp Рік тому +2

    I almost haven't used a split bolt since I found these. Yes, it is really important to torque them. Especially at final position. I believe the largest size cable you can wire nut is #6. I don't wire nut after #8 anymore since I found the Polaris type connectors.

    • @hxccorey18
      @hxccorey18 Рік тому

      They make larger Polaris lugs.

    • @rupe53
      @rupe53 Рік тому

      yes, the smaller ones are handy for all sorts of things. I just retired from 25 years doing generators and my old pet peeve was connecting say #6 stranded to #6 solid for a temporary job. Having a hand full of the smaller ones made life easy and didn't need a half roll of tape to make them safe.

  • @MrMopar413
    @MrMopar413 Рік тому

    I’m not a electrician but when I updated my home service to 400amp I used those whenever I can and they are spendy . Just the ones for 10 gauge wire can run 35.00 dollars apiece and that was 18 years ago. Those big ones you showed must run 500.00 dollars or more. I’ve never seen them at a home improvement store. I always had to get them at a industrial electrical supply store. They are great to use and I use them anywhere I can .

  • @Oscarh.23
    @Oscarh.23 Рік тому +1

    Hey Dustin, can you please make a video explaining the different types of overhead services connectors and the way they should properly be installed according to the NEC. Thank you and I hope you see this soon

  • @youtubeaddict4271
    @youtubeaddict4271 3 місяці тому

    I'm not even an electrician. Very cool video!

  • @altuber99_athlete
    @altuber99_athlete Рік тому +3

    They’re called “insulated multi tap connectors”. Polaris, as you said, is the manufacturer.

    • @e30delara
      @e30delara 10 місяців тому

      Finally, someone who knows.

  • @AzeveidoMateus
    @AzeveidoMateus 5 місяців тому

    Just a note for anyone interested, per code those taps and splices are not permitted to occupy more than 75% of the cross sectional area of the wireway.

  • @raymond3722
    @raymond3722 Рік тому +1

    We definitely live and learn every day, your information and demonstration are priceless.

  • @monteglover4133
    @monteglover4133 Рік тому +2

    They are definitely quicker and easier than split bolts. I’ve installed dozens of split bolts using 4/0 wire to feed machinery and a few of these definitely easier and faster

  • @jasons3052
    @jasons3052 Рік тому

    This guy knows his stuff

  • @davepowder4020
    @davepowder4020 Рік тому +2

    On this video, I notice that we're using the "jump" motion a lot. A few times is interesting to the eyes and attention, but many times gets distracting and makes the video harder to focus upon. ⚡

    • @martf1061
      @martf1061 Рік тому +1

      I also really hate this video "effect".
      Some people just Over use it in their videos, like after each fking sentences...🤬
      Anoying AF.
      Just wanted to share my frustration with someone who understands it 🍻

    • @davepowder4020
      @davepowder4020 Рік тому

      @@martf1061 Once in a while, it's fine, but over and over again... it strongly detracts from the video message itself.

  • @bradyb4208
    @bradyb4208 Рік тому +2

    Do you mount with a tap kit and machine screw or self tap? Wouldn’t this violate 110.3b for the gutter as it won’t leave a 1/4 in bubble behind the surface mount. This would then trap moisture in and create a damp location. Just wondering your thoughts on this

    • @PsalmCourier
      @PsalmCourier 4 місяці тому

      Was wondering the same. He said use a metal mount of some type behind it but i was thinking how to mount them. Wouldnt be good to penetrate the gutter housing if its around moisture

  • @brianmcdermott1718
    @brianmcdermott1718 Рік тому

    Great tips and info. Thanks Justin.

  • @DubG89
    @DubG89 Рік тому +1

    Can you do a video on how to properly load up a truck. And maybe a walkthrough of a typical shop so apprentices aren’t so lost when they start their apprenticeship and need to find stuff please?

    • @rupe53
      @rupe53 Рік тому +1

      That would be a cool video. I worked in the field for the last 35 years and one of my specialties was outfitting new service vans with shelves / racks. I found that fast moving items and hand tools were best if near the doors. The slower moving parts were closer to the center of the van. Heavy items were close to the floor, but always leaving empty floor space for those larger items on today's job, which will be off-loaded as soon as you got on site.

  • @raphaelkeyonie2976
    @raphaelkeyonie2976 Рік тому

    I've used one at the service drop and weather head I taped it up after torquing it down. I never check if they where good for wet locations.

  • @WiliamBennettwildarbennett
    @WiliamBennettwildarbennett Рік тому

    Have a gutter at the electric distribution house at our church campus, that is 10 foot long. And when it was wired, back in the 70's they used split bolts on everything. Wrapped with rubber tape then over wrap of cloth tape.
    And YEIKS the mess of trying to sort out 6 different service disconnects. Oh and yeah fun fact when I opened it, the skeletal remains of a 4 ft long black snake was inside of it.

  • @gregorythomas333
    @gregorythomas333 Рік тому

    It seems like these might be a good application for DC...like for solar power runs...the conductors I use are 0000 fine copper.
    @15:23 Love the powered wire stripper you use here...way easier than how I do it by hand :)

  • @bern7584
    @bern7584 Рік тому

    I am electrician in Bern an in Europe we dont know this stuff. Its pretty cool this terminals!

  • @--JohnDoe
    @--JohnDoe Рік тому +1

    Are polaris taps rated to splice unfused service conductors? See 230.46 Spliced and Tapped Conductors. Power distribution blocks installed on service conductors shall be marked “suitable for use on the line side of the service equipment” or equivalent

    • @carultch
      @carultch Рік тому

      This is a chicken-and-egg rule. This requirement is a new one, and the manufacturers are still trying to catch up with this rule, and have commercially available connectors that carry this rating.
      The last time I checked, there is currently nothing available that carries this product rating, so you are depending on a 90.4 exception to allow you to continue with the status quo. Polaris and similar manufacturers are working to get their product listed for use on the line side of service equipment, so in the future, their connectors carry this rating.

  • @steverosenbaum2469
    @steverosenbaum2469 Рік тому +1

    So Polaris style taps, Ty-raps, elcro should have won Nobel Prizes. I as an 48 year career electrician, remember T-splicing conductors or split bolt connectors. Insulalated with rubber tape and vinyl tape.

    • @rupe53
      @rupe53 Рік тому +1

      at 48 years in the business, you probably remember old style friction tape and what a pain that was to remove.

    • @steverosenbaum2469
      @steverosenbaum2469 Рік тому

      @@rupe53 Amen to that!

  • @michaeldove339
    @michaeldove339 3 місяці тому

    They are also awesome for temp feeders.

  • @dirtybird7577
    @dirtybird7577 Рік тому +1

    We have to use those now instead of the Ilsco piercing supply side taps in the solar industry. Some inspectors are telling us that the piercing taps are going to lose their UL listing.

    • @wademchenry1560
      @wademchenry1560 Рік тому

      In the meter enclosure?

    • @dirtybird7577
      @dirtybird7577 Рік тому

      No, in the main panel. We can't add anything to the meter can in my area.

  • @studfinderball
    @studfinderball Рік тому

    Video is fine for commercial electricians. But for DIY to connect no.6 aluminum to no.10 copper in a wall heater for example, use an al/cu splicing lug and heat shrink tubing.

  • @hxccorey18
    @hxccorey18 Рік тому

    Been using Polaris lugs in solar for a hot minute. They come in clutch if you need to add a disconnect and don't want to do a new wire pull for your neutral and ground.

  • @michaeldove339
    @michaeldove339 3 місяці тому

    Also when refer to those "burndy bricks" aka "polaris taps" aka "multi taps" we refer to them by the number of ports. For example, "we need a 4 port multi-tap."

  • @kerlynontiveros
    @kerlynontiveros Рік тому +1

    OFF TOPIC; I am a Credentialed Industrial JOURNEYMAN Electrician in Wisconsin. i have been trying to join the IBEW for a few months. I was finally offered a position within an industrial setting which is inline with my license but the union rep wanted to pay me as a CE5...ive completed a full 5 year electrical apprenticeship and have been an industrial journeyman for a couple years now...how do you suggest i move forward with joining the union but getting my fair pay for my license?

  • @petersage5157
    @petersage5157 Рік тому

    How do these connectors compare to shear bolt connectors? I remember a video where Big Clive demonstrated how the latter are used, and they seem to be superior in terms of establishing an electrical connection without the need to remove insulation; they have tangs that simply displace the insulation, which reseals around the tangs.

  • @neeosstuff7540
    @neeosstuff7540 11 місяців тому

    Excellent information. But when do you use one of these verses a bug and wrapped insulation?

  • @raabidact
    @raabidact Місяць тому

    Could you use one of the 3 barrel connectors, to attach 2 smaller loads to a larger line from the panel? ie 2 - 25A load lines fed by one 60A line

  • @condor5635
    @condor5635 3 місяці тому

    great video... use case to run by you... if a generator has 20,000 watts. It has 2 - 50 amp 240V outlets. Would you use a Polaris tap to bring the two outlets together in a common box and then feed the single conductors to a 100 amp double pole breaker? So your 2 hots from each 50amp cords would be on a polaris tap coming in with 6 AWG and then a single larger 4 AWG going out (8 wires going in with the neutral and ground and 4 going out) to the panel where a 100 amp double pole would be? Thanks for insight!

  • @edgarsweeden9786
    @edgarsweeden9786 Рік тому

    I always use mountable Power distribution blocks when I am branching off SEC in a gutter. They are a little cheaper and have tons of configurations available.

  • @ikeramsey9009
    @ikeramsey9009 2 місяці тому

    Great content

  • @stanley4006
    @stanley4006 Рік тому +1

    I like the Polaris bugs (is what I call them) but the one thing I found is once you tighten all the set screws up, if you move them around after tightening them and then recheck them you will find they loosen up. So before I get done i try and check all the set screws to make sure they are tight

    • @FishFind3000
      @FishFind3000 Рік тому +2

      That’s common with stranded wires as the individual strands start to flatten out. I always tighten, wiggle and retighten.

    • @stanley4006
      @stanley4006 Рік тому +2

      @@FishFind3000 if I due aluminum into regular bugs (split bolts) I will hit the back of the bug with a Channel locks a number of times. it’s amazing how much they loosen.

    • @TheTruthSeeker756
      @TheTruthSeeker756 11 місяців тому

      I think that’s where that jacket would be useful

  • @richardphillips2405
    @richardphillips2405 4 місяці тому

    If you use ferrules on fine stranded wire, how much should you torque the set screw?

  • @MyGoogleYoutube
    @MyGoogleYoutube Місяць тому

    I need to splice a 4/0 SER wire in our crawlspace. If I use these do I need to have them inside of a junction box? Or can it just be secured against a joist in the crawlspace?
    I would assume I need a four port Polaris? 2 hots, N, and ground? Or would I need four individual taps?

  • @biffcorbot8839
    @biffcorbot8839 Рік тому

    I was wondering about you not mentioning or using a torque wrench in your demonstrations and was going to comment on it but it looks like you added an addendum to your video. That digital readout on the torque wrench is pretty freaking cool too. Heard about them but haven't seen them in use in the field.

  • @allenkramer2143
    @allenkramer2143 Рік тому

    Cool, wired back in the 80's, the only thing we had were split bolt connectors.
    Pain in the @$$, make the connection, wrap on rubber tape, electrical tape.
    Recommended to, run for 24 hours, shut off, cut away the rubber & tape, retighten.
    More often than not, the connection would be loose from the heating and cooling of current flow variations.

  • @literallycanadian
    @literallycanadian Рік тому

    Interesting. Canada EE student working for an indistrial/power distribution and have never seen these. Typically just see busbars, or straight into switchgear

  • @michaelbaumgardner2530
    @michaelbaumgardner2530 Рік тому

    First mountable ones I've saw

  • @M_White_VA
    @M_White_VA 2 місяці тому

    Are all these good for aluminum to copper transitions? Going from solid 10 awg copper to 4 awg aluminum going to an automatic transfer switch.

  • @MikeDeLaVega-j5o
    @MikeDeLaVega-j5o Рік тому

    Great video,
    Im trying to hook up 2/0 SER wire to my 200amp service panel, however my ground and white wires are too thick for the busbars in the panel. Is there a specific wire reducer I should use to bring the wire size down to at least 4/0 or smaller? The wires are stranded but i didnt think it was safe to split the wires for the white cable into two separate holes on the busbar. Thanks

  • @bigal-ox9jw
    @bigal-ox9jw Рік тому

    Never seen/used those in Canada 🇨🇦, a splitter box is more common or independent run from source would be my preferred way.

  • @TheTruthSeeker756
    @TheTruthSeeker756 11 місяців тому

    Can you handle that when the wires are hot? Meaning there’s enough insulation to not cause a shock? I plan on using a three wire dual entry with #6 awg to hook up a Victron ip22 charger negative terminal to negatives of two solar batteries. Thanks!

  • @randydodd3969
    @randydodd3969 Рік тому

    What is the best one for burial of 3 parallel connectors? Thks

  • @Gordofor12
    @Gordofor12 Рік тому

    Two barrel are great for motor terminations #8 and up.

  • @vince6829
    @vince6829 5 місяців тому

    Question: I have seen one or two UA-cam videos where Polaris connectors were used to attach service entrance wires to the service drop wires. Would this application be code-compliant? Just curious.
    Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

  • @kennylavay8492
    @kennylavay8492 Рік тому

    Another good video keep em coming

  • @Nttt739
    @Nttt739 2 місяці тому

    So, im using an ipld 3 port . Im using it to connect 3/0 neutrals in a box . Im assuming its one connected block inside. Its a large conductor wire nut? What are the causes of arcing???

  • @chesterflavell2343
    @chesterflavell2343 4 місяці тому

    Could I use these connectors to T off 400A wire using the same 400A wire for the T?

  • @slimydee5173
    @slimydee5173 Рік тому

    Great stuff, thank you 👍

  • @Dennis47403
    @Dennis47403 Рік тому

    The mountable look great. Do you use any type of spacer to offset the polaris tap from the back of the box, so you can have multiple levels of taps?

  • @richhuntsd12
    @richhuntsd12 Рік тому

    Very informative. Are they All straight in and straight out or do you use them as 90deg bends?

  • @2blkSSs
    @2blkSSs Рік тому

    While in Mexico I had to replace my mother in laws outlets and switch combo and they were all connected like this with pass through’s. All the wire was bare with no insulation haha… Mexico is absolutely wild when it comes to electrical.

    • @rupe53
      @rupe53 Рік тому

      Jamaica is the same way, although the new generation has improved things. 25 years ago there was never a cover on any box, panel, or tray.

  • @markchidester6239
    @markchidester6239 Рік тому

    Finley stranded wire.
    Could you do a video talking about it.
    Reason being, a place I worked at. We had machinery with moving equipment. Some larger stuff. There was power and communication cables in a track that resembled a tank track. Probably 20 feet long and would bend into a U shape as it moves along a track.
    The communication cables had to be replaced every couple of years. I worked with the maintenance tech doing this.
    There were many smaller gauge wires inside the cables. There was a powder inside the cables to help them move inside the cable bundle as it was continuously bending as the equipment moved.
    These cables would short out and need to be replaced.
    I wonder if a different type of cable was needed.

  • @dannyd2197
    @dannyd2197 Рік тому

    What happen if you don't have enough polaris slots for the service conductors? Let's say you want to add another meter. Can you put 2 wires in the same slot?

  • @JoesCountryGarage
    @JoesCountryGarage 3 місяці тому

    Is a handhold that's outside in the ground considered a wet damp location?

  • @greginmadison
    @greginmadison 29 днів тому

    Can you use this an a external gutter application (like on the side of a house)? Is this considered damp and not acceptable?

  • @kimandylawrence4199
    @kimandylawrence4199 26 днів тому

    According to NSI, their UL listing for Polaris connectors does not support "pass thru".

  • @loverofenergythatisf
    @loverofenergythatisf 20 днів тому

    I own a house with 2 apartments. It has a 200amp service and I want each apartment to have it’s own service meter. Can I use these to split the service entry line into 2 separate meters and 2 separate 200amp breaker panels?

  • @--JohnDoe
    @--JohnDoe Рік тому

    Since I moved to washington state noone knows what polaris lugs are, they say ohhh ilscos. But everyone is wrong, polaris & ilsco are both brand names. Their correct name is "insulated multi tap connectors". I told the material handler this, he said I was wrong, he said look the supply house has them listed as ilsco lugs. I said it only matters what the manufacturer names them. Same debate with bell ends, they are really called end bells. But what I learned is even if you know they are wrong, just go with it.

  • @Notpublished
    @Notpublished Рік тому

    Hello, I am wiring a manual transfer switch #2 aluminum ( long distance) to #6 copper for a solar inverter application, can I use this? One polaris for each conductor? Thks

  • @MichaelAndersen_DK
    @MichaelAndersen_DK Рік тому

    As a European, this is quite interesting to watch.

  • @xgx13xgx20
    @xgx13xgx20 8 місяців тому

    So this is a question rather then a comment, i have a building that is being built on my property and rather then run a second supply drop is it possible to use a tap to split the 1 supply with a tap then run a new line from the tap to the new building meter rather then running another drop. Thinking about cost the electric company is wanting a crazy amount of money to run a new drop to the new building and if a tap can be used that would save somewhere around 750 to 1000

  • @SUNofNY
    @SUNofNY 4 дні тому

    I see you have loose conductors coming into your wire gutter.. is this ok?
    I am new to much of this, but I was told that I cannot have loose "bare" conductors anywhere.

  • @michaeldove339
    @michaeldove339 3 місяці тому

    Also when we say the word "barrel" we are referring to hypress butt splices aka barrels. Once again this is in NYC in New York State.

  • @hillsNhorns
    @hillsNhorns Рік тому

    Hey Dustin could you please do a video explaining corner ground on a 3 phase delta system.

  • @robbirobson7330
    @robbirobson7330 6 місяців тому

    can i use it to connect 1x awg 3 wire to 8 awg 6 wires? For a project i need to connect 8 individual meters to a main line.

  • @Genesislights
    @Genesislights 10 місяців тому

    How do you torque this down or gooden tight is good

  • @jeffpiatek2461
    @jeffpiatek2461 Рік тому

    Great info. Thanks

  • @Tom-bs1ir
    @Tom-bs1ir Рік тому

    I need to join a 6/3 wire to another 6/3 wire feeing my hot tub that an inspection discovered currently only has large wire nuts on it. Is a polaris tap the way to do this?

  • @FernusTalks
    @FernusTalks Рік тому +1

    Up in Canada we call em insulated lugs

  • @whochecksthis
    @whochecksthis Рік тому +1

    The insert is called a ferrule

  • @Electronzap
    @Electronzap Рік тому

    That's really cool, I have connectors like that but they are about the size of a dime,

  • @Wheelingoffthewrench
    @Wheelingoffthewrench Рік тому

    They are great for wiring motors instead of wrapping bugs