Grainger Industrial Supply - Electrical Resources

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Basic electrical products

Cutting a wire

Before you make a splice or a connection on a circuit, print out these tips. They'll help you make a tight, high-contact, low resistance connection.

•	When stripping wires, the only tool that should be used is a wire stripper.
•	Only use a crimping tool designed for the type of terminal you are crimping.
•	Use the proper wire nut for the amount and size of wire in the connection.
•	Aluminum wire should not be connected to a receptacle unless it is rated for aluminum conductors. As an option, connect an 8" piece of copper wire to the receptacle and wire nut to the aluminum wire using an anti-oxidant compound.
•	Do not use a butt splice in a conduit run because it can pull apart. Make sure that whenever a splice is made, it is accessible for future maintenance.

Thermal units

All thermal unit specifications are based on the motor and controller being operated in an ambient temperature of 40°C (104°F) or less.

Thermal Unit Selection Guidelines:

• Determine motor full-load current rating and service factor.

• Motor and controller (in same ambient temperature): For 1.15 to 1.25 service factor motors use 100% of motor full load current for thermal unit selection. For 1.0 service factor motors use 90% of motor full load current for thermal unit selection.

• Motor and controller (in different ambient temperature): If motor ambient temperature is 18°F higher than motor starters ambient temperature derate full load current value from step 2 by an additional 10%. If motor ambient temperature is 18°F lower than motor starters ambient temperature increase full load current value from step 2 by an additional 5%. Use the resultant full load current value for thermal unit selection.

• Locate proper thermal unit selection column using thermal unit code associated with motor starter.

• Match thermal unit code to starter code on previous page.

• Do not exceed amp rating of motor starter.

View thermal units.

Panelboards

Are your panelboards covering up trouble? Use the following checklist annually to catch problems and circuit breakers that are routinely overlooked in regular preventative maintenance checks. Save money preventing unexpected repairs!

•	Ensure that all power to panel is turned off.
•	Remove all covers.
•	Visually check for discoloration of metal, breakers, and wire.
•	Tighten all connections.
•	Remove dust and dirt with clean, dry rag.
•	Exercise circuit breakers by turning them on and off several times.
•	Keep a maintenance schedule inside panel door and indicate inspection date before replacing covers.

Switches

Time switches can perform simple, 24-hour to one year, repeating controls and sophisticated microprocessor-based controls capable of switching several loads accurately. Save energy and money in the long and short run by using them for equipment switching, signal control, sprinkling and irrigation controls, refrigeration controls, warming ovens, and security controls.

Fuses

The typical plant or building spends excessive time and money stocking dozens of different fuse types. If the wrong fuse is selected, equipment can be damaged. Reduce inventory costs and risks with Low Peak® fuses - 47 Uses In One.

Low Peak^® Fuses - 47 Uses In One
By using time-delay Low Peak fuses, you can reduce your fuse inventory as much as 50%, plus reduce chances of downtime and injury. Use Low Peak fuses for any application requiring fuses rated 1/10 to 6000A and interrupting ratings through 300,000 amperes. That means 47 different fuse types can be replaced by Low Peaks in the 0-600 ampere range alone. (Low Peak fuses are manufactured in most UL fuse categories.)

More resources

The National Electrical Safety Code® is an excellent source for learning to keep people safe during the installation, operation, or maintenance of electric supply and communication lines.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration creates standards and laws for safety in dealing with electricity.

Safety Online is a source for professionals in the safety industry. It contains information on manufacturing, equipment supplies and emergency response, protective equipment, and more.

TECO Energy, Inc. offers the National Electrical Safety Foundation's tips for checking electric cords, appliances, and outlets to help prevent electricity-related problems in everyday situations.

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