We carry out tensile tests for our connector products independently in order to guarantee safe and durable installations. The tests are performed together with tool manufacturers which allows us to evaluate new tools and compression dies.
What is a tensile test?
A tensile test is a functional test for the durability of an electrical connection. In the test, the connection that has been installed onto a cable is mechanically stressed by pulling it with a testing device. The test is carried out for different crimp connections made with installation tools to make sure that the tools and dies are suitable for the product.
The test process in short
Before the test begins, the selected connector is installed into a correctly sized test cable following the installation instructions. For reliable results, the connection is made with care and according to the instructions and practices defined for crimp connectors. You can find more information in our video.
After creating a high quality connection, the connector and cable assembly is placed into the testing device. The device starts the programmed stress test. The required tensile strength is defined by the selected cable. For copper cables, the tensile strength is six times the cable cross-section. For aluminium, it is four times the cable cross-section. For example, a connection made on a 10 mm2 copper cable must withstand a pulling force of sixty kilograms.
When the test is complete, the device generates a report that contains the test data and the result. The actual test phase is quick, although careful preparation is essential. Below you can see examples of test data.
What are the benefits of tensile testing?
Our customers can order tests from us as a service. Tests can verify for example whether a new installation tool entering the market meets the requirements for a safe connection.
For the customer this service is very convenient. The customer usually only sends us the tool and dies and any special cables if needed. Cables can also be delivered with the connectors already compressed. We report the results exactly as the customer requires and our professionals take care of the correctness and careful execution of the test process.
We have experience from hundreds of tensile tests and our installation instructions are based on the tests performed for our connectors. When installing compression connectors, the connection must always be made according to the installation instructions and with the tools and dies approved by the manufacturer. Approved tools are tested, and when you use them, you can trust that a correctly installed connection will withstand the required stress.
Get in touch with usif you would like to have your tools tested with Ouneva products. Our experts are happy to help you design the ideal tensile test package.