ERICO CADWELD Electrical Connections - Manual (Page 12)

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Color
The color of a CADWELD ® connection is best seen
after a light wire brushing of the connection.
It should normally be gold to bronze in color.
Occasionally, it may be silvery at the top. This silver
color indicates “tin sweat” of the surface, a normal
condition. A CADWELD connection to cast iron or
galvanized surfaces is often silvery due to alloying
with the metals.
Surface Finish
The surface of a CADWELD connection should
be reasonably smooth and free of major slag
deposits. If slag deposits cover more than 20%
of the connection surface, or if any cable strands
are exposed after slag has been removed, the
connection must be rejected.
Porosity
The connection should be essentially free from
porosity. Excessive porosity is normally the result of
contaminants (water, oil, dirt, etc.) in the conductor
and/or mold. A few small pinholes may be present
on the surface of the riser. The depth of a pinhole
must never extend beyond the center of the
conductor. To check the depth, probe the pinhole
with a 1/32-in.-diameter wire (paper clip). Reject
the connection if the depth of the pinhole extends
beyond the center of the conductor.
Inspection of
CADWELD ® Connections
General Indicators
(continued)