Standard copper-tube lugs and bespoke terminals

Properly-crimped copper tube terminals provide cables with simple reliable connections, whether used as a lug with fastener-hole or pin-terminated for insertion. They can also be supplied custom-specified with extended- or angled-palms and multiple holes or slots and brazed attachments. Custom terminations and pins can be formed from tube or machined from solid with extended brazed palms if required.

The high thermal and electrical conductivity of copper mean that the mass of attached cable dominates temperature regulation under normal working current conditions whilst an electroplated tin-coating stabilises contact resistance. More extreme or specialised applications may require a thicker wall for mechanical integrity or alternative coatings to cables and terminations. Nickel eliminates allotropic tin-powder at very low temperatures, and silver prevents irreversible extreme resistance-damage caused by long-term diffusion of tin or nickel at high temperatures.

Properly specified crimps, cables and terminations have no problem with thermal-cycle endurance tests (such as EN61238). Note however that test-compliance certification or approval only applies to the combination of terminal, cable, crimp and crimping process. Such certification is not transferable for the terminal alone; its application cannot be controlled.

Volume applications to equipment and machinery are best covered by LML’s custom cables and braids which are terminated under factory conditions and can be supplied with pre-specified insulation, terminals and identification-labelling (e.g. for military requirements).