Anatomy of a Lug (Compression Terminal)

Purchasing compression terminals or lugs should not be a scary process.  There are only few basic pieces of information that will help us identify the exact product that you need for your requirements.  If you have a part number we can easily identify the item. In most cases, this information is not available.  Some of the basic information that has been provided to you will often allow us to help identify your needs.

The very first thing you should know is what is the size and type of stranding of the cable where the terminal or lug will be connected.  All cables are represented by what is known as gauge size.  This is a uniform measure of the diameter of the cable. Next, we need to determine if the stranding of the cable is code or flex.  Flex stranding is made up of many smaller diameter conductors while code is normally larger non-flexible conductors.  As an example, a 4/0 power cable – Code could have 19 strands of conductors while flex would have over 2,000 strands of conductors.

Once we know the gauge size and stranding we need to answer a few more questions to identify the exact item required.

1.    What is the diameter of the stud or bolt hole?

2.    Does the required terminal/lug have one or two bolt holes / studs?

3.    If two holes are required we will need to identify the spacing between the holes. 

4.    Does the lug have an inspection window?  Inspection windows are common in Telecom applications.  

5.    Next, we will need to know the type of barrel that is required.  Some common barrel lengths are short, standard or long.

6.    Finally, there are some options relating to the tongue of the lug.  In some cases, a standard tongue will work just fine.  However, in many cases a narrow tongue is required. Narrow tongue lugs take up less space when affixing the lug to a busbar.  Most often we see requirements for straight tongue lugs.  Some applications will require the tongue to be offset either at a 45 or 90 degree angle.  

Cadre will help you identify compression your terminal or lug options.  Cadre Wire & Cable offer the most comprehensive portfolio of compression terminals.  We currently have over 5,000 unique part numbers loaded in our system.  We believe our customers are entitled to a choice when making a purchase.  When products are out of stock or backordered, we can often offer an alternative to help get the job done.  

Contact [email protected]. 1-866-456-WIRE for more information.