Potential avenue for DIY flexible bus bars

[eranrund]

I ran into this catalog: https://www.erico.com/catalog/literature/P1300C-USEN.pdf and on page 48 I learnt that:

It appears that for about $170 you can get a tool (https://www.erico.com/part.asp?part=BD16-8) to press crimp connectors (https://www.erico.com/part.asp?part=PALM-16, seems to be ~$1.7/ea) on a braided tinned copper bar (https://www.erico.com/part.asp?part=FTCB15-16, $10.5 for 80 ft - seems surprisingly cheap but I found this https://www.cesco.com/nVent-ERICO-557240-Erico-557240-FTCB-Flat-Braid-16-mm2-80-ft-Coil/p1919162)



What do you think? Is this a good solution for custom bus bars?

 

[Pyrofx]

My guess is that is price per foot in 80 coil. I just got quote on 3000 of #4 copper wire . 2960 bucks.

 

[eranrund]

per foot is still pretty good if they don't force you to get 80 ft...

 

[Bob B]

I really like the idea of this .... I'll have to look at it a little closer.

My first impression is that it may be more designed for grounding braid and may have trouble at higher currents .... and that is a REALLY expensive tool.

Please buy one and report on it ....

 

[eranrund]

That braid is supposedly rated for 120A although who knows at what voltage/for how long...
I am hoping to avoid going this avenue but it might end up being a good solution. My hope is to learn some more by maybe finding someone who has experience with this stuff before I go spending money on it

 

[Bob B]

My first impression is that it may be more designed for grounding braid and may have trouble at higher currents.

Ha ... So, I quoted myself

I take that back after scanning the manual a little bit. They are showing some really high amp applications.

 

[Capt Bill]

That braid is supposedly rated for 120A although who knows at what voltage/for how long...
I am hoping to avoid going this avenue but it might end up being a good solution. My hope is to learn some more by maybe finding someone who has experience with this stuff before I go spending money on it

I looking for a flexible terminal connector for the 280Ah LiFePO4 cell that could handle up to the full 1.0 C - 280 Amp capability of the EVE cells. ... & still looking while I consider putting in the time to make my own.

 

[Cdkipp]

Here it is at Gordon electrical Supply https://www.gordonelectricsupply.co...MxAEI6O3ERAodkEFLJ5qeAzfJwnCIV6oaAtlZEALw_wcB

 

[Cdkipp]

One of the recommended cables that goes with the recommended lugs is 250 amp. Minuimum order is $425.00 though. If you get the dimensions though you will now what some other sourced braid will fit. https://www.gordonelectricsupply.com/p/Erico-557300-Ftcb15-50-Flat-Cop-Brd/6479913

 

[Cdkipp]

I ran into this catalog: https://www.erico.com/catalog/literature/P1300C-USEN.pdf and on page 48 I learnt that:

It appears that for about $170 you can get a tool (https://www.erico.com/part.asp?part=BD16-8) to press crimp connectors (https://www.erico.com/part.asp?part=PALM-16, seems to be ~$1.7/ea) on a braided tinned copper bar (https://www.erico.com/part.asp?part=FTCB15-16, $10.5 for 80 ft - seems surprisingly cheap but I found this https://www.cesco.com/nVent-ERICO-557240-Erico-557240-FTCB-Flat-Braid-16-mm2-80-ft-Coil/p1919162)

View attachment 36774

What do you think? Is this a good solution for custom bus bars?

Hold up. The way I read this you also need the nVent Eriflex puncher which goes for $11,000.00. https://www.gordonelectricsupply.com/p/Erico-545680-Hydr-Puncher-Busbar/6480441

 

[eranrund]

If thats the case then this is not very cost effective

 

[ArthurEld]

Bet it makes nice busbars

 

[eranrund]

Lol, for $11k it should make me the entire battery...

 

[HoboDownByTheRiver]

That $11k tool seems like it will perform the same task as the $170 "crimp and drill" tool, but at an industrial scale pace

Unless I'm missing something, the $170 tool will do what you need it to, it'll only take you 5-10x as long as it would have with the hydraulic punch/press

 

[Capt Bill]

One of the recommended cables that goes with the recommended lugs is 250 amp. Minuimum order is $425.00 though. If you get the dimensions though you will now what some other sourced braid will fit. https://www.gordonelectricsupply.com/p/Erico-557300-Ftcb15-50-Flat-Cop-Brd/6479913

Nice to see a 250 Amp Rating ... Here's some pictures from my internet search time/ ... including a possible 25' braid at $120. ... also found Zhejiang RHI Electric Co.,Ltd on internet to get a quote or two from; and https://stormpowercomponents.com/grounding-2/flexible-connectors-flexbraids/ ... while considering options :+)

 

[Cdkipp]

That $11k tool seems like it will perform the same task as the $170 "crimp and drill" tool, but at an industrial scale pace

Unless I'm missing something, the $170 tool will do what you need it to, it'll only take you 5-10x as long as it would have with the hydraulic punch/press

I don't know. I was looking at the HCT-3 package graphic posted above. Maybe that is something different. How would you apply pressure to the $170.00 crimp above? I think this is an optional part (an accessory) of the hydraulic pincher. It is an attachment that serves as a die for these braid clips and then a drill guide. How would it work otherwise?

 

[eranrund]

I was thinking in a hydraulic press.

 

[Cdkipp]

That could be. I can't find instructions for the thing anywhere.

 

[HoboDownByTheRiver]

The drill guide cylinder's outer face is threaded

 

[Cdkipp]

The drill guide cylinder's outer face is threaded

I saw that but how would you crank that down.