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The voltage drop test is useful in determining the resistance of a through connection. It reflects the quality of the clamping point initially, when the wires are first connected, and also while under conditions of vibration, temperature cycling and corrosion.
The temperature rise test is also a reflection of the connection’s resistance. It allows the complete terminal block to be checked at nominal current, high current and short circuit conditions. The CAGE CLAMP® far exceeds the national and agency requirements relating to voltage drop and temperature rise.
CAGE CLAMP® automatically adjust for settling strands and changes in wire size. As illustrated by the results of this temperature cycling test, the voltage drop remains virtually constant – insuring long-term reliability.
The stainless-steel CAGE CLAMP® exerts a high specific pressure which embeds the conductors into the soft tin/lead plating of the current bar.
The resulting connection is “gas-tight”, not allowing corrosive gases to penetrate and degrade it.
WAGO has tested CAGE CLAMP® for vibration up to 2000 Hz with accelerations up to 20 G’s. Independent agencies have tested and passed CAGE CLAMP® for shock and vibration up to 2000 Hz with accelerations up to 109 G’s in each of three axes. CAGE CLAMP® also meets the vibration test requirements of VDE 0611 which incorporates a pull test while vibration is present.
The UL “waggle” test also puts a rotational force on the wire while a pullout force is applied.
The short circuit-test according to IEC 17B specifies that 120 A per square mm has to be applied for a period of one second.
CAGE CLAMP® connections pass this test without damage or impairment of their function.
The impractical test shown (a fused circuit would limit such an occurrence) demonstrates the contact capability of CAGE CLAMP®. The current through a 12 AWG terminal block is increased until the conductor glows red. The block remains undamaged.