New type of test for connectors to be used on aluminium conductors

The basis and details are given of an accelerated lifetime-test procedure for assessing connectors on aluminium conductors. This test is designed to reproduce the degradation over the service lifetime, and the failure criterion is based upon the resistance values which would lead to failure in service. A large number of connectors can be tested, and this is shown to be essential if a reasonable degree of statistical significance is required in any test result. Results obtained from the new test are compared with those from a series of long-term current-cycling experiments chosen to reproduce a very arduous thermal history.