Blue Dot Technology

Conductive vs. Hi-Strength Retaining Nuts

VTE Inc. uses two type of retaining fasteners:

• Conductive Fasteners
• Mechanical Fasteners

Conductive Fasteners
Our conductive fasteners are used where current will pass through the fastener. The electrical properties are such that conductivity is superior to mechanical fasteners.

Using copper as a standard:

100%

- Brass conductivity: 37%

- Stainless steel conductivity: 2.4%

Mechanical Fasteners
Our retaining fasteners are used where current does not need to pass through the fastener. An example of this would be at the end of a connection post, to tighten an assembly.

Some key points:

• Conductive nuts include: brass, tin-plated brass. On some bus material: nickel-plated brass. Brass is used for its superior conductivity to stainless steel.
• Mechanical nuts: stainless steel, steel. Steel is used to tighten, or torque an assembly. Steel is much harder, and can handle higher torque before distortion.
• Brass and copper are more expensive than steel, and are only used where conductivity is required.
• Brass (or plated) nuts are marked by VTE with a Blue Mark. This is to notify the installer that the fastener is for conductivity positions only.
• Conductivity nuts are installed by the factory, and must be left in their original position.
• When installing multiple lug or ring terminals, washers are not recommended between terminals.

Product Comparison

Power Bushings ~ Pass Thru Power Post

Our purpose is to detail the differences between our power bushings and our pass-thru power posts. This way you can decide which device will better suit your needs, and meet your budget.

Power Bushing 7B3731N02W	Pass-Thru Power Post 77237N02

• Cost effective
• No need for Greenlee punch
• Plated components increase corrosion resistance
• Greater tolerance for metal thickness
• Higher amperage ratings
• Can be weatherproofed
• Higher anti-rotation ratings
• Can stand up to rigors of heavy cabling