Color-Keyed — Compression Connector System
Proper Crimps Mean Reliable Connections
The Color-Keyed® compression system ensures a proper crimp onto the conductor by matching the right connector to the right tool and die, using a color coding system that was developed and introduced to the industry by Thomas & Betts. When using the Color-Keyed compression system with our Blackburn® line of compression connectors, the installer can count on a reliable, high quality connection.
Key Features
Stranded Wire Termination
The precision hardened steel dies used by the Color-Keyed system exert tremendous, controlled pressure on the connector and form the strands and connector into a solid mass.
Verifiable and Inspectable
A die code embossed onto the Color-Keyed connector during compression makes it easy for inspectors to compare the finished crimp with the die table to verify correct termination.
Shure-Stake® Crimp Mechanism
The Shure-Stake crimp mechanism eliminates guesswork and produces proper terminations every time.
Four Easy Steps to a Perfect Connection
Prepare the Cable
Determine Proper Connector
Select Proper Tool & Die
Install & Inspect
Carefully strip the insulation on de-energized wires to avoid nicking or cutting conductors (wire brush if required).
Strip the insulation to the proper length so that conductors can be fully inserted into the connector barrel.
Connectors are marked to show cable size.
Determine the proper Blackburn® Connector for the cable size being used.
- Connectors marked with just cable size or CU should be used on copper conductors only.
- Connectors marked “AL9”*with the cable size should be used on aluminum conductors only.
- Connectors marked “AL9CU” with the cable size may be used on the aluminum or copper conductors.
Blackburn® Connectors featuring the Color-Keyed® system have colored bands or colored dots that correspond to color markings on the dies.
Connectors and dies also have a die code number marked or stamped on them. Dies have a code number engraved in the crimp surface.
Locate tool with correct die in proper position on connector and activate tool.
When making multiple crimps, make the first crimp nearest the tongue and work towards the barrel end.
When properly crimped, the die code number will be embossed on the connector for easy inspection to determine if correct die and connector combination were used.
Thomas & Betts uses full-width and half-width dies dependent on connector size and tool used. Half-width dies are marked with the letter “H” after the die code number.
Refer to the instruction sheet supplied with the connectors for information regarding strip length, die selection and number of compressions required.
