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INTRODUCTION: Connectors have to be mated and need to be tightened. Some people do
it by hand, some use a regular wrench, some use a Torque Wrench.
TIGHTENING BY HAND: People who are using nothing but their fingers for tightening,
usually undertorque. The electrical performance will vary from tightening to tightening, depending
how tired the fingers are. In addition: If the same component is tested several times
and by different people using only their fingers for tightening, the electrical performance will
even vary more, as different torque will be applied, equivalent to the strength of the individual.
But strength does not only depend on the physical ability of the individual, but also
one’s perception of what constitutes proper torque. Tightening connectors by hand will result
from very loose fits to almost correct fits, but usually always incorrect fits. Tightening connectors
by hand is obviously inadequate and not recommendable.
USING A REGULAR WRENCH: The ones who are using a regular wrench, usually
overtorque. Short wrenches may lead to torsional forces that are only a little high, the use of
longer wrenches however usually results into applying very high torsion. Overtorquing of up
to three times has been seen. This will deform the interface of the connectors, proper test
results from then on cannot be obtained anymore.
USING THE TORQUE WRENCH: For proper test results and long life of the connectors
the rules need to be obeyed. For each individual connector series a torque has been specified,
 a torque that ensures proper mating conditions, repeatable electrical performance and guarantees
mechanically a long life of the connectors. Using the Torque Wrench guarantees that
the connection is not too loose, it also ensures that the connection is not too tight, preventing
possible connector damage and impaired electrical performance. Using the Torque Wrench
also assures that all connections are equally tight, each time.
OPERATING THE TORQUE WRENCH: Hold the Torque Wrench always at the same
point near the end of the handle. Apply force perpendicular to the Wrench, in a plane parallel
to the outer conductor mating planes of the connectors. Rotate the connector nut only when
tightening the connector. Use an open-end wrench to keep the body of the mating connector
from turning, if it is not a fixed test port connector. Position the wrenches within 90° of each
other before applying force.
Avoid pivoting the Wrench on your thumb or other fingers, and do not twist the Wrench
relative to the outer conductors mating plane of the connectors. This would result into applying
an additional and unknown amount of torque to the connection.
DIFFERENT TORQUE WRENCHES: Spectrum Electrotechnik GmbH manufactures two
different types of Torque Wrenches for most of the connector series:
The Wrench with only the Break Point: The Wrench is employing a “Break Point”, when
the specific torque has been reached. But having heard and felt the Break, a further torquing
would be possible. This Wrench has been designed for people that are sensitive and very
conscientious (Torque Wrenches are Series: WE-D.....).
The Torque Wrench that breaks completely: For the smaller connector series that can
suffer most from overtorquing, this Wrench has been designed that “Fully Breaks”. After the
Break Point has been reached, it almost moves freely in an angle of 90° (Series WE-B.....). |
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