Lugs
Cable lugs are crimped copper terminals that connect a conductor to a stud, busbar or terminal, giving a secure low-resistance termination for power cables. We stock Unicrimp copper tube lugs from 35mm² to 95mm² with 8mm, 10mm and 12mm stud holes, plus copper crimp lugs from 2.5mm² to 35mm².
Smaller lugs come with 4mm to 12mm stud holes to suit everything from switchgear to earth bars, many sold in packs of 10 or 25. All lines are available at trade prices, with dispatch on stock items for next working day delivery to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
How to choose the right cable lug
Every lug is defined by two measurements: the conductor size it takes and the stud hole it fits. Getting both right, along with the correct crimping tool, makes the difference between a reliable termination and one that overheats.
Conductor size
Lugs are marked with the cross-sectional area of the conductor, such as 16mm², 35mm² or 95mm². Use a lug that matches the conductor exactly, as an oversized barrel will not compress properly and an undersized one cannot fit all the strands. Check whether the conductor is stranded or flexible, as some lugs are designed for specific conductor classes.
Stud hole size
The stud hole must match the bolt or stud on the equipment. Common sizes include:
- 4mm to 6mm for smaller terminals and control equipment
- 8mm and 10mm for distribution boards, isolators and earth bars
- 12mm for larger switchgear and busbars
Tube lugs and crimp lugs
Copper tube lugs are made from copper tube with a heavy barrel, ideal for larger cables and hydraulic crimping. Standard copper crimp lugs cover smaller cables used in panels and control work. Both are tinned to resist corrosion.
Crimping and finishing
Strip the conductor to the barrel depth, insert fully and crimp using a tool and die set matched to the lug size from our strippers and crimp tools range. Inspect the termination, then cover the barrel with heat shrink in the correct colour for identification. For in-line joins rather than terminations, use copper tube butt splices. Tighten bolted connections to the equipment manufacturer's torque settings.
Meteor has supplied electricians for over 40 years from our Cookstown base. We hold 5,000+ lines in stock, offer free delivery over £30 / €35 ex VAT and Click & Collect from our trade counter.
FAQ's
- What is Crimping?
- What are Crimping Lugs?
- Where are Crimping Lugs found?
- What should you consider before crimping cable?
- How do I know what stud hole size I need on a lug?
- Do I need a hydraulic crimper for large cable lugs?
- Can copper lugs be used on aluminium cable?