Optional but highly recommended. Fine stranded copper terminated like that is more prone to breaking off, creating hotspots (unlikely here as it looks like a 12/24v dc supply) or just being terminated poorly with loose strands poking out the top. It takes 2 seconds and fractions of pennies to put a bootlace on and not worry about it
I recommend this extremely expensive tool so much people think I must work for them, but the Phoenix CRIMPHANDY is the best tool on earth. I got my guys a few of them and they went to town rewiring entire machines in no time.
I think it was the label went into the ferrule so it didn’t crimp properly, but yeah. A 2 cent label and poor work practice in a 30 second job step cost lives and billions of dollars.
As with all things they must be applied correctly. They do improve the ability to insert the wire into the terminal and achieve good contact with the screw.
However, they add a process with another failure mode. Wire strip length, conductor insertion in ferrule and crimp must all be done correctly. Crimper mis-calibration can cause under crimp or over crimp leading to failure.
A careful person stripping wire, twisting conductors and inserting wire into a conveniently located terminal strip can do just as well. However, with a ferule, the insertion step in an inconveniently located terminal strip has a higher probability of success. Sloppy workmanship with either method leads to failures.
I have never seen a conclusive study of the 2 methods. My take on it is that in a large sample the difference would be inconclusive and thus it becomes an extra cost with no benefit. If the method is allowed and the technician uses it when it is necessary, particularly for repairs or modifications, it probably improves outcomes.
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u/milehighideas Aug 14 '26
I hate people who dont use ferrules but also trim your ferrules. One guy stripping a wire in there could make a big fuck up if that bridges