If you are working in the electrical construction field, especially the supervision of electrical panels on-site, you surely know, or at least you have heard about, an electrical tool called the torque wrench.
If you didn’t hear about it before, you need to know its operation, functions, and benefits. So this article is for you.
First of all, let us focus on some basic definitions and expressions you should know to fully understand the operation of Torque Wrenches.
What is Torque?
What is Torque? Torque measures the extent to which a force on an object will cause it to be rotated, with the pivot point being the axis on which the object rotates.
Usually, when using the international standard, torque is measured in N·m (Newton·m).
What is the Torque wrench?
Simply, you can say a torque wrench is a tool used to tighten the bolts and nuts to a specific value of torque in N.m.
It helps the fasteners (Bolts & Nuts) be tightened to the proper tension recommended by the manufacturer. If we increase the tension on the fasteners beyond the manufacturer’s recommended maximum, it can cause damage.
So, we can conclude that applying the proper “approved” torque value to the fasteners will help increase the equipment’s lifetime, reduce maintenance, and decrease costs, which is the most important thing to any client.
Why do we need to use the Torque Wrenches?
These tools can be used in many industries to achieve different tasks, for example, Construction, Maintenance, Home Repairs, etc.
The main purpose of using these types of wrenches is that some applications require bolts and screws to be tightened to a specific value.
The most important feature of the torque wrenches, and especially the digital torque wrench, is that it has a digital display that will show you the applied torque on the fasteners to ensure it reaches the recommended value specified by the manufacturer.
In the contracting field, or the electrical installations field, for example, it’s vital to assure the right amount of torque is applied to all the fasteners inside the panel, and especially the connection between the electrical busbar and the lug, this is to avoid any chance for sparks after energization, or damaging the electrical copper bar due to excess of the torque applied on the fastener.
How to use the torque wrench?
Before learning how to use it, it’s important to understand the components of a torque wrench and its function.
I will talk about the analog torque wrench, which is commonly used in construction projects.
Note: There’s another type of torque wrench: a digital one. The difference is only in adjusting the torque value, which will be displayed on a digital display rather than an analog scale.
Component of the digital torque wrench:
1- Wrench head.
2- Quick Release Button: The purpose of this button is to release or lock the socket, which will be connected to the head of the torque wrench.
3- Two Dial Button:
4- Tube Body, which can include a spring inside it.
5- Click Alarm: When the torque value reaches the setting value by the user, it will sound click alarm to remind the user not to tighten more.
6- Analog Scale/or digital display for adjusting the required value of the torque.
7- Rotating handle: It will be used to increase or decrease the required value of the torque, either by rotating it clockwise or anti-clockwise.
After we knew the components of the torque wrench, let us know now how to use it.
1- You need to know the maximum allowable torque value to be applied to the fasteners.
2- You need to know the size of the fasteners (Bolts or Nuts). This is to use the proper socket size for the wrench head.
3- Use the torque handle and rotate it to your required value of the torque, you can see the value on the scale (if you are using an analog one), or it will be visible on the digital screen.
Note: If you need to decrease the specified torque value, you will use a release button at the end of the wrench, then rotate the handle.
4- Once you have adjusted the torque’s value, connect the wrench’s socket to the fastener and then rotate the handle. This is until you hear a click (alarm) that means you have already reached the manufacturer’s recommended value.
Notes:
A- The torque wrench has specific torque values in N.m, so first, you need to check the manufacturer’s recommended values for your application, and based on that, you will order the wrench.
B- The larger the bolt or nut size, the more torque value will be required to use a bigger torque wrench.
Related articles:
Electrical Panels – No.1 Guide in their Practical installations On-Site
Top 10 important tools with the electrician in Infrastructure Works
The Common 7 MEP Mistakes & Solutions in the Construction Projects- Your Best Guide
The Most Important 10 PPE in Construction Projects
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