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ABB TCAL Copper-Aluminum Compression Lug, 125-400A Dual-Rated
The ABB TCAL Copper-Aluminum Compression Lug is a dual-rated (CU-AL) termination lug engineered for connecting copper or aluminum conductors in electrical distribution equipment. Rated 240 AC/125-250 DC and built to handle a 125-400A range, this lug delivers a secure, code-compliant termination point for demanding commercial and industrial power connections, including panelboards and switchgear. This listing covers the TCAL lug family, available as either a standalone Assembly (Asm) or a complete Kit configuration — select the option that matches your installation needs. Its dual-material compatibility means a single lug can terminate either copper or aluminum feeder and branch circuit conductors, simplifying stocking and installation for electrical contractors who need a versatile termination solution across multiple job types.
Key Features
- Amperage Rating: 125-400A rating supports a wide range of feeder and branch circuit applications.
- Voltage Rating: Rated 240 AC/125-250 DC for use across common power distribution voltages.
- Dual-Rated Material: Copper-Aluminum (CU-AL) construction allows termination of either copper or aluminum conductors from a single lug.
- Configuration Options: Available as an Assembly (Asm) or a Kit, so contractors can select the format that best fits their termination job.
- Reliable Termination: Designed to provide a secure mechanical and electrical connection point in panelboards, switchgear, and similar distribution equipment.
- Single-Unit Packaging: Packaged 1 EA for straightforward ordering and inventory management.
Technical Specifications
- Product Type: Lug
- Country of Origin: UKN
- Product Group: Wiring Devices
- Amperage Rating: 125-400A
- Voltage Rating: 240 AC/125-250 DC
- Material: Copper-Aluminum (CU-AL) dual-rated
- Configuration: Asm or Kit
Typical Applications
- Panelboard and Switchgear Wire Terminations
- Commercial and Industrial Electrical Distribution
- Feeder and Branch Circuit Connections
- Copper-to-Aluminum Conductor Terminations
- Industrial and Warehouse Facilities
Why ABB?
ABB engineers termination products like the TCAL Copper-Aluminum Compression Lug to deliver dependable, code-compliant connections for professional electrical installations. With a dual-rated 240 AC/125-250 DC voltage rating and a 125-400A capacity spanning both Assembly and Kit configurations, it's built to perform reliably across a wide range of distribution equipment applications, giving contractors a single, versatile lug family for both copper and aluminum conductor terminations in panelboards, switchgear, and industrial power distribution systems where dependable connections are essential.
Manufacturer Resources
TCAL18 Spec Sheet
Product Specs
- Product Type:
- Lug
- Voltage Rating:
- 240V AC/125-250V DC
- Amperage Rating:
- 125-400A
- Country of Origin:
- UKN
- Product Material:
- Copper-Aluminum (CU-AL)
- Department:
- Electrical
- Product Group:
- Wiring Devices
- Product Subgroup:
- Terminal Blocks & Strips
ABB TCAL18 – Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can I use the ABB TCAL compression lug on aluminum conductors, or is it copper only?
Either one. The ABB TCAL lug is dual-rated CU-AL, built of copper-aluminum, so the same lug terminates copper or aluminum feeder and branch conductors. For a contractor that means one part number on the truck instead of stocking separate copper and aluminum terminations.
2) What amperage and voltage is the ABB CU-AL compression lug rated for?
125-400A, with a voltage rating of 240 AC and 125-250 DC. That amperage band covers most feeder terminations and larger branch circuits in commercial panelboards and switchgear. If your termination sits above 400A or on a system above 240V AC, this is not the lug for it.
3) What is the difference between ABB TCAL18 and TCAL43?
They are the two ordering configurations of the ABB CU-AL lug: TCAL18 ships as a kit, TCAL43 as an assembly. Both carry the same 125-400A and 240 AC/125-250 DC ratings and the same copper-aluminum dual rating, so pick on the configuration your equipment termination calls for, not on electrical capacity.
4) I need to land two conductors on one breaker terminal - is the ABB TCAL the right lug?
No. The ABB TCAL is a single-conductor compression termination for copper or aluminum feeder and branch circuit conductors in panelboards and switchgear. For two conductors on one pad, use a multi-port lug such as the NSi Industries 2-port stacked lug connector in aluminum alloy, which provides two separate conductor ports on a single body. Confirm the equipment terminal is listed for the number of conductors you intend to land before making the connection.
5) What is the difference between a compression lug and a set-screw lug for terminating aluminum conductors?
The ABB TCAL copper-aluminum lug is a compression-type termination, meaning the barrel is crimped onto the conductor with a die tool to form the connection. The NSi Industries T series aluminum dual-rated set-screw lug instead clamps the conductor with a screw, so it can be installed with a hex key or torque wrench and no crimping tool. Both are dual-rated for copper or aluminum conductors. Choose compression when the job calls for a permanent crimped joint and you have the tooling on the truck; choose set-screw when you need a field-serviceable connection that can be loosened and re-terminated.
6) Where is this ABB lug meant to be installed?
Panelboards, switchgear, and similar power distribution equipment, on feeder and branch circuit terminations. Typical use is commercial and industrial distribution, including warehouse and plant facilities, where a copper-to-aluminum transition has to be made at the gear.
7) Is a compression lug the right choice, or should I use a set-screw lug?
A compression lug like the ABB TCAL is crimped onto the conductor with a die tool, which gives a permanent termination and no screw torque to re-check later. A mechanical set-screw lug installs with nothing but a torque wrench and can be re-terminated, which is often the preference for field service work and panel change-outs. ZenSupply carries the NSi Industries Aluminum Dual-Rated Set-Screw Lug (T series) if you want the set-screw route instead.
8) Do I need separate lugs for copper and aluminum feeders, or will one part cover both?
One part covers both. The ABB TCAL is dual-rated CU-AL, so the same lug terminates either copper or aluminum conductors, which cuts the number of line items you have to stock. The NSi Industries T series set-screw lug is likewise dual-rated on an aluminum body. Either approach lets an electrical contractor carry a single lug for mixed copper and aluminum work rather than two parallel inventories.
9) What should I use instead of the ABB TCAL if I do not own a hydraulic crimper?
Reach for a mechanical set-screw lug such as the NSi Industries T series aluminum dual-rated lug, which is tightened with a screw rather than crimped. The ABB TCAL is a compression lug, so seating it correctly depends on the matching die and crimp tool. For a one-off panelboard or switchgear termination where renting a crimper is not practical, the set-screw style gets the same dual-rated copper-or-aluminum capability without the tooling.
10) Is the NSi 2-port stacked lug a drop-in replacement for the ABB TCAL?
It is not an equivalent. The NSi 2-port stacked lug connector is a two-conductor aluminum alloy device, while the ABB TCAL is a single-conductor compression lug rated 125-400A at 240 AC/125-250 DC. They serve different terminations - one splits a pad between two runs, the other lands a single feeder. Substitute only when the design actually calls for two conductors at that point and the equipment is listed for it.
11) How is the ABB TCAL lug packaged for ordering?
Each is sold as a single unit, 1 EA, so you order the exact count you need rather than a bag or carton quantity. Useful when you are pulling parts for a specific panel schedule instead of restocking the shop.
How fast can I get the ABB TCAL18 delivered?
Most orders ship the same day from our distribution partners, with quick delivery throughout the
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U.S.
Need it urgently? Contact Us for expedited shipping options.
Can I return it if it doesn’t work for me?
Yes—ZenSupply offers a hassle-free return policy. If the product isn’t the right fit,
reach out to our support team for a return authorization or setup a return by following our return instructions.
Does the ABB TCAL18 come with a warranty?
Absolutely. The ABB TCAL18 is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty.
For full warranty terms, check the product documentation or Contact Us.
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