Blackburn 6B89 MULTI-BOLT CONN

The 6B89 is a six-bolt mechanical clamp connector for joining two bare conductors. It is a bolted (mechanical) connection, so no crimp tool, die set or hydraulic press is needed to make it up, and it can be taken apart later if the run has to be re-terminated. It handles two conductors and is rated to 35 kV.

The 6B89 carries a 35 kV voltage rating, which covers standard 15 kV, 25 kV and 35 kV class distribution work. It is supplied bare with no factory insulation, so on an energized medium-voltage splice the insulating and jacketing system has to be built over it separately.

The 6B89 is built around a 5/8 inch outside diameter, which is the figure to check your conductor against. Measure the actual OD of the cable you are landing, including any stranding build-up, and match it to that 5/8 inch dimension rather than going by AWG alone.

Two. The 6B89 is a two-conductor clamp, so it is for a straight run-to-run or tap connection between a pair of cables. If you need to bring in three or more conductors at one point, this is not the connector for that, look at a multi-port mechanical connector or a bus block instead.

The body is aluminum, supplied bare with no plating or coating. Aluminum-bodied mechanical connectors are commonly listed AL9CU for use on either aluminum or copper, but that dual rating is not something to assume on a given part. Where you are landing copper, confirm the AL9CU marking on the connector body before making it up, and use an oxide-inhibiting compound on aluminum conductors.

No press, dies or crimp tool are required. The 6B89 is a mechanical six-bolt clamp, so it makes up with a wrench or socket on the bolts. That makes it a practical choice for field splices, substation and grounding-grid work where hauling a hydraulic crimper into position is not realistic.

The 6B89 has a bare aluminum finish with no tin plating or coating. Bare aluminum in a buried or damp location needs the joint protected, so plan on an oxide inhibitor at the conductor interfaces and either a sealed enclosure or a taped and jacketed build-up over the clamp if it is going below grade.

It is sold each, one connector per unit, so order one per splice you are making. Both halves and the bolt set that make up the clamp come together as the one item.