atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Outside Plant OSP Construction Underground Splice Kit, Comm Tech

I am assuming that you mean "B" wire connectors, or "beanies". I can't emphasize enough what a bad idea it is to use these connectors anywhere, especially in a buried splice. At a minimum, filled IDC connectors such as Scotchlok UY or UR's should be used.

To answer your second question: No, you can never overdo providing protection from water intrusion when it comes to splicing cable.

I understand a lot of technicians use these b caps without stripping back the insulation on the conductors. This practice I am hesitant about , but I strip the insulation back, twist the conductors together and then use the proper crimping tool to crush the bean. I have never had a bad one yet. The IDC connectors you refer to, is this similar to a 110 comb? In Canada we use the Nordx Bix IDCs which are similar to a 110, but holds the wire much better.

Not stripping the wires is exactly how you should use beanies. They have internal teeth designed to grip and bite into the insulation and conductors with the appropriate pressure for a satisfactory connection. Twisting the bare conductors effectively doubles the diameter of the "wire". Crimping the connector with an approved presser actually exerts enough pressure to cause the teeth to bend over or cut through the conductors. This issue was proven through decades of use by telcos until they realized the problems that B wire connectors were causing.

Filled or unfilled, don't use them in a buried splice. These connectors are only popular because they are cheap and easy. There is a price to pay for this convenience and unless you enjoy digging in frozen soil, I would spend an extra few bucks for connectors that will last in extreme conditions.

IDC connectors are simply replacements for beanies. Scotchloks are by far one of the most popular ones in the U.S. AMP's Tel-Splice or Picabond connectors run a close second. Thomas and Betts now manufacturers what used to be AT&T's 709 series of connectors. All of these are one or two-conductor connectors.

710 modules are similar in appearance to BIX or 110 blocks and use a similar concept. These were originally developed and manufactured in the 1970's by AT&T but are now being made by 3M. This company also has their own family of modules known as MS2. Both systems are referred to as "mass" splicing modules, meaning that they accommodate multiple pairs. 710 modules are made in 5-, 10- and 25-pair versions. MS2 modules are only offered for 25 pairs.

I'm surprised you are using "B" connectors in Alberta. Just like Ed pointed out, here in Ontario we also only use 3M Scotchloks and on the larger pair counts, Picabonds. We never use "B" connectors on phone, only on security systems.

The only time I see beanies used on telco is when some inexperienced alarm guy is wiring in a RJ31 or RJ38X (we call them CA38A jacks here in Canada) and it's just bad practice.

I appreciate the replies; I'll have to hunt down some of the Scotchlocks.
Thanks