Characteristics of Overheated Electrical Joints Due to Loose Connection

Overheated electrical joints due to loose connection are often precursors of electric fires, arc faults, and arc flash in electrical systems. This paper is about the formation mechanism and behavior characteristics of loose connection induced overheated electrical joints. Specific experiments were conducted on busbar joints and systems with currents ranging from 100 A up to 5000 A. The lead time of the overheated contact formation is significantly impacted by the tightening torque of busbar bolts, the amplitude of current, and the proper sizing of electrical joints.