Thermoelectric Characterization of Quick-Connect Terminals and Conventional Splices Used as Connection Elements in Electrical Installations
Keywords:
Electrical connectors, residential electrical installations, thermal behavior, Joule heating, thermal stability, experimental measurements, electrical safety
Abstract
This study examines the thermal behavior of quick electrical connectors and traditional splices under continuous-load operation in two representative residential circuits: lighting and power. Experimental measurements were conducted over sixty minutes under a constant load, recording the thermal evolution using an infrared camera. The results indicate distinct behaviors among connection technologies in terms of final mean temperature and accumulated thermal rise, with traditional splices reaching the highest values in both circuits. Thermal uniformity across connection points also differed significantly, with compact connectors exhibiting greater homogeneity and traditional splices presenting higher dispersion, suggesting an increased likelihood of hot spots. The comparison between circuits showed higher thermal sensitivity in the lighting system due to its demand level. These findings provide a detailed characterization of the thermal stability of each technology and offer a relevant reference for selecting connection devices in residential electrical installations subjected to continuous operation.
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References
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[5] Z. Liang, P. Kong y Y. Xu, Performance Evaluation of Residential Electrical Connectors under Thermal and Electrical Stress, IEEE Transactions on Components Packaging and Manufacturing Technology, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 447–456, 2020.
[6] R. Usamentiaga, P. Venegas, J. Guerediaga y J. Molleda, Infrared Thermography for Temperature Measurement and Non Destructive Testing, Infrared Physics and Technology, vol. 61, pp. 129–149, 2014.
[7] P. Kong, Z. Liang y Y. Xu, Analysis of Heating Behavior in Low Voltage Electrical Joints under Operational Stress, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 2103–2111, 2017.
[8] Y. Xu, J. Wu y D. Zhao, Thermal Behavior of Residential Electrical Connectors under Steady Load Conditions, Journal of Electrical Systems, vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 421–430, 2018.
[9] A. Belmonte, G. Mazzanti y G. C. Montanari, Thermal Endurance and Degradation Mechanisms of Low Voltage Cable Joints, IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation, vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 892–900, 2018.
[10] G. Chen, P. L. Lewin y S. Rowland, Dielectric Performance of Cable Accessories under Thermal Stress, IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine, vol. 35, no. 4, pp. 20–30, 2019.
[11] J. L. Estrada, L. A. Pérez y R. Lozano, Long Term Thermal Aging Effects on Electrical Connectors in Building Installations, Building and Environment, vol. 207, p. 108532, 2022.
[12] G. Antonini, A. Orlandi y D. Romano, Electrical Contact Behavior Modeling and Experimental Characterization, IEEE Transactions on Components and Packaging Technologies, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 563–572, 2010.
[13] M. Braunovic, N. Myshkin y V. V. Konchits, Electrical Contacts Fundamentals Applications and Technology. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2007.
[14] Q. Cheng, X. Zhou y Y. Wang, Thermal Behavior and Reliability Analysis of Electrical Terminations under Varying Load Conditions, Energy and Buildings, vol. 241, p. 110885, 2021.
[15] J. Kuffel, P. Kuffel y W. S. Zaengl, High Voltage Engineering Fundamentals, 2nd ed. Oxford: Newnes, 2011.
[16] D. Dini, Electrical Contacts Principles and Applications for Materials and Reliability. Woodhead Publishing, 2020.
[17] IEC, IEC 60364 5 52 Low Voltage Electrical Installations Selection and Erection of Electrical Equipment Wiring Systems. Geneva: International Electrotechnical Commission, 2015.
[18] CENELEC, EN 60228 Conductors of Insulated Cables. Brussels: CENELEC, 2018.
[19] W. T. Smith y J. Hashemi, Foundations of Materials Science and Engineering, 6th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2016.
[20] A. Haddad y D. Warne, Advances in High Voltage Engineering. London: IET, 2013.
[21] NFPA, NFPA 70 National Electrical Code. Quincy: National Fire Protection Association, 2020.
[22] W. H. Cen y Y. Luo, Thermal Characterization of Residential Electrical Terminals Based on Long Duration Load Cycles, Applied Thermal Engineering, vol. 185, p. 116345, 2021.
[23] A. Mathew y R. Bindu, Thermo Electrical Evaluation of Low Voltage Cable Joints under Load Variations, Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, vol. 147, pp. 1251–1262, 2022.
[24] J. R. Dunki Jacobs, Practical Electrical Wiring Residential Farm Commercial and Industrial, 22nd ed. Park Ridge: Park Publishing, 2019.
[25] H. Yahyaoui, Smart Buildings Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology. London: Elsevier, 2020.
Published
2026-01-15
How to Cite
Cajas Oña, Édgar J., Tirira Chulde, R. D., Taco Cabrera, A. G., Palaquibay León, J. P., & Narváez Toctaguano, C. A. (2026). Thermoelectric Characterization of Quick-Connect Terminals and Conventional Splices Used as Connection Elements in Electrical Installations. Ciencias De La Ingeniería Y Aplicadas, 10(1), 67 - 81. https://doi.org/10.61236/ciya.v10i1.1235
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Section
Research article
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