Why Choose the Partex PXL400-12 Copper Tube Ring Terminal?
The Partex PXL400-12 is a heavy-duty copper tube ring terminal designed for terminating compatible 400 mm² copper conductors onto electrical connection points using an M12 stud or bolt. Supplied in a convenient pack of 10 terminals, this large-section copper cable lug offers a practical solution for electrical contractors, industrial engineers, power distribution specialists and equipment manufacturers requiring secure crimped cable terminations.
Part of the Partex PXL copper tube terminal range, the PXL400-12 combines a tubular conductor barrel with a flat ring-type connection palm. The stripped copper conductor is inserted into the barrel and secured using an appropriately matched crimping tool and die. When correctly installed, the compressed barrel establishes mechanical conductor retention and electrical contact, while the ring palm provides a bolted connection to a compatible M12 fixing point.
The Partex PXL400-12 400 mm² M12 copper cable lug is intended for specialist industrial power distribution, large electrical assemblies and heavy machinery where substantial copper conductors must be connected to appropriately designed terminals. Its copper construction provides good electrical conductivity, while the enclosed ring fixing helps retain the terminal on the stud until the fastening hardware is removed. Because 400 mm² is a very large conductor size relative to an M12 fixing, the complete connection must be carefully assessed for electrical loading, mechanical strength, contact area and equipment compatibility before installation.
Key Advantages
- Designed for 400 mm² copper conductors, providing a termination option for compatible large-section electrical cables.
- M12 stud fixing for secure bolted connections to appropriately designed electrical equipment.
- Copper tube construction provides good electrical conductivity.
- Compression crimp termination delivers secure mechanical conductor retention when correctly installed.
- Ring-type connection remains captured by the fixing stud until the fastening hardware is removed.
- Pack of 10 terminals supports specialist installation projects, cable assembly and maintenance stockholding.
- Suitable for consideration in industrial power distribution and heavy-duty electrical equipment.
- Uninsulated construction allows inspection and the application of suitable supplementary insulation.
- Practical for new installations, electrical equipment refurbishment and replacement cable terminations.
- Combines large-conductor compression crimping and a bolted electrical connection in one component.
Key Features
- Partex PXL series copper tube ring terminal.
- Manufacturer part number: PXL400-12.
- Conductor cross-sectional area: 400 mm².
- Compatible stud size: M12.
- Nominal stud diameter: 12 mm.
- Terminal material: Copper.
- Connection style: Ring-type bolted terminal.
- Conductor termination: Compression crimp.
- Barrel construction: Tubular.
- Insulation: Uninsulated terminal.
- Pack quantity: 10 pieces.
- Intended for compatible copper conductors and appropriately rated connection points.
- Requires a suitable crimping tool and correctly matched die.
- Provides a permanent crimped conductor termination with a removable bolted fixing.
Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: Partex
- Product series: PXL
- Model / SKU: PXL400-12
- Product type: Copper tube ring terminal / cable lug
- Conductor cross-sectional area: 400 mm²
- Compatible stud size: M12
- Nominal stud diameter: 12 mm
- Terminal material: Copper
- Terminal design: Tubular barrel with ring palm
- Termination method: Compression crimping
- Electrical connection: Bolted stud connection
- Insulation type: Uninsulated
- Pack size: 10 terminals
- Compatible conductor material: Copper, subject to cable construction and crimping compatibility
- Primary application: Termination of compatible 400 mm² copper conductors onto suitably rated M12 connection points
- Crimping equipment: Compatible tool and die required; confirm manufacturer recommendations
- Connection suitability: Verify electrical rating, contact area, mechanical strength and equipment compatibility
Heavy-Duty 400 mm² Copper Cable Terminations for Industrial Power Distribution
Copper tube ring terminals provide a practical method of connecting large electrical conductors to equipment through a combination of compression crimping and bolted fastening. The Partex PXL400-12 is designed for 400 mm² copper cable and an M12 stud connection, offering a specialist termination option where the receiving equipment has been designed and rated for this conductor and fixing combination.
The terminal's tubular copper barrel receives the prepared conductor. During installation, a suitable crimping tool compresses the barrel around the conductor using the correct die profile and compression procedure. When properly installed, this process provides mechanical conductor retention and establishes electrical contact between the conductor and terminal.
The M12 ring-type connection palm provides a retained bolted fixing. Unlike an open-ended fork terminal, the ring terminal cannot be lifted away from the stud without removing the fastening hardware. This connection style is useful in electrical assemblies where a secure mechanical attachment is required.
For a conductor as large as 400 mm², the correct crimping equipment is particularly important. Suitable hydraulic or other manufacturer-approved compression tooling may be required to achieve the specified crimp profile. Installers must verify the correct die, crimping sequence, conductor insertion depth and number of compressions rather than assuming that any tool labelled for 400 mm² cable will be compatible.
The completed connection must also be protected against excessive mechanical stress. Large copper cables can impose significant forces on equipment terminals because of their weight, stiffness and bending characteristics. Appropriate cable routing, bending clearance and mechanical support help minimise unwanted loading on the crimped terminal and equipment connection point.
Choosing the Correct 400 mm² M12 Copper Ring Terminal
Selecting a suitable cable lug requires more than matching the conductor cross-sectional area. The Partex PXL400-12 is identified for 400 mm² copper conductors and M12 fixing studs, but conductor construction, barrel compatibility, ring palm dimensions and equipment connection requirements must also be considered.
Different ring terminals can accommodate the same conductor size while using different fixing hole diameters. Selecting the correct stud size helps ensure that the ring palm can be fitted securely to the intended electrical connection. However, the stud size alone does not establish the current-carrying capacity or suitability of the completed assembly.
For a 400 mm² conductor connected using an M12 stud, the terminal palm, stud, contact surface, fixing hardware and equipment terminal must all be assessed for the expected electrical load and operating conditions. The current-carrying capacity of the conductor must not be treated as proof that the M12 bolted connection can safely carry the same current. The complete assembly should be evaluated using the applicable manufacturer data and installation requirements.
The PXL400-12 is a copper terminal intended for compatible copper conductors. Aluminium conductors and mixed-metal connections require appropriately specified termination components. Where electrical insulation is required, suitable heat-shrink tubing, insulating sleeving or enclosure protection should be provided.
Installation Guidance for the Partex PXL400-12
Before installation, confirm that the cable is a compatible 400 mm² copper conductor and that the equipment connection is designed to accept an M12 ring terminal. The terminal's contact area, equipment electrical rating, fixing hardware and available installation clearance should all be checked.
The conductor should be stripped to the correct length using an appropriate cable preparation tool. Care must be taken to avoid damaging or removing conductor strands. The prepared conductor should be inserted fully into the terminal barrel before crimping.
A compatible crimping tool and die should be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. For a conductor of this size, installation may require hydraulic compression equipment and a specified sequence of crimps. The completed crimp should be inspected for correct conductor insertion, complete compression and visible damage.
The ring palm should then be positioned over the M12 stud and secured using the equipment manufacturer's specified fastening arrangement. The bolted connection must be tightened to the recommended torque rather than an assumed value. Excessive tightening can damage the connection, while insufficient tightening may compromise electrical contact.
Suitable cable support should be provided to minimise mechanical loading on the termination. Because 400 mm² cables can be heavy and relatively stiff, cable bending radius, routing and support arrangements are particularly important. The completed installation should be inspected and tested in accordance with applicable electrical standards, equipment instructions and project specifications.
Typical Applications
- Specialist industrial low-voltage power distribution equipment.
- Large electrical switchboards and distribution assemblies.
- Busbar connections with suitably rated M12 fixing points.
- Heavy industrial machinery and electrical equipment.
- Motor control and industrial power distribution installations.
- Electrical terminal assemblies designed for large copper conductors.
- Industrial power supply and infrastructure projects.
- Equipment bonding and earthing connections where appropriately specified.
- Electrical equipment refurbishment and replacement cable terminations.
- Specialist cable assembly workshops and industrial maintenance operations.
