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Mechanical Lugs, Aluminum & Copper

Set-screw mechanical lugs in two series, AM aluminum and CM copper, for conductor terminations made without a crimp

Fast answer: Copper mechanical lugs and aluminum mechanical lugs clamp the conductor with a set screw instead of a crimp, so they go on with hand tools. VoltixC groups two series here: 48 AM aluminum mechanical lugs and 52 CM copper mechanical lugs, each with a wire range and bolt size. Confirm conductor material and size, port count and mounting hole, then request a quotation.

On the supplier specification sheets, AM wire ranges run from #14 AWG on AM0614 to 1000 kcmil on AM1151, and CM ranges run from #14 on CM1414A to 1000 on CM116143. The CM name says copper, while the supplier series summary lists the CM body as aluminum alloy.

AM series aluminum mechanical lug with set screw and mounting hole
An AM series lug, with the set screw and the mounting hole visible.
  • 2 series on one page: AM aluminum and CM copper mechanical lugs
  • 100 part numbers on the supplier specification sheets: 48 AM and 52 CM
  • Wire ranges from #14 AWG to 1000 kcmil on the sheets
  • Aluminum bodies in the supplier series summary (CM: aluminum alloy)
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What are copper mechanical lugs, and how does the set screw hold the wire?

Copper mechanical lugs are bolted terminals in which a set screw presses the stripped conductor against the inside of the barrel, while the tongue bolts to a bus bar, breaker or terminal. Screw lugs and set-screw lugs are catalogue names for the same parts. No die or press is involved, so the joint is made and checked at the panel with a hex key or a screwdriver.

The weak points of a set-screw joint sit at the contact faces. According to NASA Kennedy Space Center, galvanic corrosion needs two dissimilar metals, an electrolyte and an electron-conductive path. NASA KSC identifies the more active metal as the anode, the metal that corrodes; in a copper-aluminum joint that is the aluminum. The same source adds that the farther apart two metals sit in the galvanic series, the greater the corrosion effect or rate.

Heat and oxide are the other two loss paths. According to Electrical Engineering Portal, aluminium expands more than the other metals in a joint, which can loosen connections, so aluminium or alloy terminals, or elastic devices, are used to make up the difference. The ILSCO installation guide says aluminum conductors should be brushed with a stainless steel wire brush to remove the oxide film and then treated with an oxide inhibitor compound.

At the panel, a set-screw termination goes like this:

  1. Strip the conductor to the barrel depth given for the lug model.

  2. On aluminum conductor, brush off the oxide film and apply inhibitor, as the ILSCO guide describes.

  3. Push the conductor in until it reaches the end of the barrel.

  4. Tighten the set screw to the torque stated for that model; the mechanical lug torque specs guide explains how those values are read.

  5. Bolt the tongue to the bus or terminal and check the hardware for movement.

Which AM aluminum and CM copper mechanical lug models are listed?

The supplier specification sheets list 100 part numbers: 48 in the AM aluminum series and 52 in the CM series, each with a printed wire range, bolt size and main dimensions. AM runs from single-barrel lugs to multi-conductor bodies such as AM2506-44; CM runs from the #14-#10 CM1414A to the 600–1000 CM116143 and includes four CML connector sizes.

Every row comes from the supplier specification sheet. A, B, C and H are the letters on the supplier’s dimension drawing, converted from inches (×25.4); a slot in the hex column means a slotted screw. Wire ranges are shown as printed: SOL. and STR mean solid and stranded, and sizes above 4/0 are kcmil. Each table has one row per wire range, and other catalogue numbers with the same range sit in the last column, with their bolt size where it differs. The sheets print no material or plating, and every part is packed 100 to a box; material and finish are confirmed per order.

AM Aluminum Mechanical Lugs (48 part numbers)

AM aluminum mechanical lugs differ from the CM series in layout: the AM range reaches two to four conductors, holes or barrels on one body and includes two stacked forms, while CM stops at one conductor or two holes.

Cat. No.Wire range (as printed)Bolt / stud size (in)Hex size (in)A (mm)B (mm)C (mm)H (mm)Other cat. nos., same wire range
AM0614#14 AWG–#6 AWG1/4Slot26.9217.539.4012.45—
AM0214#14 AWG–#2 AWG1/4Slot29.4617.5312.4513.97AM0214-32 (5/16)
AM1014#14 AWG–1/0 AWG1/4Slot37.3421.5915.4920.32AM1014-21
AM2014#14 AWG–2/0 AWG1/4Slot37.3421.5915.4920.32AM2014-21
AM1012-32#12 AWG–1/0 AWG3/8Slot74.6858.6749.0215.75—
AM3006-32#6 AWG–3/0 AWG1/21/4106.4385.8571.1220.32AM3006-34
AM2506#6 AWG–250 kcmil5/163/850.8025.4022.6126.67AM2506-44 (1/2), AM2506-21 (3/8), AM2506-32 (1/2), AM2506-34 (1/2)
AM3106#6 AWG–300 kcmil5/163/850.8025.4022.6126.67AM3106-21S
Show 10 more AM wire ranges (#6 AWG–350 kcmil to 500 kcmil–1000 kcmil)
Cat. No.Wire range (as printed)Bolt / stud size (in)Hex size (in)A (mm)B (mm)C (mm)H (mm)Other cat. nos., same wire range
AM3506#6 AWG–350 kcmil3/83/857.1528.7028.4531.50AM3506-12 (1/2), AM3506-21 (1/2), AM3506-22 (1/2), AM3506-32 (1/2), AM3506-34 (1/2)
AM5104#4 AWG–500 kcmil3/81/269.8538.1034.8037.85—
AM6104#4 AWG–600 kcmil3/81/269.8538.1034.8037.85AM6104-12 (1/2), AM6104-21 (1/2), AM6104-22 (1/2)
AM6104A#4 AWG–600 kcmil or (2)1/0 AWG–250 kcmil3/81/271.3738.1034.8045.72—
AM6102-32#2 AWG–600 kcmil1/21/2119.1384.0795.0039.37AM6102-22S (3/8), AM6102-32S (3/8), AM6102-34, AM6102-42S (3/8)
AM7510-42S1/0 AWG–750 kcmil3/81/2124.7159.4466.5575.95—
AM7530-22S3/0 AWG–750 kcmil3/81/2124.7159.4437.8575.95AM7530-32S
AM5140-22S4/0 AWG–500 kcmil1/43/873.9142.9336.3260.20—
AM8135350 kcmil–800 kcmil5/89/1685.8544.4541.1549.02AM8135-12 (1/2), AM8135-21, AM8135-42 (1/2), AM8135-62 (1/2), AM8135-64 (1/2)
AM1151500 kcmil–1000 kcmil5/89/1688.9044.4544.2053.85AM1151-21, AM1151-62 (1/2), AM1151-64 (1/2)

Source: supplier specification sheets, AM series, per supplier specification sheet; all 48 AM part numbers appear above, as a row or in the last column. Ask for the full dimension drawing with your quote.

CM Copper Mechanical Lugs & Connectors (52 part numbers)

The supplier series summary lists the CM body as aluminum alloy; the CM name refers to the copper conductor. The CML connectors carry a thread size on the sheet instead of a hex size, so their hex column shows a dash.

CM mechanical lug connector from the VoltixC CM series
A CM series connector, shown with its clamping screw.
Cat. No.Wire range (as printed)Bolt / stud size (in)Hex size (in)A (mm)B (mm)C (mm)H (mm)Other cat. nos., same wire range
CM1414A#14-#101/8Slot29.4619.058.139.40CM1014B
CM0614#14-#63/16Slot25.9111.189.6512.19CM0614T, CM0614A, CM0614B, CM061401, CM061401B
CM0414#14-#41/4Slot32.2614.9912.7014.48CM0414T, CM0414A, CM0414B
CML041414 SOL.–4 STR0.25—28.19—13.7213.97CML0414T
CML101414 SOL.–1/0 STR0.3125—39.88—18.5420.07CML1014T
CM02120112-21/4Slot57.4041.4012.7016.51CM0212B
CM0112A#12-#11/4Slot38.1020.5712.7016.51CM011201B
CM200801#8–2/01/4Slot74.6847.7515.7522.35—
Show 11 more CM wire ranges (#6–4/0 to 600–1000)
Cat. No.Wire range (as printed)Bolt / stud size (in)Hex size (in)A (mm)B (mm)C (mm)H (mm)Other cat. nos., same wire range
CM400601#6–4/05/165/885.8554.1025.4029.72CM4006A, CM4006B, CM400601B
CML25066 STR–250 kcmil0.375—49.28—23.8826.92CML2506T
CM1004#4-#1/01/4Slot38.8621.3415.7519.56CM1004T
CM3004#4-#3/03/89/1655.6331.7519.0526.42CM3004B
CM1002A#2-#1/01/4Slot49.2825.4015.7522.35CM1002B, CM100201B
CM4002#2-#4/05/169/1655.6326.9225.4028.70CM4002T
CM350101#1–3503/83/4125.4884.3325.4035.31CM3501A, CM3501B, CM350187B
CM5110431/0–5003/83/4142.7590.6838.1039.62CM5110A, CM5110B, CM511043B
CM5140#4/0-5003/83/480.2642.9338.1041.91CM5140T
CML5140500 kcmil0.5—76.20—35.8137.34CML5140T
CM116143600–10001/21.125174.75119.1350.8059.44CM1161A, CM1161B, CM116143B

Source: supplier specification sheets, CM series, per supplier specification sheet; all 52 CM part numbers appear above, as a row or in the last column. Ask for the full dimension drawing with your quote.

How to choose copper mechanical lugs for your conductor and panel

Copper mechanical lugs are matched to a job by conductor material first, then conductor size and count, then the mounting, with the set-screw torque last. The AM and CM tables give the wire range, bolt size and main dimensions for each catalogue number; conductor metal, rating and torque come from your data and the quotation.

CheckWhat you confirmWhat the AM and CM tables give
Conductor materialCopper, aluminum, or both metals on one lugBody material per series summary; conductor rating not stated in the supplier data
Conductor sizeAWG, kcmil or mm², plus strand classWire range per catalogue number, #14 AWG to 1000 kcmil
Number of conductorsOne to four wires on one bodyListing titles name 1 to 4 conductors, holes or barrels
MountingHole count, bolt size, straight or 90° exitBolt size per catalogue number; hole count and exit angle not stated on the sheets
Set screwTorque value and driver typeHex size or slot per catalogue number; torque not listed, stated per model on the quotation
Common namesAlu lugs, screw lugs or mechanical lug connectors in your enquiryAlu lugs point to the AM table; the other two names cover both tables
Chair lugs electricalThe name some buyers search underNot a name either series uses; send the drawing

kcmil means thousand circular mils, the US size unit for large conductors.

Before a sample is made, look at three fit points:

  • Count the wires first. A multi-conductor body such as AM2506-44 is picked for the number of wires it must take, and each port still needs its own size check.

  • When two cables must land on one breaker position, look at the double lugs page before you pick a multi-conductor AM part.

  • When your size or shape is missing from both tables, send the drawing; VoltixC quotes against the drawing, not against the nearest listed code.

When is a double lug, grounding lug or compression lug the better choice?

An AM or CM set-screw lug fits when one to four conductors end on a bus, breaker or pad and the joint has to be made with hand tools. If two lug bodies must stack on one mounting, another page fits better. The same goes for a ground run, and for a specification that asks for a crimped barrel.

RouteHow the conductor is heldPick it over AM / CM whenPage
AM / CM set-screw lugsSet screw clamps each conductor in its barrelYou need 1 to 4 conductors on one body and no press on siteThis page
Stacked mechanical lugsLug bodies stacked on one mountingTwo cables land on one breaker or bus position and the multi-conductor AM parts do not fit the layoutstacked double lugs
Lay-in grounding lugsOpen lay-in channel closed by a screwThe conductor is a bonding or ground run rather than a feederlay-in grounding lugs
One-hole compression lugsBarrel crimped onto the conductor with a dieThe drawing or the project specification calls for crimped terminationsone-hole compression lugs

The case for a set-screw lug rests on the conductor rating. According to Electrical Engineering Portal, ALCU lugs are suitable for either aluminum or copper conductors and save the labor of compression connectors. That saving holds only for a lug rated for the conductor in use. No conductor rating, Al/Cu or CU, is stated in the supplier data for AM or CM, so ask before you specify one.

On the compression side, BURNDY states that its dual-rated AL-CU terminals take both copper and aluminum wire and have an internal chamfer that helps prevent strand damage during insertion. A buyer who needs that crimped form for a mixed-metal job belongs on the compression page, and the step-by-step comparison sits in the compression vs mechanical lugs guide.

Breaker and panel terminals raise one more switch point. According to UL Standards & Engagement, UL 486E requirements apply to field-wired equipment wiring terminals that are integral to equipment or intended for specific equipment. When the terminal comes with the breaker, read the equipment label before you replace it with a separate lug.

Friction-welded bimetallic lugs, another way to join aluminum cable to a copper bus, are not part of this range.

What are the AM and CM lug bodies made of?

Both series are listed with aluminum bodies in the supplier series summary. The specification sheets print no material, so the AM body is listed as aluminum and the CM body as aluminum alloy, confirmed per order. The supplier descriptions name tin plating for AM and “coated tin plating or oxidation” for CM, and the finish is set per order.

The body metal matters because aluminum and copper behave differently in a joint. The figures below are published reference values for the two metals, not measurements of AM or CM parts.

PropertyAluminumCopperSource
Coefficient of expansion at 20 °C (×10⁻⁶ per °C)2316.6Electrical Engineering Portal
Electrical conductivity at 20 °C61% IACS101% IACSElectrical Engineering Portal
Standard electrode potential−1.662 V+0.337 VAl-Cu compatibility study

Lower conductivity is why aluminum conductor runs larger: Electrical Engineering Portal puts the step at one or two larger wire sizes when aluminum replaces copper. The bolted face needs the same care. The same source discourages unplated aluminum-to-copper bolted connections and notes that the joint areas are plated with silver or tin. Ask for the finish on the tongue when an AM or CM lug bolts to a copper bus.

Where do aluminum and copper mechanical lugs fit, and when is something else the better pick?

AM and CM lugs fit low-voltage terminations where a conductor ends on a breaker, panel bus, transformer pad or equipment terminal and a set screw can be tightened in place. Each fit note rests on the AM and CM body layouts and on a cited reference, not on a VoltixC installation record.

  • Circuit breaker lugs and panelboards

    According to Electrical Engineering Portal, circuit-breaker line and load connections can use cable lugs for single or multiple conductors, specified for copper only or for copper and aluminum. AM-22 and AM-22S are titled as panelboard lugs, so they are the first AM codes to check for circuit breaker lugs. The lug rating has to match the conductor metal and size, and no rating for either code is stated in the supplier data; ask before you specify them.

  • Transformer and distribution pads

    For cable connections to aluminum-wound transformers, Electrical Engineering Portal points to tin-plated aluminum lugs specifically rated Al/Cu, which connect copper building wire to either metal. The supplier data states no Al/Cu rating for the multi-hole AM-32 and AM-34, the four-conductor AM-44 or any other AM or CM model, so ask before you specify one for a transformer pad.

  • Equipment wiring terminals

    According to UL Standards & Engagement, UL 486E applies to equipment wiring terminals used with copper, aluminum or copper-clad aluminum conductors under NFPA 70. Single-conductor CM-11, CM-11A and CM-11B bodies suit a terminal of this kind when the equipment drawing names the lug. The same standard limits these terminals to currents no greater than the ampacity of 75 °C or 90 °C insulated conductors, according to the terminal rating.

  • Taps with two to four conductors

    AM-21, AM-21S and AM-44 take more than one conductor on one body, per their listing titles. Each port needs its own size check, and the torque applies port by port as stated for the model.

  • Not a fit: power cables above 1 kV

    According to the IEC, IEC 61238-1-3 applies to compression and mechanical connectors for power cables above 1 kV on non-insulated conductors. AM and CM lugs have no type-test record under that standard, so medium-voltage jobs go to a supplier who can show one.

  • Not a fit: wet dissimilar-metal joints left bare

    NASA KSC says galvanic corrosion can be controlled by selecting metals closer in the galvanic series or by electrically isolating them. An aluminum body on a copper bus in a wet location needs a plated face and inhibitor; if neither is possible, the joint is the wrong place for this lug.

  • Not a fit: specifications that require a crimp

    When the project specification names compression lugs, a set-screw lug does not meet it, whatever its rating. Use the compression lugs page for that job.

Which certificates and factory machines can you check?

VoltixC is UL certified, and its CE attestation under the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU covers the full terminal range, AM and CM lugs included, citing EN 60947-7-1, EN 60947-7-2 and EN 60947-7-3. RoHS test report available (SGS): lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium were tested on a tin-plated copper terminal sample. The three documents are issued to Guangzhou FuTeXin Technology Co., Ltd., the company behind the VoltixC brand, and their numbers and dates are not printed here.

VoltixC CE attestation, Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU
VoltixC UL certification document
SGS RoHS test report for VoltixC terminals

The standards that buyers cite for set-screw lugs describe conductor ranges and scope, not supplier approvals, and naming them here is not a claim that AM or CM lugs are certified to them. According to UL Standards & Engagement, the aluminum conductor ranges listed for UL 486A-486B are 12 and 10 AWG solid, 12 AWG through 2,000 kcmil stranded, and 12 AWG through 1,000 kcmil stranded single-input wire. According to CSA Group, its connector standard covers single-polarity connectors used with copper, aluminum or copper-clad aluminum conductors under Canadian, United States or Mexican installation codes.

Before a sample of an AM or CM lug is approved, put these documents on the request:

  1. the conductor material and size range stated for the exact model
  2. the set-screw torque stated for that model
  3. copies of the CE attestation, the UL certificate and the SGS RoHS test report

The photos below show machines on the VoltixC floor in Guangzhou. They record what stands on site and say nothing about which machine handles a given AM or CM order.

High-speed stamping press at VoltixC
A high-speed stamping press.
25-ton high-speed stamping press at VoltixC
A 25-ton high-speed stamping press.
CNC milling machine at VoltixC
A CNC milling machine.
Precision wire-cut EDM at VoltixC
A precision wire-cut EDM machine.
Material tensile testing machine at VoltixC
A material tensile testing machine.
Temperature-rise tester at VoltixC
A temperature-rise tester.
Optical coordinate measuring machine at VoltixC
An optical coordinate measuring machine.

What drives the price of copper mechanical lugs?

The unit price of copper mechanical lugs and aluminum mechanical lugs follows the body you pick and the order around it. Five of the seven inputs below come straight from your enquiry; tooling for a custom drawing and the document list are agreed per order. A request that gives the catalogue number (AM2506 or CM4002, for example), the conductor size for each port and the quantity on every line can be priced without a round of questions.

DriverEffect on costWhat you control
Model and layoutMore ports, holes or barrels mean a larger body and more set screws (AM2506-44 against AM2506)The catalogue number from the tables
Body metal and finishAluminum body per the supplier series summary; the tongue finish is set per orderThe finish you specify for the bolted face
Conductor sizeA larger conductor needs a larger barrel and screwAWG, kcmil or mm² for each port
Number of models in one orderEach extra code adds its own set-upHow many codes you combine
QuantitySet-up spreads over more pieces in a larger runOrder and call-off quantities
Custom drawingA body outside the tables may need new tooling, confirmed per orderThe drawing and its tolerances
Packing and documentsPack size and requested papers change handlingPacking instructions and the document list

Send the catalogue numbers, conductor sizes, quantities and supply schedule (one delivery or call-offs) through the enquiry form. Its fields are name, company, email, country, product line, conductor size, quantity and message; drawings go by email to hugo@voltixconnect.com, because the form has no upload field.

When the order replaces another maker’s lug, write its part number beside the AM or CM code you think matches, and copy the conductor marking stamped on the old part. List each code on its own line with its own conductor size and quantity, so every line can be priced and checked on its own. Pack size per carton, mixed codes in one box and any label text belong in the message field, so they are part of the first price rather than a revision.

MOQ, warranty and payment terms are confirmed per order by email or the enquiry form, and lead time is confirmed per order as well. Sampling for an AM or CM model starts from 7 days at the fastest; the production schedule is fixed with the confirmed order.

Guides and tools for mechanical lug sizing and torque

Four pages answer the checks that come before an AM or CM enquiry: torque, route, size lookup and the wider range.

  • Torque values (guide)

    How set-screw torque is stated per lug size and conductor range. Read the guide to set-screw torque values.

  • Crimp or set screw (guide)

    Where a crimped barrel beats a set screw, and the reverse. Read the crimp and set-screw comparison.

  • Size lookup (tool)

    Find lugs by AWG, kcmil or mm² in the lug size lookup; it does not hold the AM and CM ranges yet, so use the tables above for those.

  • All set-screw and lay-in lugs (range page)

    The three mechanical lug pages side by side, including stacked and grounding forms. Browse mechanical lugs.

FAQ: copper and aluminum mechanical lugs

Copper or aluminum mechanical lug: which should I choose?

Choose by the conductor you install, not by the lug name, because the lug has to be rated for that conductor metal. AM and CM are both listed with aluminum bodies in the supplier series summary, and no conductor rating is stated for either; ask before you specify a model. NASA KSC notes that galvanic corrosion is controlled by selecting metals closer in the galvanic series or by electrically isolating them.

What torque should the set screw use?

Use the torque shown on the lug marking or in the manufacturer’s installation instructions for the exact model (NEC 110.14(D)); no single value covers every mechanical lug, and a figure from another brand’s chart does not carry over. For AM and CM models the torque is stated per model on the quotation. On a body with more than one port, such as AM-21S or AM-44, each set screw takes the value for its own conductor size, so ask for the figure port by port. Put those values on the installation sheet, so each screw is tightened to the figure stated for its own port.

Can one mechanical lug take a range of wire sizes?

Yes. Each catalogue number takes a band of sizes set by its barrel and screw: AM0614 is printed #14 AWG–#6 AWG, and AM1151 takes 500 kcmil–1000 kcmil. Send your AWG, kcmil or mm² sizes, and VoltixC matches them to a catalogue number. State the strand class too: according to UL Standards & Engagement, compact-stranded copper conductors are covered from 2 AWG and larger in the United States and from 8 AWG and larger in Canada and Mexico.

Can I use copper lugs for aluminium cable?

Only when the lug is rated for aluminum conductors. According to the ILSCO installation guide, connector markings use CU for copper-only conductors, AL9 for aluminum-only conductors and AL9CU for aluminum or copper conductors. The AM and CM supplier data carry no conductor marking, so no aluminium rating is stated; ask before you specify either series for aluminium cable.

Can you put copper and aluminum under the same lug?

Only when the lug is rated for both metals and has a port for each conductor. According to Electrical Engineering Portal, cleaning and brushing with a quality joint compound is recommended for both materials and is more essential for aluminum. The supplier data states no mixed-metal rating for the two-conductor AM-21S and AM-22S, so ask before you specify them for copper and aluminum together.

How many AM and CM part numbers are on the supplier sheets?

One hundred: 48 AM and 52 CM, each printed with a wire range, a bolt size and its main dimensions. The two tables give one row per wire range and list the other part numbers with the same range in the last column. The supplier documentation also groups the parts under 11 AM and 6 CM listing titles, such as AM-44 and CM-11.

Where do the table values come from?

They come from the supplier specification sheets, one per table, with dimensions converted from inches, and VoltixC has not re-tested them. The sheets print no body material. For CM, the variant record says copper while the supplier series summary says aluminum alloy, so the page follows the series summary until your order settles it.

Do you make 4/0 mechanical lugs or chair lugs?

For 4/0, yes: CM4002 is printed #2-#4/0, AM5140-22S starts at 4/0 AWG, and AM5104 takes #4 AWG–500 kcmil, which spans 4/0. Send the size or the drawing and VoltixC matches it to a catalogue number. Neither series uses the name chair lugs, so a chair-lug request is matched against your drawing.

How to get AM or CM mechanical lugs quoted

Put the codes from the two tables, the conductor metal and size for each port, and the quantity into the enquiry form. A drawing, or a photo of the lug you are replacing, goes by email to hugo@voltixconnect.com.