Survey on Anti-Short Bushings

We recently showed up at a local electrician's shop at 6 in the morning to do a survey on Anti-Short Bushings. The manager handed out the survey to his team of electricians and the general consensus was that redheads are a must with MC Cable. They feel it's a safety hazard to not use them, even if they are told they are not required. We're going to be posting the results soon, and we'll let you know when they are up..

To take the anonymous survey yourself, click here http://www.anti-shortsurvey.com/.

Anti-Short Bushings on This Old House TV Show

The TV Show This Old House actually had a video on how to install the anti-short bushing. If any of you electricians have any suggestions for the team at This Old House, feel free to post your comments after you watch the video.

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,20047018,00.html

Fiber Anti-Short Bushings

Anti-short bushings are made of polyethylene (plastic) and are designed to comply with CSA and UL requirements. Electricians use roto-splits to cut cable so there is a cleaner cut.

Anti-short bushings used to be made out of fiber. They also used to cut the cable with a hacksaw. Take a look at this old diagram of how the fiber bushings used to look by clicking here. Notice how the guy in the diagram is using a hacksaw to cut the cable, while using his knee to hold the cable taut. Leave your comments on this post if you have any specialized ways of cutting the cable.

Why Anti-Short Bushings Were Invented

Back in the 1940's, many fires were attributed to electrical sources, particularly to the use of armored cable. Apparently, the conductor insulation in the armored cable was being cut by the very sharp edges of the cut armor when terminations were being made. Two investigators found that the insertion of a hard, waxed fiber bushing between the armor and the insulated conductors would prevent damage to the insulation and the anti-short bushing was born.

The reality is, anti-short bushings were and still are a critical part of electrical safety. Do you agree? For a quick history of the the Anti-Short Bushing, click here www.anti-shortbushing.com