A bug is a split-bolt connector: a bolt with a slot through its shank and a nut that clamps two or more conductors together inside the slot. It is used for splices and taps on heavy wire such as service conductors and grounding electrode conductors, then wrapped in rubber and vinyl tape. Plain copper bugs are for copper only, while dual-rated versions, often packed with oxide inhibitor, handle aluminium and mixed connections.
Heard on the job
Tap the ground with a bug, tape it up good, and run it back to the water pipe clamp.
Also heard as
- split bolt
- Kearney
- Servit