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A common cause of power quality issues in underground systems is the improper torquing of underground separable connectors. During the installation of these products, achieving proper connections is one of the most important yet overlooked step in the installation process.

It can be a challenge to identify the right elbow for varying applications. There are so many different points to consider when planning for your utility. Therefore, we put together seven simple questions to help in the process of picking the right elbow.

Elbow and parkingstand arresters are provided with a ground wire as well as a grounding eye for attaching a No.14 or equivalent drain wire. It is important to understand the correct way to install the drain wire, so that it does not negatively impact the performance of the arrester.

1. Ensure cutback dimensions are accurate and all cuts are square.
2. Do not nick or cut the shield, insulation or conductor when preparing the cable. This can lead to over-heating and dielectric failure. 
3. Terminate the metallic shield as close to the separable connector as possible. Do not expose more of the semi-con than is recommended.

1. Follow all safe work practices and recommended work procedures.
2. Review instruction sheet. Form cable, with no sharp bends, to the bushing. Terminate the metallic shield (neutral) as close to the separable connector as possible. Do not expose more of the semi-con than is recommended.

Under normal conditions, elbow probes and bushing inserts should last as long as elbows. However, there are a few signs that indicate when the probe and/or bushing insert should be replaced. 

Nothing can be more aggravating when installing elbows, than the probe not wanting to screw into the connector properly. When elbow probes do not screw into the connector properly during installation, it is usually more of an alignment issue than a thread issue.