Which method of conductor joining is characterized by a compression tool application?

The method of conductor joining characterized by the application of a compression tool is the compression sleeve. This method involves using a specially designed sleeve to join two conductors. When a compression tool is applied to the sleeve, it deforms around the conductors, creating a secure electrical connection that is both mechanically strong and resistant to environmental factors.

Compression sleeves are advantageous because they provide a low-resistance joint and are typically used in high-load applications. The process ensures that the connection remains intact under various conditions, which is crucial for long-term reliability. This method is commonly used in overhead and underground conductor applications, where the integrity of the connection is vital.

In contrast, splice joints often refer to joining two conductors by overlapping them and sometimes securing them with additional materials or hardware, but this does not specifically involve a compression tool. Twist joints rely on twisting the ends of the conductors together to achieve a connection, which does not provide the same level of mechanical reliability as a compression sleeve. Automatic tension sleeves are designed to maintain tension on the conductors but do not involve the same compression process as the compression sleeve method.