Panduit CTAPR2/0-2-L Copper Compression Tap Connector
Overview
The Panduit CTAPR2/0-2-L is a 2/0 AWG copper compression tap connector from Panduit's StructuredGround™ grounding and bonding line, engineered for conductor-to-conductor and conductor-to-ground-rod taps in service entrance networks, grounding grids, and power distribution systems rated to 35 kV. This is a utility-grade component — not a commodity lug — and its dual UL certification profile makes it one of the few connectors qualified for both direct burial and high-voltage power applications in a single SKU. Sold in a pack of 50, the CTAPR2/0-2-L (often searched as CTAPR2/0 2 L) suits volume infrastructure deployments where consistent, code-compliant terminations matter more than unit price.
The connector is manufactured from solid copper, which keeps contact resistance stable over decades of thermal cycling. You won't see the galvanic creep issues associated with aluminum-to-copper transitions, and the material is compatible with both solid and stranded copper Code conductors — important when your feeder and tap conductors come from different sources or vintages on a retrofit job.
Key Features
- UL467 Listed — Direct Burial and Concrete Encasement: Certified for direct burial in earth and concrete under UL486, this connector doesn't require a separate protective housing when installed below grade. That eliminates a common inspection failure point on grounding grid and earthing network projects.
- UL486A-486B Rated to 36 kV, 90°C: Qualified for wire-to-wire power connections up to 36 kV at 90°C conductor temperature — the same threshold as THHN/THWN-2 and XHHW-2 insulated conductors. This means you can use the CTAPR2/0-2-L on medium-voltage feeders without a separate splice kit when paired with compatible Panduit or listed competitor crimping tools and dies.
- cULus Certification for UL467 Grounding Applications: The cULus listing covers direct grounding applications per UL467, satisfying NEC Article 250 inspection requirements at the connector level — no field-fabricated alternatives, no variance requests.
- Solid Copper Construction: Copper body eliminates dissimilar-metal corrosion at the crimp interface for both solid and stranded Code conductors. In corrosive environments (coastal, industrial, underground), this is the correct choice over tin-plated aluminum compression connectors.
- Conductor-to-Conductor and Conductor-to-Ground-Rod Geometry: The tap connector geometry supports both inline taps (feeder-to-branch) and T-taps to ground rods, giving a single part number coverage for grounding grid intersections and service entrance bonding points.
- StructuredGround™ Sub-Brand: Part of Panduit's grounding and bonding catalog, which means compatibility with Panduit's indexed crimp tool and die system. Die selection is documented by Panduit; using a listed competitor tool is also acceptable under the UL486A-486B listing — verify the tool/die combination against the specific listing data before inspection.
- Pack Quantity: 50: At 50 units per package, this connector is priced and packaged for infrastructure-scale deployment — grounding grids, transmission substation earthing, or multi-point bonding in large commercial builds — not one-off repairs.
- Overall Dimensions — 1.43 in. H × 0.72 in. W × 0.75 in. L: Compact footprint for a 2/0 AWG tap connector. Fits in congested panel and vault terminations where space around busbars is constrained.
Integration and Compatibility
The CTAPR2/0-2-L is compatible with solid and stranded copper Code conductors at the 2/0 AWG range. It is rated for use with grounding and bonding connector applications per UL467 and medium-voltage power applications per UL486A-486B up to 36 kV. Crimping requires a listed compression tool with the correct die — Panduit publishes indexed die selection tables, and the UL listing also covers select competitor tools. Consult the Panduit die selection guide or the UL listing data before committing to a tool/die combination on an inspected job. Competitor cross-references for this connector include ELT-4, YGHA26C26, and YGHC26C2TN — confirm dimensional and listing equivalence before substituting on permitted work.
For complete grounding system design, pair with Panduit grounding and bonding accessories including ground rods, irreversible compression tools, and StructuredGround™ connector covers where above-grade installations require mechanical protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the CTAPR2/0-2-L listed for direct burial in concrete?
A: Yes. The CTAPR2/0-2-L is UL486 listed for direct burial in both earth and concrete, making it suitable for below-grade grounding grid connections without a separate protective enclosure.
Q: What is the maximum voltage rating for the CTAPR2/0-2-L?
A: The connector is rated for wire-to-wire power applications up to 36 kV at 90°C under UL486A-486B, using compatible Panduit or listed competitor crimping tools and dies.
Q: Does the CTAPR2/0-2-L work with stranded copper conductors?
A: Yes. The CTAPR2/0-2-L is compatible with both solid and stranded copper Code conductors at the 2/0 AWG range.
Q: What NEC article does the UL467 listing address?
A: UL467 covers grounding and bonding equipment, which aligns with NEC Article 250 requirements. The cULus listing satisfies inspection requirements for direct grounding applications at this connector.
Q: How many connectors are in a package?
A: Each package of CTAPR2/0-2-L contains 50 connectors.
Q: Are competitor crimping tools acceptable with this connector?
A: Yes, the UL486A-486B listing covers select competitor tools and dies in addition to Panduit tooling. Verify the specific tool and die combination against the UL listing data before use on an inspected installation.
When I look at the CTAPR2/0-2-L, the dual UL certification is the detail that matters most on permitted work — this connector carries both UL467 for direct grounding and UL486A-486B for power conductor taps up to 36 kV at 90°C, which is a combination you don't find on every compression tap in the 2/0 AWG range. That single part number handles grounding grid nodes and medium-voltage feeder taps without requiring a separate connector SKU for each application.
Technical Highlights:
- UL467 + UL486A-486B Dual Listing: Covers both NEC Article 250 grounding applications and medium-voltage power taps up to 36 kV — two common requirements on utility and commercial builds addressed by one listed part.
- Direct Burial in Earth and Concrete: UL486 burial listing eliminates the need for a separate enclosure or mechanical protection below grade, reducing materials and inspection points on grounding grid installations.
- Solid Copper, 2/0 AWG: Copper construction handles solid and stranded Code conductors without galvanic concerns at the crimp interface — important for long-term connection integrity in underground and corrosive environments.
Deployment Considerations:
- Die selection is critical — the UL486A-486B listing is only valid with the specific Panduit or listed competitor tool/die combinations documented in the listing data. Confirm before inspection, not after.
- The 50-unit pack quantity is efficient for grounding grid work but means you're committed to the same conductor size across the job. Verify all tap points are 2/0 AWG before ordering at volume.
The CTAPR2/0-2-L is the right connector for electrical contractors installing grounding grids at substations, commercial service entrances, or telecommunications earthing systems where both burial depth and medium-voltage power exposure require a single code-listed compression tap without field workarounds.
