V.
The power load or cartridges is the energy source used in powder
actuated tools. UCAN Fastening Products' cartridges are rim fire, cased
power loads. Rim fire means that the power load is fired if the load is hit
on the rim (outer edge) hard enough by the firing pin. The cartridges may
also fire if enough pressure is applied to the rim. This is the reason that
cartridges should be pried loose from the tool (or magazine strip).
UCAN Fastening Products' powder actuated tools use power loads which
are inserted into the tool either individually or in a strip magazine which
contains 10 cartridges. The UCAN LV360 uses .27 caliber loads in strip
magazines.
All powder actuated tool power loads are colour coded to identify and
differentiate power levels.
In addition, the packages that contain the power loads have a visual
colour and number identification. To avoid any confusion, power loads of
different power levels and types must be kept in separate containers or
compartments.
In the event that the operator is colour blind; the number identification on
the package will assist in power level identification. Operators who are
unable to distinguish the colours used must be given special instructions to
enable them to avoid error.
UCAN Fastening Products' tools use the following power levels:
POWER LEVEL CASE COLOUR LOAD COLOUR
#3 Brass Green
#4 Brass Yellow
#5 Brass Red
NOT ALL POWER LEVELS CAN BE USED IN EACH TOOL.
Under no condition should a power load other than those recommended
in the Tool Instruction Manual be used with a powder actuated tool.
To determine the correct power level for any application, always start with
the lowest level (#3 green for UCAN P.A.T. Tools) cartridge recommended
for use with the tool. If the lowest power level cartridge does not achieve
the desired level of fastener penetration, continue increasing the power
level by single steps until proper penetration is achieved.
In the event of a misfire, the operator shall continue to hold the tool firmly
against the work surface for a period of not less than 15 seconds and then
the cartridge shall be ejected. The misfired cartridge must be removed
from the spent power loadstrip and disposed of in accordance with local
regulations.
POWER LOADS/CARTRIDGES VI. BASE MATERIALS
The material into which the fastener shank is driven and from which the
holding power is obtained is known as the base material. Concrete and
structural steel are the two most common base materials into which
powder actuated fasteners are driven. When penetrated by a P.A.T.
fastener, a suitable base material will expand and/or compress around
the fastener and have sufficient hardness and thickness to produce
sufficient holding power and not allow the fastener to pass completely
through.
Unsuitable base materials will be:
1. Too hard for the fastener to penetrate (hardened steel, welds, cast
steel, marble, natural rock, etc.).
2. Too soft for the fastener to penetrate without cracking or shattering
the base material (glass, glazed tile, brick, slate, etc.).
3. Too soft for the fastener to produce sufficient holding power or to
keep the fastener from passing completely through the base material
(wood, plaster, drywall, composition board, etc.).
To determine the suitability of any base material, a center punch test
should be performed prior to making any fastenings.
CENTER PUNCH TEST PROCEDURES
Use a hammer and firmly tap a P.A.T. fastener into the base material:
1. If the base material shows a clear fastener point and the fastener is
not blunted, then proceed with the first test fastening.
2. If the fastener point is blunted, then the material is too hard.
3. If the base material cracks or shatters, the material is too brittle.
4. If the fastener sinks into the material with an average hammer blow,
the base material is too soft.
