Burndy YA Series Cross-Reference: Equivalent Compression Lugs at Distributor Pricing
Jul 14, 2026
Reading Burndy YA Part Numbers
The YA series follows a predictable structure. Once you decode it, cross-referencing becomes straightforward.
- YA = One-hole copper compression lug, standard barrel
- Size code = Conductor size: 25 for 1/0 AWG, 26 for 2/0, 27 for 3/0, 28 for 4/0
- C = Copper material (always present in standard catalog numbers)
- L = Long barrel variant (extended barrel for additional crimp grooves)
- 2N = Two-hole NEMA pattern (spaced 3/4" or 1" depending on size)
- Stud size = Suffix indicating bolt diameter: -1 for 1/4", -2 for 5/16", -3 for 3/8", -4 for 1/2"
Example: YA28CL-2 translates to 4/0 AWG, copper, long barrel, 5/16" stud hole. YA252N-3 would be 1/0 AWG, two-hole NEMA, 3/8" studs.
What to Verify When Substituting
Not every lug labeled "equivalent" is truly interchangeable. Check these five points before specifying a substitute.
Conductor Range
The equivalent must accept the same conductor class. Most YA lugs handle Class B stranded per ASTM B8, but verify Class C or compact stranding if your spec demands it. Barrel ID and crimp die selection depend on this match.
Stud Size and Configuration
Stud hole diameter and barrel orientation matter for torque clearance and wrench access. One-hole lugs rotate 90 degrees depending on palm position; two-hole NEMA patterns must align with existing busbar drilling. Measure center-to-center spacing on 2N variants—Burndy typically uses 0.75" for smaller sizes, 1.00" for 250 kcmil and up.
Barrel Length and Crimp Count
Standard YA barrels accept two crimps on smaller sizes, three on 4/0 and above. Long-barrel "L" variants add one additional crimp groove. Your tooling must match—using a short-barrel die on a long-barrel lug leaves uncaptured conductor; reverse leaves uncrimped barrel length.
UL 486A-486B Listing
Verify the substitute carries UL listing for wire connectors per UL 486A-486B. This covers current-carrying capacity, temperature rise, and pullout force testing. The listing file number should appear on the lug or its packaging. NEC 110.3(B) requires listed equipment be installed per its listing—substituting unlisted connectors creates code compliance exposure.
Color Code and Die Index
Most manufacturers color-code barrels to match crimp die sets. Cross-reference the die index number stamped on your existing tooling. A mismatch forces new die purchases or field crimp quality uncertainty.
Why Form-Equivalent Lugs Interchange
Compression lugs are commodity hardware governed by dimensional standards, not proprietary technology. The NEC and UL establish minimum performance; beyond that, palm geometry, barrel wall thickness, and tin plating thickness vary slightly but function identically in service.
Form-equivalent lugs from certified partner factories replicate the critical dimensions: barrel ID for conductor fill, palm thickness for bolted joint integrity, and overall length for bend radius compliance. They install with the same tooling, torque to the same values, and perform identically in thermal cycling.
Procurement Considerations
| Factor | Traditional Channel | Distributor Model |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum order | Case quantities, factory lead times | Line-item flexibility |
| Stock depth | Allocated to large contractors | Available for immediate shipment |
| Pricing structure | Negotiated annual agreements | Published distributor pricing |
| Cross-reference support | Limited to own brand | Multi-brand equivalence data |
For contractors managing multiple concurrent jobs, the ability to buy exact quantities without case commitments reduces inventory carrying cost. Purchasing agents gain leverage through transparent pricing rather than locked-in OEM agreements.
Finding Your Equivalent
Our one-hole compression lugs collection includes form-equivalent substitutes across the full YA size range. For systematic cross-referencing, use the cross-reference hub to map Burndy, Panduit, Ilsco, and other manufacturer numbers to available stock.
When submitting an RFQ, include the original manufacturer part number, conductor class, and application voltage. This ensures the equivalent specified matches both the physical installation and any project-specific submittal requirements.
Installation Notes
Compression lugs require clean conductor preparation. Strip insulation squarely without nicking strands. Wire brush oxidized copper until bright. Apply antioxidant compound per manufacturer instructions—this is particularly critical for aluminum-to-copper transitions, though YA-series lugs are copper-only.
Crimp with dies rated for the specific lug and conductor combination. Indented crimps (O-type, W-type, or circumferential depending on tooling) each have specific die requirements. Post-crimp inspection should show symmetrical indentation, no flash extrusion beyond barrel ends, and full conductor capture. Torque terminal bolts to equipment manufacturer specifications, not lug manufacturer values, per NEC 110.3(B).
Shop the full range: Browse our 2-Hole Compression Lugs — UL-listed, full AWG range, same-day shipping with Net 30/60 for qualified accounts.
