What does the term swaging refer to in substation aluminum bus work?

The term swaging refers to the process of compressing aluminum bus work to create a strong and secure fit between components. This technique involves using a swaging tool or machine that exerts pressure to shape and compress the metal. In substation applications, swaging is crucial for ensuring electrical connections are both mechanically robust and electrically conductive. This is particularly important in high-voltage environments, where the integrity of connections can greatly affect overall system performance and safety.

The other options, while related to various aspects of maintenance and preparation of aluminum bus work, do not accurately describe the specific process involved in swaging. For instance, cleaning with a swab refers to ensuring surfaces are free of contaminants, roughing with sandpaper pertains to preparing surfaces for better adhesion or fit, and applying a product like penotrox is associated with preventing corrosion. However, none of these directly involve the act of compressing metals as swaging does. Thus, understanding swaging as a compressing process is essential in working with aluminum bus conductors in substations.