FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS: MEDIUM

VOLTAGE SEPARABLE

CONNECTORS FOR

TRANSFORMERS AND

SWITCHGEARS

Dr. Christoph Lederle , Product Manager Medium Voltage Switchgear Connectors and

Terminations, TE Connectivity christoph.lederle@te.com

Published after the webinar “Choosing the right medium voltage separable connectors for transformers and switchgears” in January 2016

ENERGY /// MEDIUM VOLTAGE SEPARABLE CONNECTORS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

TE SEPARABLE CONNECTORS CAPABILITIES

What are the outstanding features of TE separable connectors?

TE provides one of the broadest medium voltage cable accessory portfolios in the market. The innovation culture and usage of modern material formulations allow an easy installation and outstanding reliability of the products.

Do TE medium voltage separable connectors cater for solidly earthed systems with high earth fault current magnitudes?

Yes. Qualifying medium voltage separable connectors to the short circuit conditions of a solid grounded network is part of the CENELC.HD.629.1.S2

How do TE separable connectors perform in wind farms regarding fluctuation of voltage and resonance effects?

Our cable accessories are operating for several years in a converter based electric wind and solar power generation environment without any performance issues.

Does TE offer a solution for plug in cable cabinets without switchgear?

Yes, we are actually testing a junction box for medium voltage applications.

Does TE provide separable connectors and bushings?

TE has one of the broadest separable connector portfolios for almost all cable types in the market. The bushings are highly standardized and provided with the electrical equipment.

Does TE offer separable connectors for bushing type F?

TE is currently assessing the market demand.

TE OUTER CONE CONNECTORS

Please briefly explain the differences between RICS, RSSS and RSES.

RICS is a shrouded elbow termination providing additional insulation to connect a heat shrink termination with electrical equipment using plug in type bushings type C. TE straight RSSS and elbow RSES 250A connectors are screened solutions to connect cables to electrical equipment using plug in type bushings type A.

Does TE offer two different kinds of separable connectors type A 250A?

TE offers two kinds of separable connectors type A 250A: one version with

EPDM material and one range taking version with single piece silicone which has been launched in designated markets.

Does TE offer mechanical lugs for separable connectors type A?

A range taking version of the 250A type A is already available up to 95mm². We have plans to extend the range taking capabilities up to 150mm² using mechanical lugs.

ENERGY /// MEDIUM VOLTAGE SEPARABLE CONNECTORS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS PAGE 2

Up to what voltage can RSTI-5855 be used?

The outer cone connectors RSTI-58xx are qualified to a maximum operation voltage of 24 kV.

Is it possible to connect surge arresters to the outer cone connectors

RSTI-56xx?

The outer cone connectors RSTI-56xx have been phased out in 2002. The only possibility to connect surge arresters is to replace the RSTI-56xx connector with the latest RSTI-58xx.

TE INNER CONE SEPARABLE CONNECTORS

What are the different sizes for the Raychem Plug In Termination (RPIT) separable connectors?

Due to the features of inner-cone connectors the main market on medium voltage electrical apparatuses is on size 2 and size 3. Size 4, 5 and 6 are high voltage inner cone separable connectors which are similar to our PHVX product range for 72 kV, 145 kV and 170 kV. Since there is no standard for the bushing type, the bushing and connector need to be provided by one supplier.

SENSOR TECHNOLOGY

Are the sensors for inner/outer cone connectors part of TE Connectivity portfolio?

Yes, an updated brochure showing all products will be available end of

February 2016.

Do you see sensor technology being introduced into other accessories of the network such as joints?

Due to easy access for maintenance and exchange of electronic components, the termination area of cable networks is seen as one of the preferred installation places for smart grid components.

Do you consider that the sensor technology can replace the conventional current transformers and voltage transformers today?

Due to the high flexibility and accuracy of the sensors, the conventional voltage transformers might be replaced in the future.

MATERIAL AND TECHNOLOGY CHOICE

What is the best technology: screw cable lugs or press cable lugs?

From a technical point of view both lug technologies are suitable. The screw type cable lugs also called mechanical lugs are state of the art technology with a wide application range and allow an installation with a wrench.

ENERGY /// MEDIUM VOLTAGE SEPARABLE CONNECTORS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS PAGE 3

In addition to DIN standard lugs, can we opt for IEC standard lugs?

Cable lugs for switchgear separable connectors are specially designed and are always included in the kits. No other lugs can be used.

What is the difference between silicone & EPDM from a cost point of view?

The material market price for silicone is higher than for EPDM. In order to choose the right material, the advantages of installation, the performance as well the type of application needs to be taken into account.

Are trifurcation kits available for unscreened PILC medium voltage cables?

TE offers trifurcation kits for unscreened PILC cables. However, screened separable connectors cannot be used on these cables. It is recommended to use RICS unscreened connectors.

Can we use 24 kV terminations for a 15 kV application?

Product qualified for 24 kV are compliant for operation at lower voltages. The application range (cable construction) needs to be considered.

Is there a tool to disconnect outer cone separable connectors after long time use?

By using the specified grease during the installation, the removal of connectors from bushing should be possible in a smooth way. One recommended method to remove the connectors from the bushing is to inject pressurized air into the interface.

ENERGY /// MEDIUM VOLTAGE SEPARABLE CONNECTORS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS PAGE 4

te.com/rpit

©2016 TE Connectivity Ltd. family of companies. All Rights Reserved. EPP-2558-1/16

TE, TE Connectivity and the TE connectivity (logo) are trademarks of the TE Connectivity Ltd. family of companies. Other logos, product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. While TE has made every reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this brochure, TE does not guarantee that it is error-free, nor does TE make any other representation, warranty or guarantee that the information is accurate, correct, reliable or current. TE reserves the right to make any adjustments to the information contained herein at any time without notice. TE expressly disclaims all implied warranties regarding the information contained herein, including, but not limited to, any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The dimensions in this brochure are for reference purposes only and are subject to change without notice. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Consult TE for the latest dimensions and design specifications.

ENERGY /// MEDIUM VOLTAGE SEPARABLE CONNECTORS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS PAGE 5