CA2920762C - Swaged connectors for a grounding grid - Google Patents
Swaged connectors for a grounding grid Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2920762C CA2920762C CA2920762A CA2920762A CA2920762C CA 2920762 C CA2920762 C CA 2920762C CA 2920762 A CA2920762 A CA 2920762A CA 2920762 A CA2920762 A CA 2920762A CA 2920762 C CA2920762 C CA 2920762C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- connector
- body member
- swage
- trough
- inserts
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/58—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation characterised by the form or material of the contacting members
- H01R4/66—Connections with the terrestrial mass, e.g. earth plate, earth pin
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
- H01R4/50—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a cam, wedge, cone or ball also combined with a screw
- H01R4/5083—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a cam, wedge, cone or ball also combined with a screw using a wedge
Landscapes
- Connections Effected By Soldering, Adhesion, Or Permanent Deformation (AREA)
Abstract
A family of swaged connectors has particular application for joining segments of copper cable that make up a subterranean grounding grid in an electrical utility substation. The connectors have a body member with at least one swage region having a trough for receiving an electrical conductor. The swage region has an opening extending the length of the trough to allow insertion, in a radial direction, of the electrical conductor into the trough. An insert is configured for mating engagement with the opening in the swage region, such that, when the insert is mated with the body member, an electrical conductor disposed within the trough is radially entrapped in the connector. The connector body and insert have a cylindrical outer surface in the swage region to facilitate swaging the connector to secure it to the electrical conductor. The connector may be configured as a lap splice, tee or elbow.
Description
SWAGED CONNECTORS FOR A GROUNDING GRID
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
100011 This invention relates to the field of connectors for electrical conductors, and, more particularly to swaged connectors for use in a grounding grid.
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
100011 This invention relates to the field of connectors for electrical conductors, and, more particularly to swaged connectors for use in a grounding grid.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Substations in electrical power distribution systems require a properly designed and installed grounding system to insure reliable performance.
Grounding is typically accomplished with a grid of electrical conductors buried in the soil. The substation equipment is connected to the grounding grid by means of cables, rods or bars that are securely connected to the grid.
Grounding is typically accomplished with a grid of electrical conductors buried in the soil. The substation equipment is connected to the grounding grid by means of cables, rods or bars that are securely connected to the grid.
[0003] Connections within and to the grid are typically made using special purpose connectors that are crimped to a grid conductor. The crimping process used to secure a connector concentrates the compressive force at one or a few locations around the circumference of the conductor. This localized concentration of force can result in a poor electrical connection. Swaging is a process that distributes compressive force evenly around the circumference of a cylindrical body. Therefore, a properly swaged connector will generally provide a superior connection in comparison to a crimped connector.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
100041 The present invention provides a family of swaged connectors with particular application for joining segments of copper cable that make up a subterranean grounding grid in an electrical utility substation. Removable inserts or "lids" allow the connectors to join onto existing continuous cables prior to installation.
[0005] The connectors comprise a body member with at least one swage region having a trough for receiving an electrical conductor, the swage region having an opening WSLEGAL\029149\00014\13147044v2 0 .
=
extending the length of the trough to allow insertion, in a radial direction, of the electrical conductor into the trough. An insert is configured for mating engagement with the opening in the swage region, such that, when the insert is mated with the body member, an electrical conductor disposed within the trough is radially entrapped in the connector.
The connector body and insert have a cylindrical outer surface in the swage region to facilitate swaging the connector to secure it to the electrical conductor. The connector may be configured as a lap splice, tee or elbow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Figure 1 is perspective view of a connector in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.
[0007] Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the connector shown in Figure 1.
[0008] Figure 3 is an elevation view of one end of the connector shown in Figure 1.
[00091 Figure 4 is a perspective view of a connector in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.
[0010] Figure 5 is an elevation view of one end of the connector shown in Figure 3.
[0011] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a connector in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention.
[0012] Figure 7 is an elevation view of one end of the connector shown in Figure 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention WSLEGAL \ 029149 \ 00014 \13147044v2 may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details.
In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods and devices are omitted so as to not obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.
[0014] Figures 1-3 illustrate a split tee grounding connector 10. The purpose of this connector is to join cable (copper-clad, copper stranded or solid copper) and/or ground rod (solid copper or copper clad/bonded) or rebar in a 900 configuration.
Connector 10 comprises a body member 12 and a pair of inserts or "lids" 14. The body member and inserts are preferably made of high-purity copper, such as electrolytic tough pitch copper.
With the inserts removed, connector body 12 has a nearly semi-cylindrical trough 16 for receiving a conductor cable 17. In one specific example, the diameter of the cylindrical trough is 0.594".
[0015] Inserts 14 are configured with a complementary cylindrical inner surface 18 such that the assembled connector has a complete cylindrical inner surface surrounding the cable in swage regions 24. Inserts 14 have flanges 20 that are received in corresponding slots 22 in body member 12. These flanges and slots define keying surfaces that assist axial insertion of the inserts into the body member and prevent the inserts from being removed radially. The flanges and slots may also be configured with an axial taper toward the center of the body member to prevent the inserts from sliding all the way through the slots and to temporarily wedge the inserts in the slots during installation prior to swaging.
[0016] Connector 10 is attached to a cable by first removing the inserts 14 and then placing the cable into trough 16. Inserts 14 are then inserted axially into slots 22. Swage regions 24 of the connector are then inserted into a suitable swage tool and uniformly radially compressed to retain the cable. In one specific example, the swage regions of the connector are 1.00" wide and have an outside diameter of 1.25". The swaging operation is preferably performed using the 360 Radial Swage Tool manufactured by DMC
Power, Inc. of Gardena, Calif.
[0017] The center section 26 of the body member between the two swage regions 24 does not fully encircle the cable for the purpose of reducing the volume of material in the WSLEGAL\029149\00014\13147044v2 connector. The resulting shorter lengths of the inserts 14 increase the strength of the connector by minimizing the overturning moment created under a tensile load between the 900 portions of the connector.
[0018] Bottom tap 28 does not require an insert since the cable, rod or rebar can be inserted axially. The outside diameter of the bottom tap is sized for the swaging tool and will generally have the same outside diameter as swaging regions 24. A hole 30 is drilled to the center of the connector. This hole serves to verify proper insertion depth during installation and allows moisture to escape after installation.
[0019] Figure 4 and 5 illustrate an offset split elbow/tee/cross connector 40. This connector is designed to join cable and/or ground rod or rebar in a 90 offset configuration. The construction and assembly of connector 40 is essentially the same as for connector 10 described above. As with connector 10, the area behind the two swage regions 44 of body member 42 has been removed for material reduction and to minimize the overturning moment between the 90 portions.
[0020] Figure 6 and 7 illustrate a split parallel grounding connector 50.
Two parallel holes 54 and 56 allow the connector to be used in various geometries with flexible cable, such as tee, offset cross, splice, or parallel continuous cable. As with the above-described connectors, connector 50 can be used with cable, ground rod and/or rebar. Two cutaway sections 58 and 60 on either side of connector body 52 serve dual purposes.
First, they reduce the amount of material in the connector, allowing a smaller required force to plastically deform during swaging. Second, they provide an area where the fitting can further compress, even after the cable and connector interface have been fully compressed. This allows for range taking, i.e., the ability to accommodate various cable sizes with a single hole diameter.
[0021] Unlike the previously described embodiments, connector 50 does not have separate swage regions for the connected conductors. Instead, the entire connector body, with inserts 14, is inserted into a suitable swage tool and uniformly radially compressed to retain both of the conductors. In one specific example, the outside diameter of connector 50 is 2.00".
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
100041 The present invention provides a family of swaged connectors with particular application for joining segments of copper cable that make up a subterranean grounding grid in an electrical utility substation. Removable inserts or "lids" allow the connectors to join onto existing continuous cables prior to installation.
[0005] The connectors comprise a body member with at least one swage region having a trough for receiving an electrical conductor, the swage region having an opening WSLEGAL\029149\00014\13147044v2 0 .
=
extending the length of the trough to allow insertion, in a radial direction, of the electrical conductor into the trough. An insert is configured for mating engagement with the opening in the swage region, such that, when the insert is mated with the body member, an electrical conductor disposed within the trough is radially entrapped in the connector.
The connector body and insert have a cylindrical outer surface in the swage region to facilitate swaging the connector to secure it to the electrical conductor. The connector may be configured as a lap splice, tee or elbow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Figure 1 is perspective view of a connector in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.
[0007] Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the connector shown in Figure 1.
[0008] Figure 3 is an elevation view of one end of the connector shown in Figure 1.
[00091 Figure 4 is a perspective view of a connector in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.
[0010] Figure 5 is an elevation view of one end of the connector shown in Figure 3.
[0011] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a connector in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention.
[0012] Figure 7 is an elevation view of one end of the connector shown in Figure 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention WSLEGAL \ 029149 \ 00014 \13147044v2 may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details.
In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods and devices are omitted so as to not obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.
[0014] Figures 1-3 illustrate a split tee grounding connector 10. The purpose of this connector is to join cable (copper-clad, copper stranded or solid copper) and/or ground rod (solid copper or copper clad/bonded) or rebar in a 900 configuration.
Connector 10 comprises a body member 12 and a pair of inserts or "lids" 14. The body member and inserts are preferably made of high-purity copper, such as electrolytic tough pitch copper.
With the inserts removed, connector body 12 has a nearly semi-cylindrical trough 16 for receiving a conductor cable 17. In one specific example, the diameter of the cylindrical trough is 0.594".
[0015] Inserts 14 are configured with a complementary cylindrical inner surface 18 such that the assembled connector has a complete cylindrical inner surface surrounding the cable in swage regions 24. Inserts 14 have flanges 20 that are received in corresponding slots 22 in body member 12. These flanges and slots define keying surfaces that assist axial insertion of the inserts into the body member and prevent the inserts from being removed radially. The flanges and slots may also be configured with an axial taper toward the center of the body member to prevent the inserts from sliding all the way through the slots and to temporarily wedge the inserts in the slots during installation prior to swaging.
[0016] Connector 10 is attached to a cable by first removing the inserts 14 and then placing the cable into trough 16. Inserts 14 are then inserted axially into slots 22. Swage regions 24 of the connector are then inserted into a suitable swage tool and uniformly radially compressed to retain the cable. In one specific example, the swage regions of the connector are 1.00" wide and have an outside diameter of 1.25". The swaging operation is preferably performed using the 360 Radial Swage Tool manufactured by DMC
Power, Inc. of Gardena, Calif.
[0017] The center section 26 of the body member between the two swage regions 24 does not fully encircle the cable for the purpose of reducing the volume of material in the WSLEGAL\029149\00014\13147044v2 connector. The resulting shorter lengths of the inserts 14 increase the strength of the connector by minimizing the overturning moment created under a tensile load between the 900 portions of the connector.
[0018] Bottom tap 28 does not require an insert since the cable, rod or rebar can be inserted axially. The outside diameter of the bottom tap is sized for the swaging tool and will generally have the same outside diameter as swaging regions 24. A hole 30 is drilled to the center of the connector. This hole serves to verify proper insertion depth during installation and allows moisture to escape after installation.
[0019] Figure 4 and 5 illustrate an offset split elbow/tee/cross connector 40. This connector is designed to join cable and/or ground rod or rebar in a 90 offset configuration. The construction and assembly of connector 40 is essentially the same as for connector 10 described above. As with connector 10, the area behind the two swage regions 44 of body member 42 has been removed for material reduction and to minimize the overturning moment between the 90 portions.
[0020] Figure 6 and 7 illustrate a split parallel grounding connector 50.
Two parallel holes 54 and 56 allow the connector to be used in various geometries with flexible cable, such as tee, offset cross, splice, or parallel continuous cable. As with the above-described connectors, connector 50 can be used with cable, ground rod and/or rebar. Two cutaway sections 58 and 60 on either side of connector body 52 serve dual purposes.
First, they reduce the amount of material in the connector, allowing a smaller required force to plastically deform during swaging. Second, they provide an area where the fitting can further compress, even after the cable and connector interface have been fully compressed. This allows for range taking, i.e., the ability to accommodate various cable sizes with a single hole diameter.
[0021] Unlike the previously described embodiments, connector 50 does not have separate swage regions for the connected conductors. Instead, the entire connector body, with inserts 14, is inserted into a suitable swage tool and uniformly radially compressed to retain both of the conductors. In one specific example, the outside diameter of connector 50 is 2.00".
4 WSLEGAL\029149\00014\13147044v2 [0022] It will be recognized that the above-described invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Thus, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing illustrative details, but rather is to be defined by the appended claims.
WSLEGAL\029149\00014\13147044v2
WSLEGAL\029149\00014\13147044v2
Claims (9)
1. A connector comprising:
a body member with first and second swage regions having respective first and second troughs for receiving respective electrical conductors, the body member having first and second openings extending a length of the respective troughs to allow insertion, in a radial direction, of respective electrical conductors into the respective troughs;
first and second inserts, each configured for mating engagement with a respective one of the openings such that, when the inserts are mated with the body member, the electrical conductors disposed within the troughs are radially entrapped in the connector.
a body member with first and second swage regions having respective first and second troughs for receiving respective electrical conductors, the body member having first and second openings extending a length of the respective troughs to allow insertion, in a radial direction, of respective electrical conductors into the respective troughs;
first and second inserts, each configured for mating engagement with a respective one of the openings such that, when the inserts are mated with the body member, the electrical conductors disposed within the troughs are radially entrapped in the connector.
2. The connector of claim 1 wherein the first and second swage regions are disposed at right angles to one another.
3. The connector of claim 1 wherein the first and second swage regions are coaxial and wherein the body member further comprises a tap portion having a cylindrical opening for receiving an additional electrical conductor.
4. The connector of claim 3 wherein the tap portion is disposed perpendicular to the two swage regions in a tee configuration.
5. The connector of claim 1 wherein the first and second troughs are oriented parallel to one another.
6. The connector of claim 1 wherein a transverse cross-section of the trough defines a first circular arc.
7. The connector of claim 6 wherein each insert has a trough with a transverse cross-section defining a second circular arc complementary to the first circular arc.
8. The connector of claim I wherein the body member and inserts have corresponding keying surfaces such that the inserts are axially insertable into the body member and are radially retained therein.
9. A method of attaching the connector of claim 1 to first and second electrical conductors comprising:
inserting the first electrical conductor into the first trough of the body member;
inserting the second electrical conductor into the second trough of the body member;
inserting the two inserts into the respective openings;
compressing the swage regions radially inwardly with a swaging tool.
inserting the first electrical conductor into the first trough of the body member;
inserting the second electrical conductor into the second trough of the body member;
inserting the two inserts into the respective openings;
compressing the swage regions radially inwardly with a swaging tool.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2920762A CA2920762C (en) | 2016-02-09 | 2016-02-09 | Swaged connectors for a grounding grid |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2920762A CA2920762C (en) | 2016-02-09 | 2016-02-09 | Swaged connectors for a grounding grid |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2920762A1 CA2920762A1 (en) | 2017-08-09 |
| CA2920762C true CA2920762C (en) | 2022-11-22 |
Family
ID=59559012
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2920762A Active CA2920762C (en) | 2016-02-09 | 2016-02-09 | Swaged connectors for a grounding grid |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2920762C (en) |
-
2016
- 2016-02-09 CA CA2920762A patent/CA2920762C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2920762A1 (en) | 2017-08-09 |
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Legal Events
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| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20201214 |
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| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20201214 |
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| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20201214 |
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| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20201214 |