EX-B

BEL/LAB/TT/15_1/2010

BEL/LAB/TT/15_1/2010

REPORT
on the tests of

CLAMP EX-B, catalogue no. SK-09097

for Centipede conductors
Made by
BELOS-PLP

The tests performed by:

Leszek Grela, M.A.
Andrzej Pawlowski, M.A. Eng.
The report developed by:

Andrzej Pawlowski

The tests results apply exclusively to items tested.

This report may be reproduced and distributed only as a whole.

Bielsko-Biaa, October 2010

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Ordering party:

Preformed Line Products South Africa

Date of tests:

April to October 2010

Type of tests:

The type tests corresponding the procedur

es
c o n t a i n e d i n ESKOM Technical Specification:
Distribution Specification Part 7, Substation Connectors,
No. 34-1974, Rev. B, Published date: July 2010.

The tests were carried out on the basis of the following:

Grounds for tests:

ESKOM Technical Specification: Distribution Specification

Part 7, Substation Connectors, No. 34-1974, Rev. B,
Published date: July 2010.
ESKOM Technical Specification: Specification For
Suspension And Strain Assemblies And For Hardware For
Transmission No. Trmscaah2, June 2003.
NEMA CC1: Electric Power Connection For Substations,
2002

The report consists of

6 pages

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1. The fittings tested

For all tests at least 3 identical EX-B clamps have been tested. EX-B clamps (see appendix
no. 1) are bolted-bolted type of clamps. EX clamps are generally only to be used in noncurrent carrying applications e.g. through connections on support post insulators, voltage
transformers and surge arresters.
Table 1. Features of EX-B clamp
Type
Designation
EX-B

Diameter (mm)
A

Rated Current (In)

[A rms]

Maximum Voltage (Um)

[kV rms]

26

26,5

900

300

2. The scope of the tests

The tests on compatibility of the clamp and the Centipede conductor were carried out
following the requirements of ESKOM Specification no. 34-1974 published in 2009.
The tests involved:
Visual examination
Verification of dimensions and materials,
Electrical type tests contained:
o Short circuit test
o Cycling test (heat cycle test)
o Temperature rise test
o Corona and RIV test
Mechanical type tests contained:
o Distortion test
o Tightening test
o Pullout test

3. The results of the tests

3.1.

Visual examination

The clamps were found to have been made correctly; the surfaces of the products were
smooth, without sharp edges.
3.2.

Verification of dimensions and materials

With proper instruments, length and angle measurements were taken. Actual dimensions
were verified against the dimensions given in structural drawings.
No deviations above the limits provided in structural drawings were found.
3.3. Electrical type tests
3.3.1.

RIV / Corona test

The corona and radio influence voltage (RIV) tests have been carried out according to
Nema CC1: Electric Power Connection for Substations.
An acceptance criteria are based on ESKOM Technical Specification: Distribution
Specification Part 7, Substation Connectors, No. 34-1974, Rev. B, Published date:
July 2010.

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The difference in RIV levels between the normal operating gradient and a 15 %
higher gradient was less than 1 dB.
The RIV levels at 10 % higher gradient was less than 26 dB.
Voltage of visible Corona 262 kV.
The test were carried out in an independent laboratory Institute of Power Engineering
High Voltage Section in Warsaw. Detail report from the test contains appendix no. 3.
Based on the test results, it is found that the clamps mated with the Centipede
conductor meet the requirements with respect to the corona and radio influence
voltage (RIV) tests.
3.4. Mechanical tests
3.4.1. Measurement of distortion
Three EX-B clamps have been tightened with 54 Nm tightening torque, that is 20% above of
a nominal value - 45 Nm. Then the bolts were loosened The remaining elongation were
measured by using micrometer (see table 5).
Table 5. Elongation after tightening torque.
Sample no.
Clamp 1
Clamp 2
Clamp 3

Tightening
torque
[Nm]
54

Max.
elongation
[%]
0,15

The
elongation
[mm]
0
0
0

The
elongation
[%]
0
0
0

Result
Positive
Positive
Positive

3.4.2. Tightening torque test

The clamps have been bolted on to conductor with the bolts tightened uniformly until a torque
value 10% above the nominal value was attained (49,5 kN). The gap between the clamping
covers and the body of the clamps were not less than 2 mm (see table 6.)
Table 6. Results of tightening torque tests
Sample no.
Clamp 1
Clamp 2
Clamp 3

Tightening
torque
[Nm]

The gap
[mm]

Result

49,5

2,7
2,3
2,5

Positive
Positive
Positive

After tests each clamp, screw and thread were inspected. There were no evidence of
mechanical distortion.

3.4.3. Pullout test

EX-B clamps must be able to withstand forces that develop under short circuit conditions
without the formation of cracks or failures occurring.
The pullout tests of four clamps with Centipede conductor (two systems) were carried out in
accordance with NEMA CC 1-2005 (section 3.2).
The tests have been considered successful if:
the clamp does not suffer any mechanical damage
the connected conductor does not pull out of the clamp.
It was assumed that for the products undergoing the tests this is a load equal to 20% of the
conductor strength. The load was increased with a speed not exceeding 20.8 mm per minute.
Below is presented process of tensile test, rate of increase of load drawing 1.
Drawing 1. Tensile test: rate of increase of load

20% RTS

4%
RTS

t (s)
Gradual
increase
of the
load

Marking
of the
conducto
r

Gradual
increase
of the
load

60 s

Decrease
of the
load

The results of the mechanical tests are listed in Table 5.

Table 5. Results of pullout tests for EX-B clamps twisted with the Centipede conductor.
Sample no.
Clamp 1
Clamp 2
Clamp 3
Clamp 4

Requirement for
maximum
breaking
No slipload
at 20 % of
the conductor
strength Centipede
( 12,6
kN)

No. of system
System 1
System 2

Result
No slip and damage at
13 kN
No slip and damage at
13 kN

Based on the test results, it is found that the EX-B clamps mated with the
Centipede conductor meet the requirements with respect to mechanical tests.

4. Conclusions
Following the tests, EX-B clamps SK-09097 mated with the Centipede conductor meet the
requirements of ESKOM Technical Specification: Distribution Specification Part 7,
Substation Connectors, No. 34-1974, Rev. B, Published date: July 2010.
.

APPENDIX No. 1
The drawing of the EX-B clamp (SK09097)

-1-

95

8
N

8xM12 Bolts

84

Rated Current (In) - 900Alrms

maximum Voltage (Urn) - 300 kV/rms
Bolts, nuts, washers - steel h.d.g
Body - Aluminium Alloy

REVISIONS

DO NOT SCALE THIS PRINT

Q.

C. LEGEND
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EX-B Clamp

EX - B

SK-09097

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