FAQ - Nexans Euromold Screened Connectors

FAQ - Nexans Euromold Screened Connectors

Q: Are the Euromold connectors halogen free?

A: Yes, the Euromold connector and all its components are made of halogen free material.

Q: Are the Euromold connectors water tight?

A: Yes, the Euromold connectors are completely watertight, both at the interface and at the cable entrance. In case of Cu wire screen, water sealing mastic is applied on the cable jacket.

Q: Can the Euromold connector be immediately energised after installation?

A: Yes, the Euromold connector is ready to be energised immediately after installation.

Q: How can you see if a switchgear is earthed?

A: MV switchgear is usually equipped with voltage indicators, indicating whether the switchgear is switched off and earthed and thus safe to disconnect the cables - It can be checked also by measuring at the capacitive test point of the connector - In case of a transformer, the capacitive test point of the MV connector can be measured or otherwise the connection at the LV side. In any case the safety regulations according to the applicable national standards should be respected before taking any action to touch or disconnect the equipment.

Q: How is a Euromold connector made?

A: The housing of a Euromold connector is moulded in three steps: 1. Jacket, 2. Insert, 3. Insulation in between jacket and insert.

Q: Is it safe to remove the cap of the Capacitive Testpoint?

A: It is safe to remove the cap of the capacitive testpoint and to accidentally touch it without protection. The overall available energy is minimal, any potential will disappear immediately when touched by an operator. Because the VD-point has a high impedance, the current transfer is a fraction of a micro ampère and imperceptible to human touch. However, according to the procedures of all Power Utilities, intended manipulation of the connectors should be done with hot stick, insulated pliers or other appropriate tools.

Q: Of which material are the cable adaptors such as 211CA, 411CA, 430CA made?

A: The cable adaptors are made of a compound with high permittivity factor. This provides electrical stress relief at the semicon cut-off point of the cable. Because the cable adaptors are not conductive, they provide a screenbreak between the cable and the connector housing. So the cable screen can be tested without disconnecting the connector from the equipment.

Q: What are the advantages of EPDM connectors compared to silicone connectors?

A: Amongst other advantages, the EPDM connectors have a higher mechanical strength and can be easily connected and disconnected from the bushing. The silicone connectors tend to stick to the bushing and cannot be removed easily without damaging the connector.

Q: What does MWS stand for?

A: MWS stands for Mastic Water Sealing and is included in connector kits for outdoor use. The mastic is installed on the jacket under the bent-back Cu wire screen, to provide watersealing.

Q: What is a deadbreak connector?

A: The Euromold connectors are deadbreak connectors. The power has to be switched off before the connector can be disconnected from the bushing.

Q: What is a loadbreak connector?

A: The connector can be pulled from the equipment with an insulating stick while the cable is still under tension.

Q: What is blooming of the rubber connectors?

A: After a long time, talc powder (which is mixed in the rubber mixture) can rise to the surface of the connectors and form a white "layer" on the connectors - this layer can be easily cleaned and will not harm the connector's normal functioning.

Q: What is EPDM, material of the Euromold separable connector?

A: EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer rubber. The outer jacket and insert of the connector are semi-conductive. The material in between these two layers is insulating EPDM.

Q: What is the difference between a kit called 3X430TB and a kit called T-430TB?

A: Both kits contain 3pcs of 430TB connector, but the 3X430TB contains installation instructions for single core cable and the T-430TB contains installation instructions for 3-core cable.

Q: What is the function of a separable connector?

A: To connect MV cable to equipment, such as transformers, switchgear, motors and generators.

Q: What is the function of the bail restraint?

A: Keep the connectors with pin-contact (Interface A and Interface B) in place during short-circuit situations.

Q: What is the IP rating of the Euromold connector?

A: The IP (Ingress Protection) rating of the Euromold connectors is IP67. This means that the connectors are completely dust-tight and suitable for immersion in water of <1m depth.

Q: What is the resistance of the Euromold connectors to harsh environments?

A: The material of the Euromold connectors is resistant to UV radiation, ozone, sunlight, pollution such as salt-fog, heavy industry environments such as steel and cement works etc.

Q: What is the shelf life of the Euromold connectors?

A: The Euromold connectors have unlimited shelf life when stored in good conditions (no direct sunlight, no dust,…)

Q: What is the temperature range of the Euromold connectors?

A: The temperature range in which a Euromold connector can operate is from -60°C to +130°C. Because of the temperature range of the epoxy bushing, the actualtemperature range for the application is from -40°C to +115°C.

Q: What is the use of the test rods such as 400TR, 800TR,… ?

A: The test rods can be installed at the back of a T-connector or elbow connector and are used for cable fault location, cable testing, phasing checks and earthing.

Q: Where does the cable clamp needs to be installed?

A: As close as possible to the connector without damaging the connector. Make sure the cable is straight when clamped. Best is to clamp the cable first and then install the connector on the bushing.

Q: Which is the main component of the surge arrester?

A: The surge arrester contains metal oxide blocks which act as varistors.

Q: Why can't the 400TR be used for testing of M-products (75kV AC - 50Hz - 1')? Why is it limited to 36kV AC - 50Hz - 1'?

A: The concept of a test rod has been made to allow the network to apply a tension on the cable so one can check the “health” of the system (so called “after-laying tests”, fault location, etc.). This AC voltage is limited to 2U0 to avoid that any damage is done by the test itself (in the past there were also DC tests, but these have been replaced in most cases by VLF tests at 2U0 or 3U0). 
The straight forward design of the test rod (no stress grading components, limited interference, no screening) does not allow that high voltages (as required in the normal qualification programs) are applied. And as explained above this has in fact never been the objective of these test rods.

Q: Why does the 400BIPA has to be tightened with a torque of 50Nm and the 300BIPA with a torque of 30Nm?

A: The 400BIPA and 300BIPA need different tightening torque, because there is a difference in design. The 400BIPA is in contact with the contact palm. This requires a higher torque value than for the 300BIPA which is in contact with the clamping screw.

Q: Why is a Euromold separable connector safe to touch?

A: Because of the 3mm thick semi-conductive layer, which is connected to earth, the Euromold connectors are safe for accidental touching. This can be for a short or long time. According to the procedures of all Power Utilities, intended manipulation of the connectors should be done with hot stick and other appropriate tools.

Q: Why is there no test rod available for Interface A?

A: The design of the test rod is such, that it needs to be in contact with the conductor of the cable. This is possible for T-connectors, and for Elbow connectors with a removable plug. This is not possible for Interface A connectors.

Q: What is the function of the 11TL adaptor?

A: Together with the watersealing mastic, the 11TL provides the water tightness of the connector at the cable entrance. It also provides a step for easy positioning of the connector.


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