Passionate
about innovation

PFISTERER CONNECTION TECHNOLOGY QUALIFIES FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CLEAN AIR APPLICATIONS

The CONNEX pluggable connection system from PFISTERER (see 1975) successfully passes Siemens Energy’s qualification for use in 420 kV clean air switchgear. And it is a real success. PFISTERER is the first manufacturer to achieve this. 

PFISTERER DEVELOPS HVDC FITTINGS

HVDC (High-Voltage Direct Current) technology makes what is urgently needed possible: transporting electricity over long distances with virtually no loss. This is changing perspectives – in the form of supranational energy networks (supergrids) and thanks to the more straightforward integration of wind and solar power from remote regions. PFISTERER is strengthening the technology with innovative HVDC cable accessories and by setting up its own laboratory for product testing and development.

START OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORLD’S FIRST PLUG-IN UNIVERSAL SUBMARINE CABLE REPAIR JOINT

Transmission system operator TenneT hires PFISTERER to develop a universal repair joint for submarine cables. Universal means: the one-size-fits-all solution eliminates cable faults with minimal storage requirements – completely independent of the design or manufacturer of the relevant cable. Additional bonus of the PFISTERER solution: it is fast and efficient. TenneT can look forward to wholly new possibilities for storage and submarine cable repairs.

COMPLETELY DRY INSULATED OUTDOOR TERMINATIONS UP TO 170 kV

PFISTERER’S portfolio for environmentally friendly terminations is growing. The DOC overhead cable termination up to 170 kV is self-supporting and impresses with its silicone insulation. It guarantees long-term, reliable operation in substations and on pylons – without the risk of leakage. Since PFISTERER delivers the product completely pre-installed and fully routine-tested, the usual lengthy installation time for terminations is reduced to minutes.

THE MOST COMPACT CONNECTION TECHNOLOGY FOR OFFSHORE WIND TURBINES

With SEANEX, PFISTERER develops a plug-in connection system specifically for offshore applications up to 72.5 kV. The task of SEANEX: to integrate modern turbines quickly and easily into the wind farm grid. 

CONTACTING THE CONDUCTOR IN A NEW WAY – VIA THE FRONT

Single-wire insulated high-voltage cables transmit significantly higher power with the same cable cross-section. However, installing cable accessories is time-consuming and complex – until PFISTERER upends standards and rethinks contacting. A front-facing solution called FrontCon is based on the physics of a mass of spheres behaving similarly to a liquid. What does PFISTERER do with FrontCon? Attach the conductor to the connector body and completely fill the cavity in front of the conductor with spheres. These make contact at the ends of the individual conductors. The current flows via the contact points of the spheres.

YouTube-video

VOLTAGE TESTERS FOR HVDC APPLICATIONS

Integrating renewable energies into modern HVDC grids requires reliable measurements for direct current systems. PFISTERERs new HVDC voltage tester makes these measurements possible. 

OIL- AND GAS-FREE PLUG-IN HIGH-VOLTAGE CABLE JOINT 

With an oil- and gas-free plug-in high-voltage cable joint, PFISTERER delivers a masterpiece in terms of environmentally conscious cable connections. The innovation reduces the use of harmful materials and 

CONNEX INTERNAL CONE CONNECTION SYSTEM MASTERS EHV (EXTRA HIGH VOLTAGE) APPLICATIONS

The higher the voltage, the more sophisticated the technology required to use the electricity safely. The plug-in CONNEX inner cone connection system from PFISTERER is now aiming high – at voltage levels of up to 550 kV. Ensuring a reliable, maintenance-free connection that meets the highest safety standards in such dimensions is an extraordinary feat in itself. But that’s not all: the system is also quick to install. 

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY OIL- AND GAS-FREE OPEN-AIR TERMINATIONS

Oil and gas-free terminations for high-voltage cables from PFISTERER are launched. Not only do they considerably reduce installation time, they also contribute to a more sustainable energy infrastructure, since the innovation significantly reduces the need for environmentally harmful materials.

PLUG-IN SURGE ARRESTERS FOR HIGH-VOLTAGE APPLICATIONS

PFISTERER underpins its innovative strength with solid-insulated surge arresters for high-voltage applications. With them, power transformers and gas-insulated switchgear can be fully pluggable.

HIGH-CURRENT CONNECTORS FOR E-MOBILITY APPLICATIONS

The HVC8, a connector for high-current applications, is released. Its robust design and high-quality materials can withstand even the toughest conditions when operating electric motors, generators or inverters.

YouTube-video

OFFSHORE APPROVAL FOR CONNEX

PFISTERER’s CONNEX system is the first cable accessories system to gain offshore approval from Germanischer Lloyd. This is a pioneering achievement with significant consequences: CONNEX becomes the preferred technology for the first major commercial offshore wind farm projects. And today it is highly regarded in offshore wind farms worldwide – as safe and reliable in harsh environments.

BIDIRECTIONAL MULTI-RANGE TERMINALS FOR LOW-VOLTAGE SIDE CONNECTION OF TRANSFORMERS

Conventional cable connections to low-voltage transformers are complex and not short-circuit-proof. However, the 2DIREKT bidirectional multi-range terminal block is uncomplicated and not only short-circuit-proof, but also touch-proof (thanks to its cover). Uncomplicated does not mean under-complex: PFISTERER’s transformer terminals only require two contact transitions, but offer the connection of several cables (between two and eight, depending on the version) horizontally or vertically. 

YouTube-video

CONNECTING HOUSES TO THE POWER GRID WITH JUST A SINGLE BOLT

With the ISICOMPACT, PFISTERER is developing the next evolutionary stage of branch connectors. The house connection can be installed with ISICOMPACT with just one bolt and while under voltage. The solution is becoming a permanent fixture in the low-voltage grid and represents reliability, safety and user-friendliness.

YouTube-video

SCREW CONNECTORS WITH STEPLESS BREAKAWAY TECHNOLOGY FOR MEDIUM AND HIGH VOLTAGE APPLICATIONS

PFISTERER’s SICON technology makes conventional breakaway bolts look outdated. While they interrupt the load-bearing thread, the stepless SICON bolt utilizes the full thread load-bearing capacity and only shears off at optimum contact force. A rotating plate on the screw base protects the ladder from damage. And that's not all: special contact traverses improve electrical contact by breaking through the oxidation layer of the conductor and preventing the mounted conductor from being pulled out. 

YouTube-video

CONNEX CABLE CONNECTIONS UP TO 245 kV

The successful CONNEX model becomes even more powerful. The flexible, modular and plug-in connection technology for transformers and gas-insulated switchgear can now deal with even higher voltage levels: between 170 kV and 245 kV.

PLUG-IN BUSHINGS FOR HIGH-VOLTAGE APPLICATIONS

At the start of the new millennium, PFISTERER revolutionized high-voltage technology with the first dry-insulated, plug-in bushings. They conduct electricity safely through partition walls in high-voltage systems without endangering the insulation. The new modular technology simplifies installation and maintenance. It ensures maximum reliability under extreme conditions. 

NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR NEW FIELDS OF APPLICATION

A journey into new worlds: PFISTERER is broadening its activities to include transportation technology, renewable energies and industrial applications. The PLUG low-voltage system is a true all-rounder. Compact and vibration-resistant, it enhances railroad technology. It is so sustainable that today almost every modern high-speed train in Europe is equipped with this system. Transmitting high currents in harsh environmental conditions? PLUG can do it. And more than that. PLUG is also used in electric trucks, wind turbines and to power electric ships.

PLUG-IN SURGE ARRESTERS ENSURE PROTECTION AND FLEXIBILITY

With the development of plug-in surge arresters at the end of the 1980s, PFISTERER once again sets new standards – this time in the protection of medium-voltage systems against surges due to lightning strikes and mains interference. As it can be quickly and easily integrated into existing systems, the plug-in design offers maximum flexibility during installation. The same applies to maintenance. 

OVERHEAD LINE INSULATORS MADE OF SILICONE FOR THE FIRST TIME – SILCOSIL

Insulators on high-voltage overhead lines prevent voltage flashovers between pylons and power lines. Porcelain and glass provided the material for the insulators for a long time, but then PFISTERER succeeds in creating a groundbreaking innovation: insulators made of silicone, considerably more resistant to external influences such as dirt, moisture and temperature fluctuations. Silicone insulators are therefore not only more durable, but are also significantly lower maintenance. 

SINGLE-POLE VOLTAGE DETECTORS FOR HVAC APPLICATIONS 

PFISTERER presents an innovation for high-voltage applications – a single-pole voltage detector. The innovation: instead of several test points being necessary like before, the single-pole voltage detector only needs one contact point. The technology fundamentally changes workplace safety in high-voltage grids and its unprecedented efficiency in maintenance and testing work is impressive. Today, single-pole voltage detectors are indispensable in high-voltage technology worldwide.

DAMPING ELEMENTS FOR CONDUCTOR CABLES ON OVERHEAD LINES

Strong winds are a danger to high-voltage overhead lines. It causes them to vibrate dramatically, causing stress or even damage, threatening the stability of the power grid and thus the safety of people and the environment. To counter this, PFISTERER develops mechanical damping elements known as AV field spacers. They reduce vibrations to a safe level and make a decisive contribution to the longevity and operational safety of high-voltage grids.

KAPEX – THE WORLD’S FIRST GAS-INSULATED SWITCHGEAR 

PFISTERER is looking into a solution for replacing air-insulated medium-voltage switchgear in local grids. And finds it – with the help of SF6 gas for insulation. All of a sudden, reqiured insulating distances are reduced by two thirds. The KAPEX cable is connected to the CONNEX system using a simple plug-in process. In the mid-1980s, many large manufacturers begin to adopt the principle – and continue to do so to this day.

CONNEX PLUG-IN INTERNAL CONE CABLE CONNECTION SYSTEM

Space in public areas is scarce in the 1970s. The guiding principle is “small and compact”. This also applies to the medium-voltage range in local grids. PFISTERER begins the search for a touch-safe solution based on the simple cable-plug principle – and finds one that allows the modular construction of medium-voltage connections with factory-tested components for the first time. What was a revolution is standard today. Literally, because IEC EN 50180/EN 50181 is based on CONNEX. 

Over the next half century, PFISTERER continues to develop its system. Today, it offers plug-in solutions for voltage levels from 12 to 550 kV – on cables, gas-insulated switchgear and transformers, substations, offshore wind farms or temporary bypass systems for grid conversion, inspection, maintenance and testing. CONNEX is used by millions worldwide. 

YouTube-video

PATENT FOR SAFETY EDGES

PFISTERER is granted the patent for compact safety edges for low-voltage distribution boards and uses them in plastic distribution cabinets, which are new at the time. They later become the standard.

INNOVATION FOR RELIABLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS – SCK BRANCH TERMINAL

The late 1960s are characterized by an increasing switch to underground cables for distribution grids. PFISTERER then develops the SCK, which becomes a great success and perennial favorite. The cable branch terminal is subsequently used millions of times for safe and simple house connections.