High-voltage power cables increasingly utilise single-strand insulated conductor designs that significantly reduce skin and proximity effects, enabling more power transmission with the same cross-section. But this conductor structure complicates the cable connection process, because connecting single-strand insulated cables is a time-consuming task that works only to a limited extent. PFISTERER therefore takes a new frontal approach with FrontCon. Unlike the conventional solution, FrontCon is installed directly on the end of the cable – no work is required on the individual strands. Instead, specially developed contact balls make contact with the front faces of the individual strands. Together, these balls behave like a liquid. They compensate for slight unevenness at the conductor end, and ensure that the same contact forces are applied across the whole conductor cross-section. This enables a very short and compact contact system for all voltage levels and conductor cross-sections up to 2,500 mm². Installation time is greatly reduced, taking only around two hours – not longer than for conventional cables.
Rethinking the connection principle
This innovative approach convinced an expert jury of leading scientists in this long-running competition of the best exhibits at the trade fair. This is now the 27th time that the Golden Amper has been presented – PFISTERER won out in the electrotechnics category. Exhibits are judged on their global competitiveness, technical and technological level, originality of the used solution, safety and user comfort, and service and spares availability.
Marcin Kaczak, PFISTERER Country Sales Manager for the Czech Republic and Slovakia, was happy to receive the award: “We are delighted with this award and would like to thank our customers for their trust in us. Every day, we work to continuously improve our product portfolio, so that we can meet the needs of our customers and offer solutions that deliver added value to contribute to the success of their projects. In the years ahead, we plan to continue as a pioneer of technological development with further innovations.”
Proven contact system for HV cable fittings
FrontCon is available as a connection technology for CONNEX cable connectors and IXOSIL terminations, as well as for cable connections in MSA joints and type-tested with specific cables. The contact system can be adapted for any fittings, enabling reliable and cost-effective solutions in cable systems.
This is the second time that PFISTERER has won the Golden Amper award. The dry insulated, oil and gas-free IXOSIL EST termination received the accolade at the 2012 trade fair. Various different models are now available, including with a built-in surge arrester for substations (EST SUB SA/SC).