We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all of our customers, principals and those with whom we do business with on a daily basis.

Powertech Associates has always strived to bring the best technologies available in the utility industry to our marketplace and combine them with superior customer service. We are aware that customers have choices and so we promise to continue to earn your business. We would like to thank you for making 2023 a success and we look forward to serving you in 2024!

Wishing you and your family the best this holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year!

-Your friends at Powertech Associates

Raychem Plug-In Terminations (RPIT)

Customizable with an optional voltage detection point & special material composition for harsh environments.

The Raychem Plug-in Terminations RPIT separable connectors are compliant with CENELEC HD 629.1.S2:2006-A1:2008 (up to 42 kV) and IEC 60840 (52 kV).

The terminations incorporate a high-quality contact system, ensuring a reliable current transmission from the cable conductors to the busbars. The electrical interfaces between the silicone stress relief cone to the cable and bushing are kept permanently sealed using a pressure component. This element is housed in the protection cover, which is sealed with heat shrink tubing.

The installation and plug-in of the inner cone terminations is simple, using a silicone component which is compatible with industrywide standards.

TE also offers a full line of other RPIT accessories such as bushings, insulating caps and up-to-date testing tools to meet the needs of customers.

KEY FEATURES:

• New extended application range to cover 800 and 1000 mm² cable up to 42 kV with size 3 bushings
• Shielded inline connection for gas-insulated switchgear and transformers up to 52 kV
• Metal-enclosed, hermetically insulated, and suitable for outdoor use
• Optional voltage detection point
• Designed to be used for different conductor types in accordance with IEC 60228
• Fully compatible with EN 50180 and EN 50181 standardized inner cone bushings

Introducing the Load Break Tool with Innovative Rotating Head

Utility Solutions, Inc. announces the next generation of load break tools, the LOAD-RANGER^® FLEX-LT™. The first of its kind, this tool features a patent-pending 180º rotating Flex Head.

The rotating head is designed to solve a common industry issue; tool binding when approaching cutouts from certain angles.

“The Flex Head significantly reduces or eliminates most binding positions and tool stresses, and offers the widest operating range available in any load break tool,” said Peter Shirilla, lead design engineer at Utility Solutions. 

The LOAD-RANGER^® FLEX-LT™ also addresses a common pain-point in the industry: complicated service procedures. The LOAD-RANGER^® FLEX-LT™ can be disassembled in minutes using just two tools, simplifying maintenance and minimizing repair costs.

"Linemen will immediately notice how much easier our tool is to handle," continued Shirilla. “We knew there were limitations with the other load break tools available on the market, especially when trying to open underslung or hard to reach switches. The rotating head deals with these problems and makes short work of them.”

These improvements reinforce Utility Solutions' commitment to providing efficient and reliable equipment that meets the needs of utilities everywhere.

SAE Engineered Grounding Design Services

Providing cost effective and innovative solutions to grounding challenges

Since 1990, SAE Inc. has been designing effective and innovative solutions to address grounding challenges for our global clients. We provide a complete spectrum of engineered grounding services, ranging from soil resistivity measurements and grounding audits to turnkey design, product installation, and project management. Our engineered grounding systems are designed to deliver a fully optimized result that will outperform and outlast typical grounding approaches.

Grounding Survey / Audit: SAE will investigate and test existing grounding systems to locate deficiencies where critical equipment may be at risk.

Grounding Design: SAE uses advanced software modelling and extensive experience to design grounding systems that will perform most effectively given the site-specific conditions.

Grounding System Installation: SAE provides a complete project management and construction supervision service to ensure the grounding systems are installed as designed.

What is your grounding requirement? SAE can help.  

• Determine the state of your grounding, lightning, and facility electrical protection systems.
• Soil resistivity testing.
• R-value/Fall-of-potential testing.
• Fully optimized grounding and lightning protection system design.

Protect your assets!

The Importance of Pull Direction in Cable Installation and the Role of Bends

Several factors affect cable pulling tension. These impact the feasibility of the cable installation. One overlooked factor is the effect of pull direction. With the right tools and planning approach, stresses placed on cable during a pull can be estimated accurately. Measures can then be taken to avoid damaging this asset.

Factors Affecting Cable Tension

Before installing cable in conduit, many factors must be considered in the planning process to avoid approaches that might damage the cable or render the pull impossible. The type of cable and its jacket material and weight; the conduit material and its placement technique; the type of hauling rope or cable; the position and type of reel stand; the conduit proving equipment; the winch model and force capacity; and the lubricant choice and application method all affect the feasibility of a cable installation. But when it comes time to pull, how does one manage all these data points to ensure a safe and efficient cable installation? Planning is always the best answer.

Site Topography and Cable Routing

The topography of the site and preexisting infrastructure affect the route the conduit and cable will take. Design engineers must develop a route that avoids underground and above-ground obstacles, but which allows the cable to be installed without exceeding the tension and sidewall pressure limits set by the cable manufacturer. Engineers have some flexibility in defining the cable route, but the realities of the site determine the rest.

Bends and other displacements have a significant impact on the forces exerted on a cable as it is drawn through the conduit. Intuitively we know that, with gravity assist, pulling a cable down a slope is generally easier than hauling it upgrade, so some may assume that starting the pull at the higher end of the conduit always requires the least amount of winch force. However, the position and magnitude of the bends placed in the overall conduit design must be analyzed to determine the optimal pull direction. The force required to traverse these bends may actually be minimized when starting at the lower end of the conduit and pulling uphill. To understand the effects of bends in pulling tension and sidewall pressure analyses, one must have a basic understanding of the mathematical equations used to assess these forces.

 For more information or a quote on any of the products featured in this newsletter, please reach out to Ryan Campbell at rcampbell@powertech-upsc.com or
(860) 678-8772.

Powertech Associates and Utility Power Supply offer the latest products and solutions available in the Utility Industry.  We are committed to meet the needs of our customers through quality product solutions and proven customer service.