Know major factors that dictate the choice between Copper and Aluminium cable lugs

Opublikowano 19 listopada 2018, autor: sanjanamallah

if you have an engineering company or an electrical maintenance contractor pondering over what cable lugs to use or which cable lugs manufacturer to choose for your installations, this blog aims to help you.

Since you must be aware that cable lugs are very important electrical components used for connecting different electrical devices and cables. But, do you know whether aluminium or copper lugs is better for safety or how does aluminium and copper cable lugs differ? Find more details below:-

Take a look at the Cable lugs history To decide which among the two cable lugs is better, you must take a good look at the history of cable lugs. So, what does it tell you? Since the great industrial revolution, an engineering explosion took place by the end of the 1950’s. During this period, aluminium came to the forefront as part of the innovations that were taking place and was widely used. Keeping with the trends, electrical installations started to see more and more aluminium being used.

The electric cables made of aluminium were also popular and so it was common to use aluminium lugs for electrical connections.

So as you can see half a century before, aluminium lugs were far better of course. But, soon it wasn’t meant to be used for long. Why?

Find the answer below:-
Copper Cable lugs came into the picture Technically speaking, aluminium lugs had one disadvantage. As per chemistry, aluminium has the tendency to react with oxygen in the air and thus it forms Aluminium oxide. This sometimes led to the termination failures and damage to electrical devices. This is the reason cable lugs manufacturer started
to produce copper lugs. So, what is the advantage of using copper cable lugs? Copper as an element has a very low coefficient of thermal expansion. In simpler words, copper lugs do not expand or change with too much heat or current flowing through it. This is the reason, it is much safer to use in electrical installations.

So, what does it leave with us? Are copper lugs better than aluminium lugs? Not exactly. Read on to know why?
Can we ever find a conclusion on better cable lugs?
We have to take into consideration the fact that we live in cost-conscious times. Therefore, though copper lugs are much safer, aluminium lugs is widely used because it costs much lesser than the copper lugs.

Another determining factor is that there are efficient aluminium lugs or aluminium alloys readily available now.

The case in point is Axis India Electricals Pvt. Limited, one of leading cable lugs manufacturer and exporter. They produce aluminium lugs which are made up of advanced oxygen inhibiting compounds.

You can also find a wide range of compression copper cable lugs as well.
Also, when you use aluminium lugs within the parameters mentioned by the manufacturer, the result is complete safety and protection. It is often found that not following the installation guidelines properly causes failures. Therefore, drawing a conclusion is a bit difficult in this scenario and unfair too as both the types are still being used a lot.

One solution can be to use cable lugs as per your specific requirement. Knowing what your customers want and which type is best for different applications and installations is of utmost importance.

Aluminium lugs are used for cabling where weight plays a key role whereas copper is the choice for underground cabling You can find a wide range of compression cable lugs at Axis India Electricals. The premium electrical brand is a cable gland manufacturer as well and exports to more than 80 countries. For more details,
visit: http://www.axis-india.com

Zaszufladkowano do kategorii Bez kategorii | Otagowano , , , | Dodaj komentarz

Advantages of Aerial Bundled Cables for Power Distribution

Opublikowano 24 września 2018, autor: sanjanamallah

Aerial Bundled Cable (ABC) is an innovative concept for Over Head (OH) power distribution. When compared to conventional bare conductor OH distribution systems, ABC provides higher safety and reliability, lower power losses, stability in voltage regulation and ultimate system economy by reducing installation, maintenance and operation cost. This system is ideal for rural distribution and especially attractive for installation in difficult terrain such as hilly areas, dense forests, coastal regions, etc. These lines can also be laid without cutting or trimming of any trees.

ABC is also considered to be the best choice for Power Distribution in congested urban areas with narrow lanes and by-lanes. Due to its insulation, it is convenient to lay even in densely populated areas with narrow gaps between buildings, where it is usually not possible to run bare conductors. Additionally, accidental electrocutions are avoided by the insulation of the cable.

Underground cable installations have a capital cost ratio as high as 20:1 when compared to OH lines, thus giving this system a distinct advantage in cost effectiveness. Also, since the cables are clearly visible, the faults can be detected and rectified quickly and with ease. Damage due to water logging is also avoided as compared to underground cables.

Reliability, Safety, And Flexibility

ABC’s are highly reliable and the insulation has been developed to withstand heat, cold and intense sunlight. Disturbance and faults occur five to ten times more on open wire lines than on ABC lines. There is no risk in working on a live cable and the insulation reduces the number of short circuits, over- voltages and transformer burn outs caused by thunder-storms. Fewer hardware accessories are needed as each one can be used with many different sizes of cable. Since the cable can also be supplied with conductors for street lighting, it is more cost effective.

Axis provides a full range of ABC accessories which meet the test requirements of the best international standards and have been used by utilities all over the world. Axis Insulation Piercing Connectors (IPC’s) have been tested for their dielectric strength by submerging them underwater for 30 minutes under voltage of 6 kV.

Zaszufladkowano do kategorii Bez kategorii | Otagowano , | Dodaj komentarz

Cable Cleats and their importance to Cable Management

Opublikowano 24 września 2018, autor: sanjanamallah

This short blog aims to guide you through the importantance of Cable Cleats as an accessory to professional cable management.

Electromagnectic fields caused by the flow of current through cables induce electromechanical forces on the cables themselves and their support structures. During a power surge or short circuit, this can cause severe damage to the support structures or to human life due to violent whiplash movements by the cables.

Cable Cleats were designed specifically to address this problem. They work by securing the cables together and providing opposition to the elecromechanical forces, even during a power surge. The European Standard, EN 50368 published in 2003, was the first standard to establish the framework for the design and application for cable cleats. This standard emphasised the risk to human life and the cable management system if cable cleats were not used.

The correct design and usage of cable cleats was further improved by IEC 61914 published in 2009 which is the international standard for these products. This standard specifies the test requirements and mechanical properties that all cable cleats should meet.

Axis Cable Cleats are made fro¬m high strength Aluminium Alloy and engineering plastics using the best manufacturing processes that maximise tensile strength to meet the axial and lateral loads as per IEC 61914. Axis Cable Cleats also meet the resistance to impact tests as required by the standard. Our engineering plastic are low smoke, halogen free and provide UV and environmental resistance to ensure a long and safe working life.

By making these material and design choices, Axis Cable Cleats can support your cable even during short circuits or power surge

Zaszufladkowano do kategorii Bez kategorii | Otagowano , , | Dodaj komentarz

Myths of Chemical Earthing

Opublikowano 24 września 2018, autor: sanjanamallah
Myth 1: Chemical Filled Electrodes are long lasting and maintenance free

Corrosion resistance is one of the primary requirements from an effective electrode – it will determine the working life of the entire earthing system. Detecting failed earth electrodes is not easy since they are buried far underground.

Two long duration tests comparing corrosion rates of various materials were conducted in the US by the National Bureau of Standards and by the Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory. Both these studies showed that the galvanised steel pipes had shorter lives than copper clad steel. The data in these studies show that a 254 micron copper coating can last for longer than 30 years while 100 microns of zinc coating can only be acceptable for a facility with less than 10 years of expected service life.

Hence, Copper Bonded Electrodes are economically advantageous and provide a longer lasting and safer alternative to Galvanised Steel options as provided in Chemical Filled Electrodes.

Myth 2: Chemical Filled Electrodes are easier to install than Copper Bonded Rods.

As a result of their shape, Pipe Electrodes cannot be driven and thus installation requires digging the earth to an appropriate depth, usually more than 3 metres, before placing the electrode and then filling it back up. This is time consuming and would require special and expensive equipment.

Due to the strength of the steel core, and depending on site conditions, Axis Copper Bonded Rod can be hammered or driven quickly into the earth using a power hammer. Installation can thus be quick and effective without the need for much special equipment.

Myth 3: Chemical Filled Electrodes are scientifically tested as per international standards for earthing.

There are no international standards that mention the performance criteria for Chemical Filled Electrodes. UL 467, a Standard for Safety for Grounding and Bonding Equipment, only states that the composition of these chemicals can be 60% Sodium Chloride and 40% Calcium Chloride.

Axis Copper Bonded Ground Rod are tested for 25 kilo Amperes short circuit tests, corrosion and climactic aging, electrical resistivity and other physical, chemical and electrical tests. This ensures that all Axis Copper Bonded Ground Rods comply to the best international standards. (IEC 62561 Part 2, UL 467)

Zaszufladkowano do kategorii Bez kategorii | Otagowano , | Dodaj komentarz

Introduction to the basics of Lightning Protection and Earthing and the Standards (IEC 62305 and UL 467)

Opublikowano 24 września 2018, autor: sanjanamallah
Importance of Lightning Protection and Earthing

Lightning is an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon that can discharge up to 200,000 amps in a fraction of a second. A direct strike can have devastating effects on people, buildings and the natural environment. Especially during stormy seasons, we witness numerous accounts of people losing their lives due to lightning strikes. Beyond this obvious impact of lightning, the voltage spikes that accompany even indirect strikes can be catastrophic to a building’s electronic systems. With the advent of sensitive electronic equipment in our everyday life in recent times, the importance of proper protection has become extremely critical.

In order to fully protect themselves, buildings and other structures must use Lightning Protection and Earthing equipment that has been designed and tested according to the best international standards. Axis products, which are designed in accordance with these international standards, help customers identify the risks and solutions to any lightning protection and earthing needs.

This blog is an introduction to the standards that help guide international lightning protection and earthing/grounding system design. Our next blog will look at system design and products.

Standards

(IEC)

The International Electrotechnical Commission prepares and publishes International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies and is the leading international organization in its field.

IEC 62305 – Protection Against Lightning, is the apex level document that informs the standards for lightning protection around the world. Axis’s Risk Assessment software and our lightning protection and earthing products are designed to work with systems designed as per IEC 62305.

UL & CSA are North American certification bodies that are followed widely in the US, Canada and other parts of the world.
UL 467: Grounding and Bonding Equipment, UL 96A: Installation requirement and C22 for lightning protection system are few important standards in this field.

Zaszufladkowano do kategorii Bez kategorii | Dodaj komentarz

Lightning Protection System Design and Products

Opublikowano 24 września 2018, autor: sanjanamallah

The first step in designing a lightning protection system is Risk Assessment. Axis has used the guidelines of IEC 62305 Part 2 to design a Risk Assessment Software that allows you to assess the risks and determine the Class of Lightning Protection System (LPS) for your structure. This software uses parameters unique to your structure to help you determine the best and most efficient protection system.

Based on this, you can now design the external and internal protection systems for your building. The External protection system would include an Air Termination, Down Conductor and an Earth Termination System. For internal protection, one would use surge protection devices and equipotential bonding.

Air Termination

The positions of the Air Termination can be decided based on the rolling sphere method, the protective angle method and the mesh method. The rolling sphere method can even be used to define the zones of protection for structures with complex geometry. The radius for the sphere is determined directly from the Class of LPS.

The Protection Angle method is used for simple structures but only up to a certain height as determined by the class of LPS.

The Mesh Method is best used for flat surfaces where the air termination conductors are to be placed at the roof edges and where no other metallic structure will be above the air termination system.

Axis Air Termination Rods, made from high-grade electrolytic Copper, provide the highest conductivity that allows the flow of lightning strikes without any damage to the structure or equipment.

Non-Conventional Air Termination Systems

According to IEC-62305, the zone of protection determined for an air termination system shall be defined only by the physical size of the system. There is no conclusive evidence that this zone can be enhanced, as claimed by manufacturers of Early Streamer Emission technologies. Thus, no IEC Standard recognizes the ESE technology.

Down Conductors

Down conductors, connected to the Air termination system with suitable Axis products, should take the most direct route down the structure, with spacing between each one defined by the Class of LPS. Axis Copper Clad Steel Down Conductors are specially developed to offer the high mechanical strength of steel and the current carrying capacity of Copper. Since IEC 62305 also allows the use of rebars inside concrete structures as down conductors under certain conditions, Axis offers specially designed products to use this technology effectively.

Earth Termination

An Earth Electrode should provide low electrical resistance with the earth to allow for the dissipation of currents. It should also be resistant to corrosion because it will be buried underground for a long period of time.

Worldwide, one of the most popular Earth Electrodes are copper bonded earth rods, which comply with IEC 62561 Part 2. Since electricity is a surface phenomenon, the copper layer allows for a conductive path while the inner core of high strength steel provides the strength required for driving the rod inside the ground. Axis Copper Bonded Earth Rods have been are approved by Utilities across the world and continue to be popular due to their consistently high quality.

Internal LPS

The two major components of internal LPS are Equipotential bonding and surge protection devices (SPD’s). The purpose of Equipotential Bonding equipment is to bring all the metallic parts and equipment in a structure to the same Voltage Potential, to avoid hazards to human life or other damage. SPD’s protect electronic devices by breaking the circuit in case of an equipment or system fault.

Conclusion

Since 1994, Axis has continued to manufacture and supply high-quality lightning protection and earthing equipment internationally. We have a proven track record of high-quality protection. Our customers include Utilities, Government Organizations and Private Projects across the globe.

Zaszufladkowano do kategorii Bez kategorii | Otagowano , , | Dodaj komentarz

Lifespan of ABC Lines in Moist / Wet Environments

Opublikowano 24 września 2018, autor: sanjanamallah

Aerial Bundled Cable (ABC) is an innovative concept for Over Head (OH) power distribution. These cables have an aluminium core that is covered by an XLPE insulation.XLPE is an UV Resistant and Environmentally tested plastic which helps protect the cables from environmental degradation and theft from consumers. When compared to conventional bare conductor OH distribution systems, ABC provides higher safety and reliability, lower power losses, stability in voltage regulation and ultimate system economy by reducing installation, maintenance and operation cost. As a result, this system is ideal for rural distribution and especially attractive for installation in difficult terrain such as hilly areas, dense forests, coastal regions, etc.

XLPE Lifespan

The insulation of these cables are made with Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). According to the paper “Review of recent research towards power cable life cycle management” published in 2017,”XLPE cables are expected to last or service wellbeyond the 40 year design life under normal circumstances”. However, the paper also states “in situations where water/moisture is present, those designs without special protection have a life expectancy of only 15–25 years”.

This lifespan of XLPE and thus ABC lines can be improved significantly in moist or coastal areas by using proper precautions suchas water swellable tapes, Tree Resistant XLPE (TR-XLPE), or other special protections. The table below,taken from a document by Nexans, shows the lifespan of the XLPE insulation while using various protections:

The paper “Global Trends and Motivation Toward the Adoption of TR-XLPE Cable” presented at the IEEE T&D Conference in Dallas, Texas in 2006 by The Dow Chemical Company representatives describes the advantages of TR-XLPE in moist environments over XLPE. After performing a wet electrical test using XLPE & TR-XLPE, they were able to conclude that “(t)he results after one year of aging provide a clear indication of the longer life expectancy of cables madewith TR-XLPE insulation.”

The paper “Presenting a new method to estimate the remaining life of Aerial Bundled Cable Network” published in 2015 at the 23rd International Conference on Electricity Distribution and the paper “Review of recent research towards power cable life cycle management” mentioned earlier, both state that the most influential factor in aging ABC cables is the use of non-standard cable connectors, accessories and clamps because they allow water ingress which slowly damages the cable. As a result, when installing ABC lines at any location, you should make sure that you only use products that have been tested and certified as per the latest international standards to ensure the longest lifespan for your system.

At Axis, we offer the full range of standard compliant and tested ABC Accessories to make sure that your line performs optimally. Our suspension clamps, insulation piercing connectors, distribution boxes and other products, undergo a barrage of testing as per the best international standards at our own lab and at 3rd party labs to ensure that we only supply the best products to our customers.

For more information on the Advantages of Aerial Bundled Cables, please read our blog post on the topic or watch our video above.

To see our range of Accessories for Aerial Bundled Cables, please visit our website. You can also find our other products, including Lightning Protection Systems, Earthing/Grounding Systems, Brass Cable Glands, Cable Lugs and more on our website.

Please email us at marketing@axis-india.com to get in touch.

Zaszufladkowano do kategorii Bez kategorii | Dodaj komentarz

Do Early Streamer Emission (ESE) Lightning Protection Systems Work?

Opublikowano 24 września 2018, autor: sanjanamallah
What is lightning Protection?

The convential form of lightning protection, lightning arrestors or Franklin Rods, are just metal rods mounted on the top of a structure and then grounded using a series of conductors. This system is intended to protect the structure by making lightning preferentially strike the lightning rod, instead of the strucure, allowing the dangerous electrical surge to be grounded by passing through the conductors and then the ground rod.

Based on the class of protection for the structure, decided using a lightning risk assessment system, the lightning arrestor has a defined zone of protection. If any part of the structure goes is outside this zone of protection, more lightning protection, conductors and groounding will be required.

How is Early Streamer Emission (ESE) different?

According to the ABB website, “(d)uring a storm, when propagation field conditions are favorable, an OPR ESE air terminal will generate an upward leader” which “propagates towards the downward leader from the cloud at an average speed of 1 m/µs”. According to the same website, this propogation “delivers a beneficial triggering time compared to a single rod air terminal exposed to the same conditions”.

Thus, in essence, ESE is advertised as a technologically superior lightning arrestor to the convential form of lightning protection because the upward leader is advertised as increasing the zone of protection thus allowing a structure to utilise fewer lightning arrestors.

Are these Claims True?

Currently, some of the largest manufacturers for Early Streamer Emission products are from Spain and France and thus, the only testing standards for ESE are from these countries (N FC 17-102 is the French Standard).

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) prepares and publishes International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies and is the leading international organization in its field. IEC 62305 – “Protection against lightning”, published by this body, is the international standard for lightning protection from which most national standards are derived. This standard clearly states in the first line of its introduction that, „There are no devices or methods capable of modifying the natural weather phenomena to the extent that they can prevent lightning discharges”. You can find a preview of that standard here . This standard also states that the zone of protection determined for an air termination system shall be defined only by the physical size of the system and that there is a lack of proof if this zone can be enhanced.
The most basic claim of ESE manufacturers is that their product helps enhance the zone of protection but the international standard for lightning protection states that there is a lack of proof on whether or not that is true. The most common standard in the United States for lightning protection is UL 467 which also does not recognise ESE.

As IEC’s name implies, these international standards are drawn up through a consortium of industry professionals who look at all the available research. Despite ESE having been on the market for several decades, none of these major standards have recognised it. Lightning protection and earthing/grounding are important elements to keep in mind for any structure. Please carefully review the literature on the subject and make an informed decision that helps protect the people and the equipment inside your buildings.

Axis offers a full range of products for lightning protection and grounding/earthing systems that have been tested as per international standards. Please visit our website to learn more about them.

To learn more about the standards for lightning protection and system design, you can watch our video on the subject or read our blogs.

Zaszufladkowano do kategorii Bez kategorii | Dodaj komentarz

4 essential certifications you should check before buying AB cable accessories and electrical components

Opublikowano 24 września 2018, autor: sanjanamallah

In today’s world, many of them can be in demand. The certification requirements and the information on the specifications.

The Therefore, to bring a new electrical product

Hence, whether it is a new electrical brand or other components. ABC accessories and electrical components

1. ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

To create a quality management system around the world, the ISO certification is an internationally recognized standard.

Why is it required?

ISO evaluates whether the quality management system in place is appropriate and implement.

Continuous improvement assurance to customers. Therefore, look for an

2. UL (Underwriters Laboratories)

This is your country’s responsibility for many safety issues.

Why is it required?

The UL certification is a product that can be found on the market. It is not required nationally. As a can

3. CSA (Canadian Standard Association)

CSA is an alternative for both Canada and United States.

Why is it required?

CSA approval means a member of the CSA Group. It is a software and component provider. CSA’s marks appear on billions of electrical products worldwide.

In order to meet the industry standards. CSA Group to meet the industry standards.

4. IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)

IEC is an international standards organization which is based on International Standards.

Why is it required?

It uses international standards and is based on International Standards. IEC certification is a digit number granted by the Directorate of the Foreign Trade.

Axis India is a suspension clamps for 80 countries across the globe. Axis India has the in-house testing facilities and the latest suspension clamp . They also have OH line hardware that consists of insulator hardware fittings . Research and http://axis-india.com/

Zaszufladkowano do kategorii Bez kategorii | Otagowano , | Dodaj komentarz

3 reasons why you should purchase electrical lugs only from the leading lugs manufacturers

Opublikowano 24 września 2018, autor: sanjanamallah

It is easy to get harm by any electrical component in your surroundings. The reason behind this is the fact that many companies who offer a wide range of electrical components don’t provide tested or certified products with least focus on quality and safety. Therefore it is advised that you should always prefer leading manufacturers who strictly adhere to national and international standards. The certified and tested products will help you to keep your working environment and surrounding safe and secured.

Therefore, to further expand on the aforementioned point, here are a few reasons that’ll make you understand why you should purchase products from leading manufacturers alone:-

Trusted Manufactures (Provides you with the efficient & reliable products)

Whenever you are purchasing any electrical components, you should always buy from the well known and leading manufacturers and suppliers only. Do a thorough research and find the answer to questions like:-

  1. Since when are they in this industry?
  2. Are the products certified?
  3. Do they have in-house testing?
  4. Do they provide high standard products? etc. If you purchase products from the trusted electrical brands, then they will never let you down. They will meet all your requirements and provide the most efficient & reliable products.

Certification (Provides you certified products)

Always remember when you’re purchasing or looking for any electrical components, certification is necessary.  The rigorously tested electrical products which meet high-quality standards should be your choice always.

Here are some certifications that an electrical component manufacturer must have:

  1. ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
  2. UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
  3. CSA (Canadian Standard Association)
  4. IEC (International Electrical Commission)

Top Quality products (Provides high standard and tested products)

The leading international manufacturers are committed to providing the top quality products through leading industry standards and processes.  They will be focused on providing high standard products consistently using latest and innovative technologies with continuous improvements.

Some of the popular standards a cable gland manufacturer must comply are:-

ISO, IEC, UL, NFC, SE 1A, IEEE

If you are looking for such a leading electrical brand to fulfil your requirement of electrical lugs, Axis India is one such electrical component manufacturing company. With over 20 years of experience, they export electrical components over 80 countries across the globe. Axis offers a wide range of cable glands and cable lugs. They have their in-house testing for electrical products and are known as the leader among cable lugs manufacturers. Research and development processes have lead Axis India to deliver quality products and become an international cable gland manufacturer. They export a premium range of electrical components like cable to ground rod, ABC accessories and many other electrical products.

To know more details, visit http://axis-india.com/

Zaszufladkowano do kategorii Bez kategorii | Otagowano , , , | Dodaj komentarz