DMC Power - Swage Substation Bus Connectors Experience

[bohdand]

Hi,

Does anyone have any experince with this product? We are considering it in one of our 115/230kV switchyards and were looking for any feedback on it. Of particular concern is any long term deterioration of the conductivity across the swaged joints (hot spots, corrosion, bulging, etc.)

Thanks,

Bohdan

 

[rterickson]

We have been using these connectors for the past 14 or so years, and we will never go back. The crews love them, and we were able to let the one guy who could do heliarc welding finally retire. We use it on everything from 12 kV to 230 kV.

The powerheads and dies are a bit pricy, but I have heard the the sales reps will loan or rent you the equipment if you ask.

 

[jghrist]

I have specified these on 100-12.5 kV substations since 2009. I have experienced no problems in installation or operation. I don't trust bolted connections on tubular aluminum bus and weldment connections require a high skill level.

 

[bohdand]

Thanks rterickson and jghrist for the info.

Can either of you tell me what geographic areas you are using these connectors in? We are looking at using them in the North East US, with very heavy snow, ice/freezing rain, and temps -40 to 100 F. So these would see extreme cycling each year and I have some concerns about any reduction in conductivity at the swage due to oxidation in the joint or mechanical loosening. Any info on this or any other issue woudl be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[jghrist]

My experience has been in South Carolina. I would ask the manufacturer to show you a completed connection cut apart. It should show a solid mass of aluminum, similar to what you would get with a compression connection on stranded aluminum conductor.

 

[rterickson]

Central (inland) California, barely above sea level. Temps from +20 to 110F, no snow or ice, but occasionally light frost.

I agree with jghrist, examination of a cross-cut joint would help with your comfort level as there is nothing to move when it's all mashed together.

 

[stevenal]

We placed a swaged connection in our corrosion test area located two blocks from the Pacific. A year later it was cut open, and no corrosion was observed within. Proper installation using slip bus supports and expansion fittings should prevent any mechanical loosening due to temperature cycling, but I suspect the connections would hold up regardless.

 

[crshears]

See other thread at

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=388927

regarding interconnecting tubular busses of different size...

Perhaps there is a version of the product described in this thread that might suit the issue described in the other thread? [I'm not at all familiar with DMC products; I merely noted the similarity of the posts].

CR

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." [Proverbs 27:17, NIV]