Search Results for: cable cleat

The Centaur Cable Saddles are the only solution for cleating large diameter High Voltage power transmission cables, that has been put through, and passed, the most rigorous of short-circuit testing procedures. The cable saddles were designed by Ellis Patents to fill the gap in the market which presented serious safety risks.

The Centaur product range typically handles 275kV to 400kV cables, from 100mm up to 162mm outside diameter, and is generally installed within tunnels and affixed to supporting steel-work.

Why is a short-circuit tested High Voltage cable cleat so important?

At present, neither the British or European standards take into account cleats on cables of this size. As a result, those specifying for such projects are very much left in the hands of the manufacturer, who in most cases, simply provide warranties for their products. The risk lies in the fact that none of the limited number of products available have been short-circuit tested, meaning warranties are based purely on calculations and mechanical tests.

How the Centaur Cable Saddles are tested

Using cables manufactured by ABB in Sweden, the centaur cleats were tested to 162kA peak (63kA RMS) for one second, in both three-phase and phase-to-phase fault installations. A copy of the full test report from KEMA is available upon request.

The saddles have also been successfully tested for corrosion resistance having been subjected to an independent salt spray test, carried out in accordance with BS EN 9227:2006 corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres.

Centaur Saddle Design features

The product consists of an extruded and pressed aluminium saddle and hinged aluminium over-strap retention which incorporates a LSFZeroHalogen (LSZH) nylon liner to cushion and protect the cable in the event of a short-circuit. The saddles are available in lengths of either: 400mm, 600mm and 800mm to allow for different mounting centres. The product range can also be supplemented by intermediate short-circuit straps as well as a roller system for easy pulling of cables.

For more information on the Ellis Centaur saddle range, please contact our Sales Team.

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There are two types of fire performance cables currently on the market, flame retardant and fire resistant. The ‘normal’ type of fire performance cables are considered flame retardant, giving off low smoke emissions when subject to a fire, but only have a limited performance against sustained exposure to flames. The other type of cable is classed as fire resistant and will continue to operate for a period of time while exposed to fire.

In recent years there has been a large increase in the number of projects and developments that have been using Fire Performance cables. These cables are used within vital emergency systems and are designed to continue to work during a fire outbreak, powering smoke extractors, fire-fighting lifts and emergency lighting systems.

The cable fire test, BS8491, ensures that cables are able to hold up against direct flame, mechanical impact and water spray for a designated amount of time. The cables are clasified F30, F60 or F120, representing the length of time, in minutes, of the fire test.

Fire rated cleats to match the cables

In the past, as there has been no agreed test for a cleat to go through in order to rate its performance in a fire. Typically cast iron cleats have been used due to their high melting point, this has been considered enough to provide the necessary safety reassurances.

The downfall to this strategy is that iron is an expensive material and so makes cable cleats extremely costly, along with a slow manufacturing process and a heavy and brittle end product. These factors, added to the growing demand for fire performance cables, has increased the need for buyers and contractors to seek an effective solution.

Phoenix Cable Cleat and Fire Performance Cable Test: BS8491

A New Product Opportunity

The fireproof Phoenix Cable Clamps represent a solution to this problem. The cleat meets the required criteria called for by independent testing to BS8491:2008 (F120) where the cleats were subjected to an average temperature of 839 degree Celsius for 120 minutes. The Phoenix fire rated cleat was granted LUL approval for use on the London Underground (LUL Enginerring Standard 1-085 & Approved Products Register 1661) last year.

ETS Cable Components worked with Ellis Patents with the design of the product after seeing an opportunity through the increased use of fire performance cables in major new developments. The phoenix clamp is manufactured from marine grade 316L stainless steel, which was chosen primarily due to its high melting point, but also due to its high strength, abrasion and corrosion resistance.

We stock a full range of LU approved Phoenix Cable Clamps to accommodate all sizes of fire resistant cable from all cable manufacturers. Please contact our Sales Team for more information.

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