Short answer
Electrical connections establish a conductive path between the live parts of the OCS. The main types are transverse connections (between contact wire and messenger wire, both sharing current and equalising potential), longitudinal connections (at overlaps, at both ends of a neutral section and at other conductor joints) and equipment connections (to disconnectors, surge arresters and similar equipment, usually a supply clamp and hoop combination). Selection is determined by current-carrying capacity, mounting position and matching of conductor material.
Selection points
The material of the connection clamp should match the conductor it joins (copper or copper-alloy clamps on copper conductors, avoiding galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals); contact surfaces are cleaned, abraded and coated with conductive paste, and crimping torque follows the drawing. The conductive cross-section is checked against the maximum continuous current of the line, and connections are spaced more closely in heavy-haul and high-current sections. Hot electrical connections are one of the typical OCS defects, so infrared temperature measurement is part of routine patrolling.
Related products
Electrical connection product range | Disconnector series (for equipment connections)