Electrical Connections

   

Solon Belleville Springs & Washers can solve a variety of electrical application challenges. Bolted electrical connections are often made up of materials that have various coefficients of thermal expansion. Additionally, the joint materials also carry more current than bolts, causing the joint to heat up more than the bolts. The resultant differential thermal expansion (DTE) results in an increase in bolt load, which can cause the joint components to yield. During each thermal cycle, bolt load may be reduced.

Prevent Catastrophic Failures in Bolted Electrical Connections  

Electrical connections can also loosen over time due to vibration or embedment relaxation, which is caused by microscopic high points on bolt threads and mating surfaces. As the bolt load is reduced, electrical joint resistance increases or causes heat or heat spots, which can result in even higher resistance and ultimately, catastrophic failure.

Reduce Loss of Preload 

If connections aren’t bolted properly, they can cause catastrophic failure and arc flash, a type of electrical explosion. Properly used Solon Belleville Washers can reduce the loss of a preload by 5x or more.

Applications that use our washer products include:

• Components of the connection are made of dissimilar (AL7CU or AL9CU) or similar materials
• Aluminum/copper bus
• Aluminum terminal lug
• Substations / utilities
• Battery terminals
• Pole line hardware
• Transformers
• Switchgear
• Circuit breaker panels
• High-voltage transmission lines
• High-voltage rectifiers and semiconductors
• Tensioning cable support assemblies
• Renewable Energy
  • PV racking systems / solar panels
  • Wind turbine propellers
  • Wind turbine brake assemblies
  • Nuclear power turbines
  • PEM hydrogen fuel cell stack system

Contact Solon Manufacturing for Bolted Electrical Connection Requirements

Contact us for more information regarding bolting application challenges in the electrical industry today.

Learn more about the use of our products in the electrical industry:
Case Study: Solon Belleville Springs Maintain Bolt Preload on Electrical Connections
Case Study: Solon Flange Washers Solve Gasketed Joint Leaks in Nuclear Power Station Heat Exchangers
Case Study: Solon Belleville Springs Maintain Bolt Preload on PV Racking Systems
Technical White Paper: Maintain Bolt Preload on Electrical Connections Using Belleville Springs

Product Selection Tools: 
Bolted Electrical Connections Calculator