Cable Lugs and Direct Terminals

Electric power cables are conducting current between various devices required for a trouble free power supply and distribution. Cables are not only connected to each other but also to switchgear, fuse sockets, load switches or to overhead lines.

Depending on voltage level and type of device various connection versions are available. It may be simple copper bars with a hole or a V shaped terminal plate or plugs with inner or outer cones, all variations can be found in power supply networks.

Connectors (Cable Lugs) are suitable for both the cable and the device to which they are to be connected and are easily installed. They can be considered as half a screw connector with palm or bolt. Cable lugs for cable terminations usually have a lateral palm to enable a bolted connection with a flat bar or with the palm of a second cable lug. These lugs are used for installation of outdoor terminations which can be found wherever a transition is required from overhead line to underground cable.

Another common variation of cable connectors are direct terminals. They are shaped as flat or V shaped terminal and are mainly used for connection of fuse sockets or switch disconnectors.

Flat direct terminals are directly involved in power transmission whilst V direct terminals or frame terminals generate the contact force between conductor and V shaped connection plate and do not transmit current.

Cable lugs for terminations usually are provided with a centred palm or a connection bolt. As an exact fitting is required these cable lugs will not be exchangeable between termination manufacturers. Geometric requirements are very specific at the installation side of the cable lug (palm or bolt) and are to be observed with precision.