Low Voltage Aerial Distribution Network Components

Low Voltage Distribution Networks

Low Voltage (BT) distribution networks consist of the set of conductors and supports that, starting from transformation centers, supply power to the entire area.

Aerial Distribution Networks

There are two primary types of aerial distribution networks:

• Fixed Braided Network: In these networks, installed on facades, the conductors are mounted without subjecting them to mechanical stress.
• Stretched Braided Network: This network is preferably used in rural environments or between buildings to span distances (crossings) where traffic or space requires tensioned supports.

Components for Aerial Braided Networks

These parts are manufactured from plastic materials because the bundle configuration allows for avoiding contact with metallic objects.

• Fixing Support: Used to fix the braided network to the walls of buildings.
• Mooring Clamps: Utilized for the mooring of service line conductors and public lighting networks.
• Hooks: Used for parallel distribution lines. Types include: single support bases, double mounting bases, concrete setting, and protection tubes.

Post Clamps and Suspension Systems

Post Clamps: These are used for conductors or protection tubes. There are three main types: line support clamps, simple collar clamps, and double cuff clamps.

Clamps for Braided Networks (Suspension Clamps): These feature a wire bail and are designed to accommodate one or two distribution lines. There are four types:

• Simple clamps with incorporated encasement.
• Simple clamps with independent encasement.
• Double clamps with incorporated encasement.
• Double clamps with independent encasement.

Brackets and End Caps

Brackets: These allow for achieving specific angles in stretched and fixed networks. There are two types: line brackets and service line brackets.

End Caps: There are three types, including protection caps for line ends and departures from universal tubes.

Splicing Sleeves and Connectors

Splicing Sleeves: Their mission is to join conductors. Splicing is typically carried out by compression sleeves, although they can also be made with fasteners. A special type is the pre-insulated sleeve, used for joining insulated low voltage conductors in the network.

Branch Connectors and Links

There are four main types of connectors:

• Trunk Branch Connectors: These are designed to open a trunk where the main conductor is introduced and then closed by the pressure of the branches.
• Screw Branch Connectors: These feature an open trunk where the main conductor and branches are introduced, both secured by screw fasteners.
• Pressure Branch Connectors: Simply used in distribution networks. The most important characteristics include: the connection is made by pressure, the body is an aluminum alloy, and insulation is maintained via a sealing cap and neutral grease.
• Insulation Piercing Connectors: Similar to pressure connectors, their fundamental advantage is that no stripping is required; the teeth penetrate the insulation to reach the conductor.