- New medium voltage configurations offer improved reliability and safety across a range of applications
- Single-phase module expands Elastimold™ Tru-Break™ switchgear line with a patented viewing window
- Elastimold™ Veri-Spike™ grounding-aid enables safe and quick verification that a system is de-energized
ABB Installation Products has expanded its Elastimold solutions that make it easy to verify circuit status before performing maintenance. Building on more than a century of innovation and nearly 50 years of Elastimold technology, ABB collaborated with customers to develop the new Elastimold™ Tru-Break™ single-phase switchgear module and the new Elastimold™ Veri-Spike™ grounding-aid device that help mitigate risk for utility workers maintaining electrical equipment.
The latest medium voltage solutions are compatible with ABB’s gear and interchangeable with other equipment to perform in construction, communications, industrial, utility and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) applications.
“We rely on electricity in nearly every aspect of our lives, and the Elastimold Tru-Break switchgear modules and Veri-Spike grounding-aid device improve worker safety in performing maintenance and critical storm-hardening upgrades that power our homes, cities, and communications and transportation systems,” said Matthias Heilmann, President, ABB Installation Products Division. “Input from utility and infrastructure partners has been integral to expanding our medium voltage offerings across applications, including multiple configurations and interconnection points.”
Elastimold single-phase Tru-Break switchgear
ABB introduced the three-phase Tru-Break switchgear in 2018 with a patented viewing window to visually verify the circuit is de-energized, significantly improving the safety of solid dielectric underground or pad-mounted systems. The new single-phase Elastimold Tru-Break module is a compact, submersible and modular visible break accessory that is configurable and conditionally retrofittable onto existing single-phase Elastimold molded vacuum switches (MVS), single-phase Elastimold molded vacuum interrupters (MVI), and multi-way switchgear systems. Produced at ABB’s Hackettstown, NJ, facility, the single-phase Tru-Break module is maintenance-free and has a polycarbonate window with a hotstick-removable cap to stay clear in wet and dusty conditions.
Designed for the harshest environments, the Tru-Break modules are made of proprietary ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) solid dielectric rubber insulation, rated for 20 kA systems at 15 kV to 29.3 kV, and tested and certified to the IEEE C37.74-2014 standard.
Elastimold Veri-Spike grounding-aid device
The new Elastimold™ Veri-Spike™ grounding-aid device provides safe and quick verification a system is de-energized before maintenance begins. It consists of a sacrificial cap and a connecting plug that can be installed in place of a basic insulation plug. The sacrificial cap can be cut or spiked and replaced with a grounding ball to properly ground the system. The Veri-Spike grounding-aid device is made of EPDM rubber and available in 15/25 kV and 35 kV ratings, meeting the IEEE 386 Standard. Veri-Spike grounding-aid devices are assembled, tested and distributed from ABB’s Albuquerque, NM, facility.
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com
