Experimental evaluation of thermal capability of integrated T-body connectors

T-body connector is used in utility distribution system for interconnecting the distribution system cables which carry a high value of electric current. In the past a large number of failures occurred with the bolted T-body connector. The replacement of an existing connector with a new one is an expensive process. The root cause was assumed to be insufficient Installation torque, but it was unknown if this occurred as a result of normal operating cycles, or as initially installed. This paper provides an experimental procedure for testing the new designed T-Body connectors to verify their thermal capability and determine the expected life time of the connectors. The result shows the new designed T-body connector operates well during the 500 cycle's durability test and the operation temperature is much lower than the rated maximum temperature rating. The resistance between the three testing points are also stable, only negligible increasing can be observed.