New Product: Centaur Cable Saddle

What cables are they for?

Centaur Cable Saddles have been designed as a solution for cleating large diameter EHV power transmission cables, typically 275/400kV.

Where are they installed?

Generally installed within tunnels and affixed to supporting steel-work, the Centaur Cable Saddle accommodates cables from 100mm, upto 162mm outside diameter and is available in differing lengths, dependant on the tunnel lining steelwork distances.

Why use Centaur?

Centaur is the only solution that has been put through, and passed, the most rigorous of testing procedures. Using cable manufactured by ABB in Sweden, the Centaur saddle cleats were tested to 162kA peak (63kA RMS) for one second, in both three-phase and phase-to-phase fault installations. A copy of the full test report from KEMA is available upon request.

None of the other products used for retaining cables of this size have been short circuit tested, meaning the warranties are based purely on calculations and mechanical tests.

The Centaur range was specifically designed by Ellis Patents to fill a gap in the market which presented serious safety risks. 

At present, neither the British or European standards take into account cleats on cables of this size. As a result, those specifying for such projects are very much left in the hands of the manufacturers, who in most cases, simply provide warranties for their products, not an independantly tested solution.

The risk lies in the fact that none of the limited number of products available have been short-circuit tested.

Design Features

Centaur consists of an extruded and pressed aluminium saddle an hinged aluminium over-strap retention which incorporates a LSFZeroHalogen nylon liner to cushion and protect the cable in the event of a short-circuit. The saddles are available in lengths of either: 400mm, 600mm and 800mm to allow for different mounting centres. Intermediate short-circuit straps are also available as part of the system, as well as a roller system for easy pulling of cables. 

Centaur has also been successfully tested for corrosion resistance having been subjected to an independent salt spray test carried out in accordance with BS EN 9227:2006 corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres.