Manufacturing and properties of contact wires – Innovation and recommendations for installation

Summary

The current state of manufacturing technology permits the reliable production of contact wires made of copper or copper alloys with micro wave levels of ≤ 0.1mm under continuous inline process control.

By taking into account mechanical material properties during the installation process errors which can cause kinking or micro waves in the contact wire can be prevented. Installation guidelines developed specifically for the installation of contact wires should be closely adhered to.

Specific measuring methods, along with the required measuring technology were developed in conjunction with the further development of high-tensile-strength contact wires and to allow for reproducible measuring of micro waves following installation. These findings were also incorporated into the 2012 version of contact wire standard EN 50149. “nkt cables“ provides a measuring device for use at construction sites which is already widely used.

The revised contact wire standard EN 50149:2012 expressly mentions the option of using other copper alloys thus permitting the development of tailor-made solutions. In particular, increased electrical conductivity at the required tensile strength and high thermal stability are such solutions which have been made available through the VALCOND ® and VALTHERMO ® product lines. This means that increasing demands on energy transmission can be better met, both ecologically as well as economically.