Experimental investigations to the joint resistance of bolted substation and transmission line connectors and its conformity to test standards

This paper summarizes the experimental investigations on joint resistance and current distribution of connections with straight connectors. Different sizes (2–4 covers) and types of contact surface (as cast, riffled) are reviewed. Connectors with 2 covers have the lowest joint resistance whereas connectors with 4 covers do have the best performance factor. The kind of contact surface does not affect the initial joint resistance. To compare these two conductor groove shapes long term tests are necessary. Calculations using a resistance network prove the measured initial joint resistances. The current distribution in the connector body is influenced insignificantly by the joint resistance. The more covers a connector possesses the longer is the estimated lifetime.