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System Testing & Certification |
AASHTO Guidelines
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Testimonial “Due to this system, which was designed so that when an errant vehicle knocks down the pole, the structure would electronically disconnect at the foundation, leaving no more than a few inches of wires, cables, or connectors protruding from the electrical conduit; the amount of time to repair the electrical system of the pole and reset it has drastically reduced. This is a safer disconnect system whereas emergency personnel and accident victims are not exposed to live wires. We have had much success with the components disconnecting as designed. This has saved us time and money. The wires no longer required splicing and repair, the circuit does not have to be reset and the time to reset the pole has almost nearly been cut in half.” - Benton G. Payne, P.E., Division Mgr. State of North Carolina Department of Transportation |
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Performance Testing
Pursuant to AASHTO Guidelines, the performance specifications for the
breakaway wiring system shall include certification from a recognized
independent laboratory that the breakaway connectors are crushproof, flame
retardant and submersible. The complete cable system has been tested by a
nationally recognized testing service experienced in performing electrical
tests, i.e., Factory Mutual, Underwriters Laboratories or equal. A copy of
the test results and/or test report number is available by request to
lighting engineers and consultants. The Pole Cable System has passed the
following performance criteria in accordance with NEC 110-2:
Dielectric - A test potential of 1960 volts shall be applied to the primary conductors and the protective ground conductor for one minute with no occurrence of breakdown.
Leakage Current
- Leakage current shall not exceed .5mA when measured between the primary conductors and protective ground conductor at rated voltage.Flame Retardant - The cable, molded body of the connectors and the molded protective caps (where used) shall self-extinguish before one minute upon removal of a flame subjected to the material for l5 seconds and removed for l5 seconds five times in succession
Internal Temperature Test - The internal temperature rise of the contact area of the contact area of the mated connectors shall not exceed a temperature rise of 54 degrees F (12 degrees C) referenced to 73 degrees F (23 degrees C) ambient temperature when operated at the maximum current rating.
External Temperature Test - The external temperature rise of the mated connectors and cable shall not be greater than 52 degrees F (11 degrees C) referenced to 73 degrees F (23 degrees C) ambient temperature when operated at the maximum current rating.
Fault Test - The mated connectors shall withstand a l000 amperes, 60 HZ, test current for a minimum of 3 cycles (50 ms).
Drop Test - The connectors shall not crack, break, or be damaged in any way when dropped from a height of 3ft. above a concrete floor in any position.
Crushing Test - No breakage, dielectric degradation, or deformation shall result when the mated and unmated connectors are subjected to a crushing force of 500 pounds for one minute.
Impact Resistance Test - No breakage or deformation shall result when the conductors are subjected to an impact caused by dropping a cylindrical 10 pound weight having a flat surface 2 inches in diameter from a height of 18 inches.
Flex Test - Each connector shall not detach, fail dialectically or loosen when subjected to a 5000 cycle flex test at the cable/bond area back and forth in a plane through an angle of 180 degrees.
No Load Endurance Test - There shall be no excessive wear resulting from male and female connectors and protective caps (where applicable) when subjected to 2000 cycles of complete insertion and withdrawal.
Watertight (Immersion) Tests - The mated and/or capped connectors shall not degrade dialectically or have a leakage current of greater than .5mA while immersed in 6ft. of water for a period of 24 hours. No water shall reach the contact area of the connectors during this time period.
Exposure to Deteriorating Liquids - No degradation shall occur in the cables or connectors when dried at 2l2 degrees F (l00 degrees C +/- 50 degrees C) for one hour and then immersed in ASTM oil No. 1 and ASTM Fuel C liquids for 1 hour.