wiredInUSA January 2018

Harnessing the customized solution

HV testing center

With the high voltage market demanding an increasing number of tests at higher voltage levels, Nexans is to significantly enhance its testing capacity by building a new direct current (DC) laboratory that will allow simultaneous testing of three independent qualification loops. Each loop is composed of multiple cable sections and joints, and is connected to the electrical network through two terminations. It is designed to represent the various configurations existing in power grids. The generators, rated for voltages up to 1.2 million volts, operate in a controlled environment that guarantees the optimum equipment availability required for performing aging tests that typically last for over a year. The new facility, under development at Nexans’ Calais center of excellence, will be dedicated to HDVC cables. A 6,500m 2 HV testing area will comprise 12 HV test laboratories equipped with world-class generators operating at up to 1.5 million volts. It is COFRAC-certified (ISO 17025) and addresses both AC and DC applications. The Calais center is a critical asset for qualification of Nexans cable systems, and played a key role in qualification of the company’s 500kV AC and 525kV DC systems. The Calais center also performs electrical, thermal and mechanical modeling.

Image: www.adaptronic.com

Schleuniger Group is to acquire 60 percent of adaptronic Prüftechnik GmbH, based in Wertheim, Germany. With the acquisition, Schleuniger will add customized solutions for testing cable harnesses, connectors and assemblies for the aviation, astronautics, railway technology, automotive, automation technology and industrial sectors to its existing service range. adaptronic develops and produces application-specific wiring test systems, adapters, test tables and test consoles for high and low voltage applications. The company generates a significant portion of its sales through customer- specific application engineering, and the maintenance of the test systems it supplies. Following the transaction, the remaining 40 percent will remain in the hands of adaptronic’s founder, and current principal owner, Peter Müller, and with the minority shareholder, Stefan Friedrich. “adaptronic’s alliance with the Schleuniger Group will enable us to benefit from the global sales footprint we need to drive forward our internationalization plans,” said Peter Müller, who will remain as CEO.

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wiredInUSA - January 2018