Technical field The present invention comprises connecting systems for electrical installations in tube columns where the connecting system is arranged for connecting up current distribution systems comprising a supply cable and optionally one or more

branching cables, and a power consuming system comprising a consuming element with a fuse. Specifically, the invention may for example comprise a connecting system for an electric pylon, a road safety barrier or a road sign and so forth.

The invention also comprises a method for installing and troubleshooting said connecting system.

Known art

Connection of electrical systems in tube columns, e.g. electric pylons, is problematic, for example because relatively complex electrical systems with many components including wires that may be relatively stiff are to be mounted inside a very limited volume. This problem is aggravated by a change-over in the field to cheaper aluminum cables, which require a larger cable cross-section.

The present solutions typically comprise connections of separate conductors in cables from a power distribution system, optionally from a fuse element to a consumption system. Thus, it becomes difficult to follow, especially when they are mounted in limited volumes in tube columns. Installation of such solutions in for instance an electric pylon necessitates use of authorized personnel with electrician certification, both when the connecting system is to be connected to the power distribution system, and when the connection system next is to be connected to the consuming system. This typically occurs as two separate procedures at distinct points in time, and authorized personnel must be present at both.

Electrical troubleshooting of relevant systems may comprise insulation

measurements and jacket tests. In relation to this, conductors must be disconnected. According to systems of the known art, each individual conductor in every cable must typically be disconnected separately. Such a solution has disadvantages; it may be hard to keep track of relatively many conductors in a limited volume; it is time consuming since each individual conductor must be handled separately; and this may lead to reduced safety.

In addition, the present solutions do not offer double insulated installations. Such double insulated installations are increasingly sought after because they result in simpler and cheaper installations. As an example it is expected that the Norwegian public roads administration will proscribe such double insulated installations.

Todays solutions have more disadvantages in relation to installation, testing and upkeep, which may be related to both logistics, economy, resource use and requirements of trained personnel. Todays solution also have problems due to short expected lifetimes for fuses installed in demanding surroundings, e.g. electric pylons etc.

US 3,831 ,129 discloses a terminal clamp for connecting electrical cables, comprising a number of connectors arranged electrically independent from each other, and a bus of an electrically leading material arranged to form electrical contact between the connectors.

Connection boxes or terminal clamps with a somewhat changed functionality aimed at simplifying the use thereof are known and have been described. E.g. Norwegian patent no. 171 138 (Siemens) discloses a terminal clamp for affixing conductors in the terminal clamp without using screws. This does however not solve the general problem described above in relation to trouble-shooting, since relatively stiff wires still must be loosened and moved in order to make trouble-shooting possible.

Summary of the invention

A general goal of the present invention is to solve the problems of the known art as described above. Said goal is achieved by a connection system and methods for installing and troubleshooting as defined in the independent patent claims. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the dependent patent claims. A general goal is to bring forth an improved connection system with accompanying methods.

A paramount objective of the present invention is to disclose simplifications for connection systems both regarding the technical solutions, assembly, trouble- shooting and maintenance.

In addition, it is an objective to disclose a rational, work-saving and safe assembly and trouble-shooting. In particular, it is an object for trouble-shooting to be able to be carried out without disconnecting each individual conductor in each cable separately.

An additional paramount objective is to reduce the costs, both for production, installation and maintenance.

It is an objective to reduce the use of trained personnel. More specifically, it is a goal that unskilled labor shall be able to install the consuming system.

In addition, it is an objective to improve the safety, operational reliability, and lifetime for the system generally, and in demanding environments specifically.

Another objective is to bring forth double insulated installations.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a connection system for electrical installations in tube columns is provided, e.g. an electric pylon, a road safety barrier, a road sign system, portals, where there is limited space for installing electrical components including cables. Said connection system is arranged for connecting up power distribution systems comprising a supply cable and optionally one or more branching cables, and an electrical consuming system comprising a consuming element, where the cables in the power distribution system comprise a conductor per phase, and optionally ground and/or neutral . The connection system comprises a terminal clamp for each phase, as well as optionally ground and/or neutral. Each ternninal clamp comprises a housing with a bottom part and a top part made of an electrically insulating material, and a number of connectors arranged electrically independent from each other inside of said housing. Each connector is arranged to be coupled to at least one electrical wire, as well as a bus of an electroconductive material, arranged to make electrical contact between the connectors, where the bus is arranged to become temporarily disconnected from the connectors at need, in order for the electrical contact between each connector to be disconnected.

In addition, the system comprises a coupling rod for arranging a terminal clamp, in order for said terminal claim to be arranged for connecting to the conductors for each and the same phase, and a terminal clamp is arranged for connecting the conductors for each of optionally ground and/or neutral. In this manner, access is granted to each bus, in order for each bus to be disconnected separately and thus give access to the associated connectors for trouble-shooting without disconnecting each individual conductor.

The terminal clamps may be arranged in parallel in a stepwise structure, in order to provide access to the connectors for connecting conductors.

The coupling rod may comprise a lid over the terminal clamps.

The connecting system may optionally comprise a fuse element suitable for arrangement between the coupling rod and the consuming system. In addition, the connecting system may be arranged in such a manner that it can be connected to the consuming system by means of one or more quick connections. The fuse element may be connected to the terminal clamps by means of one or more quick connectors. Fuse elements may in addition be arranged integrated in a coupling rod with a lid over the terminal clamps, suitable for granting access to both said terminal clamps and fuse element.

The bus may be arranged to be either fastened to the connecting system by aid of screws and/or be brought in contact with the connectors by spring loading from a holder arrangement that may be brought in and out of contact without use of equipment and/or fastened to the connectors by aid of a holder arrangement arranged to be brought in and out of electrical contact by aid of a suitable tool. Every connector may be equipped for either fastening by screwing, or fastening without screws of the wire. In addition, the connectors may be arranged side by side in at least one row. The housing may be sectioned in a number of sections corresponding to a number of connectors with divisional walls that makes electrical contact between said connectors. The housing may in addition be arranged to contain a number of at least two, preferably four, connectors, arranged to electrically connect all the conductors in the terminal clamp together by aid of one or more busses. The fuse element may be imbedded and comprises encapsulating arrangements suitable for protecting against penetration of solid objects and fluids, where said encapsulating arrangements further comprise casting material that enclose parts of the fuse element in order to aid in achieving an improved degree of encapsulation. Further, parts of at least one electrical connecting system in form of a cable or a quick connection can be at least partially imbedded in a shared casting material, together with the imbedded fuse element.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for installation of a connecting system is provided for, where said method for installation comprises introducing power cables comprising a feed wire and optionally one or more branch cables, cutting of conductors in the power cables into a proper length for stepwise arrangement of terminal clamps, sheet stripping of the power cables, coupling of a terminal clamp for each phase, and optionally ground and/or neutral terminal clamp. Further, the method comprises stepwise arrangement of the terminal clamps in a connection stake in order to provide access for each bus, thus enabling the separate disconnection of each bus, arrangement for quick connection on the cable for connecting a consuming system, connection of the consuming system and the fuse element by means of a quick connector, and connection of the terminal clamps and the fuse element by means of a quick connector if the fuse element is not already connected to the terminal clamps.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a method for troubleshooting connecting systems for electrical installations in tube columns, where the method comprises separate disconnection of the top part and/or lid over the terminal leads to one or more terminal clamps, thus providing access to the buss for each of the one or more terminal clamps. In addition, the method comprises disconnecting the busses for the one or more terminal clamps, in order to achieve one or more open phases and/or ground and neutral without loosening any parts, troubleshooting of the one ore more open phases and/or grounded and neutral, and connecting the disconnected busses.

Short description of the figures

The present invention is described in more detail below with reference to the enclosed figures. First individual central parts of the invention is described. Then implementations where said parts are comprised.

- Figure 1 a discloses a perspective of an embodiment of a terminal clamp in accordance with the present invention.

- Figure 1 b discloses the terminal clamp of figure 1 a with a cover on.

- Figure 2 discloses a single connector from the terminal clamp of figure 1 .

- Figure 3 discloses a bus or "jumper" from the terminal clamp shown in figure 1 a, 1 b.

- Figure 4a discloses a terminal clamp differing a bit form the terminal clamp of figure 1 a.

- Figure 4b discloses the terminal clamp of figure 4a with a cover on.

- Figure 5 discloses a cross-section of an embodiment of an encapsulated automatic fuse, where the connecting systems are made up of electrical cables with fused on quick connections.

- Figure 6 discloses a cross-section of an embodiment of an encapsulated automatic fuse, where the connecting systems are made up of electrical cables.

- Figure 7 discloses a cross-section of an encapsulated automatic fuse, where the connecting systems are made up of partially encapsulated quick connectors.

- Figure 8 discloses a electrical circuit diagram for an electric pylon, based on a grounded 220V IT embodiment of the connecting system in accordance with the present invention.

- Figure 9 discloses a electrical circuit diagram for an electric pylon, based on a not grounded, double insulated 220V IT embodiment of the connecting system in accordance with the present invention. - Figure 10 discloses a electrical circuit diagram for an electric pylon, based on a grounded 400V IT embodiment of the connecting system in accordance with the present invention.

- Figure 1 1 discloses a electrical circuit diagram for an electric pylon, based on a not grounded, double insulated 400V IT embodiment of the connecting system in accordance with the present invention.

- Figure 12 discloses a system solution in accordance with the present

invention where the main components are produced separately.

- Figures 13a-c disclose respectively a side view, a top view, a cross section and an enlarged top view of an embodiment of the present invention with separate fuse element.

- Figures 14a-c disclose respectively a side view, a top view, a cross section and an enlarged top view of an embodiment of the present invention with an integrated fuse element.

- Figures 15a-d disclose respectively a top view, a cross-section parallel to said top view, a longitudinal a cross section 90 degrees on the tow view, and a front view of an embodiment of a switching central in accordance with the present invention

- Figure 16 discloses a coupling rod over which a cone is arranged in relation to the installation.

Detailed description of the present invention Below the present invention is described with reference to the figures. First central parts of the connecting system is described separately, and then more complete embodiments of the invention are described.

To start with we will briefly summarize that a connecting system for electrical installations in accordance with the present invention is arranged for connecting a power distribution system including a power cable with an electric power consuming system, and with optional branching. The connecting system comprises a connection stake and coupling of conductors. In addition the connecting system comprises a fuse element. Embodiments of the connecting system will be presented, but it is advantageous to first describe the most central element in said connecting system; that is the terminal clamp. On many occasions where electrical power is involved, it is prudent to connect together a number of electrical wires in some form for a connection box or a terminal clamp. E.g. terminal clamps are used for electrical pylons where there is very limited room and difficult work conditions when upkeep is needed. When one connects fairly stiff wires or cables in a system, one depends on clamps to be arranged in a specific order, and this leads to the individual clamp being "locked in place", making it difficult to release it for troubleshooting in a situation where errors have developed in the cable system. In order to troubleshoot, one is dependent on being able to connect measuring equipment to this conductor in the cable, without it being connected to other parts of the system. This is hard to do with the terminal clamps available on the market today. When troubleshooting using existing solutions one is dependent on being able to release the cables from each other, or to release the connections.

"Bus of electrical conducting material" is meant to be any physical realization of electrical conducting material in a desired form, dimension and rigidity for the purpose, in order for it (the bus), in accordance with the connection type that is chosen for electrical connection to the connectors, to be able to maintain electrical contact between these over time. Preferably the "bus" is a jumper, a metallic plate with or without notches on one side for slipping under fastening screws/socket screws. The bus or jumper may also be arranged to be pushed against the connectors by spring loading when the connectors and bus/jumper is placed in "active" position. When troubleshooting, the bus is brought out of electrical contact with the connectors by moving the bus away form the connectors or vice versa. Figure 1 a discloses a terminal clamp 10 without lid, with line entrances 1 1 for introduction of electrical wires, connectors 12, one for each wire opening, a comb shaped bus or jumper 13 which, by aid of fastening screws 17, one for each connector 12, are ensured electrical contact with each connector, and thus with each wire (not shown), that is connected to the terminal clamp via the line entrances 1 1 . A screw 16, so-called headless screw, is located on each connector 12 for screwing on the electric conductor from each wire to be connected to the terminal clamp. While the bus or jumper 13 is shown with its open side directed towards the line entrances 1 1 , there is nothing to hinder it from being adapted to be arranged in the opposite direction.

Figure 1 b discloses the terminal clamp from figure 1 with a top cover 14b on.

Figure 2 discloses, in perspective, a connector 12 with a wire opening 15 and screw (headless) 16 arranged to screw on a insulated part of a wire that is lead into the wire opening 15. The fastening screw 17 is shown a bit pulled back in relation to screw 16, and its purpose is to fasten a bus or jumper to each of the connectors 12.

Figure 3 discloses the jumper 13 from figure 1 a, and said jumper functions as an electrical bus across of all the connectors 12. Since the jumper 13 is comb shaped it may be pulled free from the connectors as soon as each of the fastening screws 17 are barely loosened, that is, without unscrewing the fastening screws completely. The fastening screws 17 may alternatively be replaced by plugs (not shown) which by spring loading are pulled against the connectors. The jumper may then be pulled loose from the plugs without use of tools, and pushed back afterwards. In this case it would be advantageous for the jumper to be wedge-shaped, thinnest at the outer end of the teeth, and thicker by the "back" of the comb, in order for the teeth to easily be placed under the respective spring loaded plug, and then gradually tightening the plugs by pushing the jumper inn until its back is in contact with the plugs.

Figure 4a discloses a terminal clamp corresponding to the terminal clamp shown in figure 1 a, except for it being double, that is, it comprises two rows with 4 connectors each, arranged to connect together 4 and 4 conductors. Only few reference numbers are shown in figure 4a, since it is obvious that the individual elements correspond directly to the ones shown in figure 1 a. In figure 4a the jumpers 13 are shown arranged back to back. This is not necessary for the invention. They may as well be placed so that one or both have the opposite orientation of what is shown.

Figure 4b discloses the terminal clamp from figure 4a with a top cover on.

Hereunder the use of the terminal clamp in accordance with the present invention, and as illustrated in figure 1 , is explained in more detail. During normal operation wires are each connected to a connector 12 by a screw 16 each, and all the wires are connected via the jumper 13, which is in electrical contact with all the connectors 12. At the same time it is noteworthy that without the jumper 13 in its place there would be no electrical contact between any of the connectors, even if the wires remain connected to the connectors by means of the screws 16. During

troubleshooting of each conductor individually it is then sufficient to loosen the screws 17 barely enough to pull out the jumper 13, and then connecting measuring equipment to each of the screws 17, or to any electrically conducting part of each connector 12, in order.

While the figures show screws 16 for fastening the wires in the connectors, it is also possible to replace the screws with fastening means which does not comprise screws, for example as shown in the earlier mentioned Norwegian patent no.

171 138.

The bus or jumper 13 of electrically conductive material is typically arranged to be fastened to the connectors 12 by means of screws 16, but can as mentioned also be fastened by means of for example spring loaded plugs, which enables the

connection and disconnection of the bus without tools. By spring loaded contact there is not an absolute requirement for a spring loaded mechanism to be directly connected to each connector, as long as the mechanism ensures that the electrical contact is good at each connector.

The bus may also be brought in contact with the connectors by means of a holder arrangement which is not arranged with individual screws for each connector, but which still enables use of a tool. Thus, the bus may e.g. be loosened from the connectors by loosening (unscrewing) one common fastening arrangement for all the connectors.

Fastening electrical wires in the terminal clamp can as shown comprise use of screws 16 or so called headless screws, but may also take place by means of pinched on elements that do not require use of a screwdriver or other tools.

The terminal clamps in accordance with the present invention may have many different geometries, but a particularly rational geometry is as shown on the enclosed figures, where the terminal clamps are laying side by side in one ore more rows. The terminal clamp 10 comprises an electrical insulating housing, typically comprising a bottom cover 14a and a top cover 14b, which is sufficiently large for the connectors 12 to lay side by side without being in electrical contact with each other. The housing does however not need to comprise said top cover 14b. The housing is in principle divided up into sections, one for each connector 12, and each section may optionally be separated form the neighboring sectors by an electrically insulating dividing wall (not shown) in the bottom cover and optionally the top cover, in order to unable physical contact between the connectors.

While the terminal clamp 10 in accordance with the present invention may be produced in many different shapes and sizes, it is assumed that there is a special need for terminal clamps with four connectors. In such an embodiment it would be natural to arrange the bus 13 to electrically connecting all the terminal camps connectors. Wit larger terminal clamps with many rows of connectors, as in figures 4a, 4b, it would typically be natural for each bus to connect the connectors located in the same row. In summary, the terminal clamp enables mutual electrical separation of the conductors coupled together, without loosening the conductors from their fastening points, either by use of screws or other means. The conductors may remain immobile. This is time sawing, it improves operational safety, and reduce the risk of introducing other errors into the system, such as breaks on the conductors or bad connection, when an error is fixed.

The terminal clamp 10 is particularly well suited where there is limited room, fore example in an electrical pylon. Up to 5 clamps are typically used in a specific system in such electrical pylons as described more closely below.

With the clamp one may trouble shoot by removing the lid of the clamp and releasing the jumper, which is easily accessible. By releasing this jumper each individual conductor will be disconnected. After the error is repaired, the jumper can be reconnected, and the installation may easily be returned to function.

The fuse element

A connecting system in accordance with eh present invention comprises in addition a fuse element arranged between the terminal clamp and a consuming system. The fuse element comprised by the present invention will typically be closely integrated in the connecting system both mechanically and electrically. In addition the fuse element may be imbedded for reasons which will become apparent below. A connection system for an electrical pylon is an especially relevant use of the present invention. The environment inside a light post can be very humid, for instance in the form of condensation due to temperature fluctuations. Condensation will form inside the cavity of the light post, and on equipment located therein.

Condensed moisture will also be able to flow along vertical elements, and thus penetrate inadequately sealed elements mounted inside the pole.

The issue of installing automatic circuit breakers in light poles has been highlighted in recent years. Earlier one-phase-fuses (melting fuses)satisfied the relevant standards, but now protection is required in both phases. This is not possible by means of melting fuses which earlier were frequently used in this regard.

Figure 5 discloses a schematic embodiment of a fuse element (20) where a automatic fuse is embedded in the casting mass. The connection devices for the automatic circuit breaker here consist of two electrical cables (21 a, 21 b), where one electric cable (21 a) is typically connected to supply, while the other electric cable (21 b) typically may be connected to a load, such as in the form of a luminaire.

The automatic circuit breaker comprises a control device (22) in the form of a toggle switch, which allows manual operation.

An automatic circuit breaker typically comprises a main part whose main function is to break the circuit in case of errors, primarily in order to secure the cable network against loads for which it is not dimensioned. There are automatic circuit breakers for single- and multi-poled breaks, but requirements for two- or multi-poled breaks are becoming more common.

The electrical components which are molded will typically be standard equipment. Thus there will normally be no need to acquire dedicated products that will often be disproportionately costly. The products may also be modular. Standard, modular products in molded version, however, normally will differ in size from the standard. Molded versions of standard size might be obtained by producing circuit breaker material adapted for molding in smaller size. This embodiment will be able to achieve a high encapsulation degree such as IP69K, and thus be used in extremely demanding conditions (see below). The electrical cables (21 a, 21 b) are here connected directly to the automatic circuit breaker. Encapsulation of the electrical cables (21 a, 21 b) aids in achieving the mentioned high degree of encapsulation. The casting mass will effectively seal around the cables (21 a, 21 b) along relatively long parts of these by the connecting points for the automation.

Another advantage of the embodiment with directly connected conductors (21 a, 21 b) is that production and upkeep is simplified, and the acquisition and upkeep costs are reduced. Encapsulation of the electrical cables (21 a, 21 b) also contributes markedly to achieve the high degree of encapsulation of this embodiment.

The electrical cables (21 a, 21 b) are connected to one part of each own quick connection (23). The quick connections (23) may typically be suitable for connection to a connection box on a feed end and against a consuming system on the other end.

Figure 6 discloses a fuse element (20) corresponding to the fuse element in figure 5, but where the cables (21 a, 21 b) do not terminate with quick connections (23) . This solution is particularly suited when the fuse element (20) is integrated in a coupling rod.

Thus the connection devices do not have to comprise power points or plugs. Power points and plugs are elements that typically result in a lower degree of

encapsulation. For instance, a Schuko connector provided with a flip lid gives an encapsulation degree of IP44.

Figure 7 discloses further embodiments where the connecting devices comprise quick connectors (23), where the quick connectors are partially embedded. This embodiment will also be able to achieve a relatively high encapsulation degree as e.g. IP67 or IP68, and thus can be used under demanding conditions. While this embodiment can provide a high encapsulation degree, adjacent equipment is connected using separate cables, which may be beneficial for production and installation. A particularly relevant application of the invention is the use of a molded automatic circuit breaker in light posts. Previously there were no requirements of 2-poled breaks at the outtake of light posts, and melting fuses were applied. Requirements for 2-poled breaks combined with a need for a high degree of encapsulation, creates the need for a molded automatic circuit breaker. The cable to the luminaires is typically 6-10 m long, while the cable to the supply normally will be shorter (for example about 50 cm). The molded automatic circuit breaker may be in accordance with one of the embodiments described above.

Electrical circuit diagram

Figure 8 discloses an electrical circuit diagram for an electric pylon based on a connection system in accordance with the present invention. The illustrated embodiment is a grounded 220V IT system. Other embodiments are illustrated in the following figures, but the main principles are described mainly related to the present figure.

Summarizes the figure shows electrical coupling from a feeder cable (30a) to a number of light fixtures in an electrical pylon, where the connection takes place via a coupling rod, a first quick connection (23a) comprising a power point and plug, a fuse element (20), and a second quick connection (23b) to each said light fixture (32a-d). In the coupling rod there are arranged terminal clamps (L1 -L3, PE), which are generally described to a larger extent below. In addition, the figure shows how the supply cable (30a) may be connected to a number of optional branches (31 a-c).

An electrical supply cable (30a) comprises four conductors, where three of said conductors result in three phases, and the fourth conductor is grounded. Each individual of these three phase conductors as well as the grounded conductor is coupled to its own connector (12) in its own terminal clamp (L1 , L2, L3, PE). Each terminal clamp (L1 , L2, L3, PE) comprises, according to the present embodiment, four connectors (12) coupled together by means of a bus (13). Two phase

conductors as well as a grounded conductor is then coupled to a quick connector (23a) form a connector (12) in their own terminal clamps (L2, L3). In addition, the terminal clamp (PE) is coupled to the ground via a grounding point, and like in the previous example is installed in the electrical pylon. The last mentioned connector (12) may preferably be a different one than the connector where the phase

conductors form the supply cable (30a) is connected.

Proffered aspects related to this will become apparent in relation with the description below of troubleshooting.

The quick connector (23a) is arranged for electrical connection of a fuse (20) to two phases, as well as ground, by means of a quick connector (23a) power point with a corresponding plug. Connection of the fuse (20) to the coupling rod (24) will thus be able to be carried out by a person that is not skilled in electronics. According to alternative embodiments, the connection between the coupling rod (24) and the fuse (20) would be direct, without any quick connection (23a), as will become apparent below. The fuse (20) is arranged to be able to become disconnected from each of the phases, while grounding will be throughout. The fuse (20) may have a number of embodiments as described above. According to the present use in relation to an electrical pylon, it will usually be embedded. The fuse (20) is coupled to one ore more quick couplings on the outlet side (the consuming side) for connection of a consuming element. In the present embodiment, the consuming element is made up of a light fixture (32a-d). In the event where there are several quick connectors (23b), these will be connected in parallel. The present solution discloses possibilities for branching's on the supply side of the coupling rod (24). One or more branches may be arranged by each coupling rod (24). A branch will only confer a forwarding in series via a supply cable to a next coupling rod (24). Two branches will correspond to a T-junction, which will typically be relevant for electrical pylons in connection with a side road. Three branches, as shown in the figure, will result in a X-connection, which in the present embodiment is relevant at a road intersection.

Connection of branches is realized through connecting the corresponding phase conductors from the supply cable (30a) and each of the optional branching cables (31 ) to a corresponding terminal clamp (L1 -3, PE). Grounded conductors from the supply cable and each of the optional branching cables are connected to a terminal clamp (PE). Corresponding phase conductors from the supply cable, and optional branches, will then typically be connected to connectors (12) arranged in corresponding positions in each terminal clamp (L1 -3).

Figure 9 discloses an electrical circuit diagram for an electrical pylon based on an ungrounded, doubly insulated 220V IT embodiment of the connecting system in accordance with the present invention.

The embodiment largely corresponds to the one illustrated in figure 8, with the difference that the rod is double insulated, and thus may not be grounded.

Figure 10 discloses an electrical circuit diagram for an electrical pylon, based on a grounded 400V IT embodiment of the connecting system in accordance with the present invention. The embodiment corresponds largely with the one illustrated in figure 8. In a 400V IT system neutral is however comprised in addition to the three phases. The supply cable (30a) and optional branches (31 a-c) may thus include a conductor in addition to be connected by their own terminal clamp (N). The conductor from a phase clamp (L3) and the terminal clamp (N) for neutral is then connected to a quick connector (23a).

Figure 1 1 discloses an electrical circuit diagram for an electrical pylon based on an ungrounded, double insulated 400V IT embodiment for the connecting system in accordance with the present invention.

The embodiment largely corresponds to the one illustrated in figure 10, with the difference that the rod is double insulated and thus may not be grounded.

Mechanical solution

Figure 12 discloses a system figure of an embodiment of the present invention where different main components are provided separately. The connection system is connected to the supply cable (30) and optional branch cables (31 ), where the conductors from these are connected to terminal clamps (10) in a coupling rod (24) with a lid (24a) over the switching central. An external fuse element (20) is arranged to be connected by means of a quick connector (23a) on the supply side, and another quick connector (23b) on the consuming side.

Figures 13a-c disclose respectively a side view, a top view, a cross section and an enlarged top view of an embodiment of the present invention with a separate fuse element (20).

Figure 13a discloses a view of the connecting system seen for the side of the coupling rod (24) and the fuse element (20). On the right side of the figure it is illustrated how the supply cable and optionally branching cables in the power distribution system enters the coupling rod (24). The coupling rod (24) is here illustrated in an opened state without a lid, providing access to the terminal clamps (10). The present embodiment comprises four terminal clamps (10), where each terminal clamp (10) is arranged with a terminal clamp lid (14b). One of the terminal clamps (10) is illustrated with a corresponding terminal clamp lid (14b) opened in order to give direct access to the connectors (12). The remaining three terminal clamps (10) are illustrated with their corresponding terminal clamp lids (14b) closed.

The terminal clamps (14b) provide individual protection for each terminal clamp (10), and this is advantageous during normal operation, and especially during installation and troubleshooting. As described above related to the electrical connecting system, a terminal clamp (10) is arranged for each phase, and optionally neutral and/or grounded in the power distribution system. This enables troubleshooting of a phase while the other phases are protected.

The terminal clamps (10) are further arranged stepwise in the coupling rod as shown in figures 13b and c. Such a stepwise arrangement aids in the effective use of the limited volume in the coupling rod (24), and at the same time it provides simple access to each of the terminal clamps (10) by opening the corresponding terminal clamp lid (14b).

Figures 13 a and b further illustrates how the coupling rod (24) is connected together with a encapsulated fuse (20), where the connection is provided by a cable from the terminal clamps (10) lead through the coupling rod (24) to the entrance of the fuse (20) via a quick connector (23a). In addition, a cable is arranged with a power point from a outlet from the fuse (20) for connection of a consuming system.

The solution provided above allows for connection of a coupling rod (24), fuse (20), and consuming system mainly by personnel lacking authorization in the electronics technical field.

Figures 14a-c disclose respectively a side view, a top view, a cross section and an enlarged top view of an embodiment of the present invention with an integrated fuse element, where the fuse (20) is integrated with the terminal clamps (10) in the coupling rod (24).

According to this embodiment, the coupling rod comprises a volume where the fuse (20) is arranged so the terminal clamp (10) and the fuse are available at the same time. The fuse is in this case electrically connected to the relevant terminal clamps (10) directly by means of a cable, without using a quick connector. The cable for connecting the consuming system is connected to an outtake from the fuse (20), and is lead through the coupling rod (24), and on the outside of this towards the consuming system. At the end of the cable a quick connector (23) is arranged for connection of the consuming system, in order for said connection to be carried out by personnel without a technical electronics authorization.

In addition a lid (24a) is arranged in the opening in the coupling rod (24) over the terminal clamps (10) and the volume where the fuse (20) is arranged. The lid (24a) is suitable for closing said opening in the coupling rod (24), and thus provides protection of the components arranged therein. In addition to being protected by the lid (24a) over the connecting exchange, the terminal clamps (10) may be protected by the terminal clamp lid (14b), among other things, in order to achieve a double insulated system.

Figures 15a-d disclose respectively a top view, a cross-section parallel to said top view, a longitudinal cross section 90 degrees on the tow view, and a front view of an embodiment of a switching central in accordance with the present invention.

The switching central (40) comprises a number of terminal clamps (10) in a stepwise, stair-like structure, where the terminal clamps (10) are arranged mainly in parallel to each other (as is shown in figures 15a-c), but displaced in a direction 90 degrees onto the top view (as is shown in figures 15c-d).

The top view of figure 15a illustrates how the arrangement of the terminal clamps (10) in parallel, but typically displaced by more than the with of a terminal clamp (10), allows for access to each terminal clamp (10), so that each corresponding bus (13) may be released and fastened.

The longitudinal cross section 90 degrees on the top view in figures 15a-d shows how the number of terminal clamps (10) are arranged in a stepwise structure by displacing each terminal clamp (10) in the last mentioned cross section. Said displacement provides an improved accessibility to the connectors (12) in the terminal clamps (10) for connecting the conductors in cables; and this is

advantageous particularly in connection with installation of the system. The front view of figure 15d illustrates how the present arrangement of the terminal conductors (10) provides access to the corresponding connectors(12).

A switching central (40) in accordance with the present invention provides a compact connection of cables, where these are lead into their respective connectors (12) and arranged in a defined, sorted, and easy to follow manner. Such a solution provides advantages both before and during installation, at changes to the configuration and at troubleshooting and handling of errors.

In connection with installation cables with conductors may be cut into optimal lengths in accordance with the geometry of the switching central (40). Installation, including connection to cables inside a very limited volume, becomes simpler and more easy to follow. In narrow spaces in tube columns like e.g. electrical pylons, it is especially important to be able to arrange the cables correctly in order to have space enough for coupling and troubleshooting.

In addition the possibility of troubleshooting individual cables by releasing

jumpers/busses (13) in the switching central (40) is brought forth. To be able to easily follow and access the connecting system is important when troubleshooting an installation.

The solution is also advantageous in situations where errors have arisen, by providing quick, easy to follow and simple handling. A specific example of this may be that if an electrical pylon is run down in an installation, it will be simple to go to the pylon in front thereof and disconnect the jumpers (13), and thus quickly remove power from the rest of the system.

Installation/mounting

The present solution provides a simplified and cost effective installation and mounting as will be shown below, where it is characteristic that this happens in steps, where at least one step require use of electro technical personnel, while another step does not.

Below an embodiment of a method for installing in accordance with the present invention is presented, where the connecting system that is installed corresponds to the one described above in relation to an electrical pylon.

Cables, as supply cables and branching cables, are pulled up from the fundament and cut to correct height. The cables are stripped of their sheets. A ground wire is connected to grounded paths, pulled up into the coupling rod, and connected to the fundament. Corresponding phase conductors from each cable are arranged and cut at the correct height in order for all the phase conductors for each phase to be suitable for connection to one terminal clamp (10), which may also be called a phase clamp. Afterwards the phase clamps are installed by connecting each phase conductor to a connector (12).

When the cables have been connected to terminal clamps (10), the lid is closed, and the cables are arranged in a cable bundle as described above, and this is arranged in a coupling rod. Afterwards a lid is arranged over the terminal clamps in order to double insulate the connections.

Normally the installation of the electrical pylon itself would happen at a later stage than the installation of the coupling rod, since this would lead to logistic advantages reducing resource use, for instance regarding personnel. In this instance one would install a temporarily protection, for example as a cone (25) over the coupling rod pending the installation of the electrical pylon itself, as illustrated in figure 16. The cone will have several functions by hiding and protecting the connections, and it will function as a warning in the installation area, and thus protect the fundament and cables. In addition, the cone may be used when the installation is damaged pending repairs, and optionally a new electrical pylon may be installed.

The installing of an electrical pylon as described above require use of personnel that are authorized to carry out electrical installations.

The electrical pylons are typically transported to the installation site by a crane truck. The installation then comprises electrical connection between the consuming system and the coupling rod, by one or more plugs being connected to corresponding power points arranged in the coupling rod. The installation may comprise the installation and coupling of a fuse, by means of a quick connector to the connection box.

According to some embodiments of the connecting system, the fuse is integrated in the coupling rod or is pre-connected internally to this, so that said installation step is not needed.

Next the consuming system is connected by one or more consuming points, e.g. as light sources, usually to the fuse box by means of a corresponding number of quick connectors. The method for installing an electrical pylon including connection of a fuse and light fixtures, is especially advantageous since it may be done by personnel that are not authorized for carrying out electrical installations. This is made possible by the solution for a connecting system in accordance with the present invention.

Troubleshooting

The connecting system in accordance with the present invention provides effective and simple troubleshooting as will become apparent below.

The method of troubleshooting typically comprises first opening the lid of the coupling rod in order to gain access to the terminal clamps. Then the lid of the terminal clamp is opened in order to gain access to the bus. In accordance with the present invention the terminal clamps are stepwise arranged, and this is preferable because it contributes to providing easy access to these, with their corresponding busses. In situations were errors have arisen the busses/jumpers will typically be disconnected from their corresponding connectors in order to achieve open phases in all cables, which may thus be troubleshoot. This in turn makes it possible to check the supply to the fuse.

The solution according to the present invention enables troubleshooting without loosening the cables, and this is especially beneficial.