What are Multiport Connectors?
Multiport connectors also known as satellite connectors are branching connectors designed to connect multiple subsidiary power connections to the main supply line easily and efficiently. Satellite connectors are also known as insulation piercing connectors (IPC), which provide the power supply to the branch connections without removing the insulation of the main or branch conductors. These connectors are specially designed for aerial bundled cables (ABC).
Uses of Multiport (Satellite) Connectors
Multiport insulation piercing connectors are suitable for numerous types of uses. The most common such uses include the following:
Building tap-off connection – This is one of the most important applications of satellite connectors in both low-voltage and high-voltage distribution systems. The traditional tap-offs would use either lugs or aluminium terminals, which were prone to environmental and mechanical constraints. Creating tap-off connections through IPC is very simple, safe, and efficient.
Service connections – Another use of satellite ABC connections is creating service connections from the main connection for different service areas such as commercial offices, industrial installations, and residential buildings.
Distribution box (DB) connectivity – In a low-voltage power distribution system, a multiport IPC connector can be used for establishing DB connections specified for specific power applications such as building zones, lighting, motors, and other areas of use.
Jumper connectivity – The jumper connections are used to transfer power from the main supply to the secondary line through a conductor in both low- and high-voltage applications. This use can be perfectly accomplished through multiport satellite connectors.
Street-light connectivity – It is one of the most common connectivity performed in low-voltage (LV) power distribution systems. By using multiport connectors, streetlight connections can be achieved perfectly without exposing the connection to environmental, electrical, and mechanical hazards.
Rural electrification – Another use of multiport satellite connectors is the electrification of remote areas in suburbs and far-flung areas. It is highly useful for remote connections due to low maintenance requirements.
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Technical Advantages of Multiport (Satellite) Connectors
Multiport IPCs are designed to offer the solution to all types of technical and non-technical solutions for electrical power distribution. Thus, they offer a wide range of technical and non-technical advantages over traditional solutions.
Environmental benefits – Normally electrical distribution systems are laid either underground or in an open environment. In both conditions, the environmental effects impact the performance, safety, and sustainability of the system extensively. By using multiport satellite connectors in the AB cable environment, you can increase the life of the connectivity significantly. The current leakage due to moisture or other disturbances is negligible, which reduces the maintenance considerably. No conductor insulation is removed in multiport connectors, which leads to higher safety and reliability in all types of environmental conditions. The material used in IPC is UV resistant as well as fire resistant to provide safety.
Electrical advantages – The electrical power distribution can be achieved with negligible electrical losses in the form of current leakages, sparks, heat-related losses, and electrical theft. Thus, overall line losses are reduced significantly. The voltage drops due to improper connections are also reduced to increase the electrical power efficiency. The use of suitable wire gauges makes the connections more stable and efficient in a smooth power supply.
Mechanical upsides – The insulation of the conductors is not removed which provides additional tensile strength in case of hanging AB Cable. The mechanical installation components used in the establishment of IPC-based connections are designed as per standards to sustain the mechanical forces for better performance. The torque provided by the Multiport connectors is properly gauged to support the mechanical stress developed in the system.
Top Commercial Advantages of Multiport Connectors
All features, capabilities, and characteristics culminate into commercial advantages, which are the fundamental objectives of any product in the modern engineering world. You achieve a range of commercial advantages such as:
Saves installation time – The average time for installing a satellite connector is much lower than traditional connectivity. Thus, you save significant time.
Low maintenance – Satellite connectors are made of highly reliable material inside as well as outside. Its manufacturing ensures it safeguards from fire, heat, sunshine, and other environmental hazard resistance criteria are followed in manufacturing, which results in reduced maintenance costs.
Robust safety – Greater safety is achieved by using IPC because no insulation is exposed to the environment for any damage to humans or even the connector itself.
Reduced inventory cost – The purchasing cost as well as the number of connectors reduced significantly by using IPC multiport satellite connectors. Thus, overall inventory management cost is very affordable.
Faster scalability – The faster and easier installation, reliable performance, and reduced cost make the network scalability very simple and fast by using the best satellite connectors for a wide range of power distribution applications.
Conclusion
Multiport satellite connectors are one of the most crucial components used in modern power distribution systems based on both low and high-voltages. It offers numerous environmental, mechanical, and electrical features, capabilities, and characteristics resulting in a wide range of technical, non-technical, and commercial benefits.
