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June, 2024

What are Jumpers Links in Medium Voltage Grids?

Jumper links are essential components in modern energy systems, offering unparalleled flexibility and connectivity. Designed to facilitate seamless transitions between various electrical applications, jumper links are utilized in wind turbines, solar farms, substations, industrial applications, and more. 

They often combine either two separable connectors being one on each end, or a combination of one separable connector on one end, and a cold shrink termination on the other.

JUMPERS IN MODERN GRIDS

Industries like renewable energies, particularly wind farms and solar farms, comprise a complex network of components and connections, including generators, transformers, and inverters, all essential for interconnecting the grid and transmitting power to businesses and residential areas. Jumpers, like the ones produced by Chardon, facilitate the interconnection between these components. In growing wind farms, for example, dozens or even hundreds of wind turbines must be interconnected, often underground, at junction points through vaults or boxes. This complex infrastructure demands a wide variety of connectors, cable sizes, and jumpers. 

In solar farms, these jumpers are commonly applied in transformers located within medium voltage distribution stations or SKIDs, which serve to convert and manage the distribution of electrical power generated by solar panels.

While the industry has used jumpers for some time, Chardon’s extensive experience in cable connectors has uncovered areas for improved efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

Field assembly or assembly at the factory is time-consuming, requiring specialized skill and precision. The multi-step process involves preparing the cable, installing the lugs, followed by the terminations or connectors. Each phase must be executed with meticulous care to prevent future failures. Mistakes can lead to reliability issues, potential safety hazards, and inevitably higher long-term costs.

Failures often don’t manifest until years later, leaving utility companies and contractors grappling with connector and cable failures. These unexpected challenges lead to costly downtime and replacements.

Chardon’s seasoned engineers, drawing from decades of expertise, excel in the manufacturing, installation, and preparation of connectors and cable assemblies.

ENTER THE CHARDON JUMPER LINK

The shift towards pre-assembled jumper links aims to conquer these challenges. By customizing and preparing the jumper links in a controlled environment, the risk of human error is drastically reduced. Leveraging this experience, Chardon offers a pre-assembled jumper product with terminations or separable connectors on each end, ready and tested for immediate application in fields such as wind farms, solar farms, or other industrial applications.

At Chardon, every jumper link undergoes rigorous testing for performance and safety before shipment, guaranteeing a consistent and reliable product. The cables are prepared according to the customer’s specifications, allowing for the accommodation of large and lengthy cable sizes. 

The meticulous preparation includes the crimping of the lug or mechanical connectors, installation of the termination or connector, partial discharge testing, and more, culminating in a streamlined shipping process to the customer. Upon arrival, the customer simply needs to plug in these jumpers in the field.

Cable Preparation
Assembly process
Application
Cable Preparation
Cable preparation includes stripping insulation, sanding to remove impurities. Using compatible lugs ensures a secure connection, minimizing resistance and potential failures.
Assembly process
After the cable is prepared and lugs are installed, the termination or connector, like a T-body or cold shrink termination, is installed. Precision and attention is important in this step.
Pre-Shipment Electrical Testing
The finished cable assembly undergoes rigorous electrical testing, including partial discharge evaluation. This ensures that the jumper link meets the strict safety and performance standards (ANSI/IEEE or IEC) before shipment, providing a reliable and robust solution for the field.

In conclusion, Jumpers are essential components in the power distribution system, and Chardon excels in their production. Whether your project requires jumpers for transformer applications or other uses, such as switchgear or junction boxes, you can count on us to provide the right solution. From design to manufacturing, we ensure that every aspect of your project is handled with expertise and precision. 

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