RSCT Connectors | Ground Tap Connectors for Rail Cables & Conductors

Published 27 Apr 2021

RSCT Connectors

RSCT Connectors

Simple & Secure Grounding on Rail Infrastructure

On railway systems, all trackside equipment that has the potential to become live has to be earthed, to protect both people and the environment. This applies not only to catenary pylons, but also to signalling systems, bridge railings, fences, etc. Pfisterer has now developed the RSCT Connectors – a simple, safe, and reliable solution for protecting people and the environment without needing to strip cable insulation.

The RSCT is designed to save a great deal of time in comparison with established practice. The ground tap connector for earth connection cables on railway systems combines almost 100 years of contact technology experience at Pfisterer with its expertise as a “full-service provider” in the field of rail infrastructure.

➡️ Designed specifically to be used with the 265.8mm² ‘Cockroach’ Return Screen Conductor, with 120-150mm² Cu RM or 157.5mm² Al RM ‘Hornet’ bonding cable as Branch Conductor.

Network Rail PADS Approved Connectors
Return Screen Conductor T-Connectors
Pfisterer Sicon 332 846 001

RSCT Connectors Installation

Installation up to 50% Faster

Using insulation piercing technology, main and tap cables are installed without having to strip the insulation. The compression of grounding and tap cables that was previously used, as well as the restoration of the insulation with a Heatshrink sleeve, is no longer necessary. The plastic enclosure with its seals guarantees electric shock protection in accordance with IP1X.

Simple Installation in the Existing System

The RSC-T ground tap connector comprises several parts and can be mounted directly onto an existing system. The bolts of the RSC-T are based on the proven SICON technology (SICON 332 846 001) typical to their range of shearbolt lugs and connectors.

The ground cable is laid in place without any preparatory work and enclosed by the connector using a locking bolt. The SICON piercing bolts penetrate the insulation to establish safe and reliable contact with the ground conductor. Any possible damage to the metallic conductor is avoided by means of the proven SICON technology.

Pfisterer RSCT Connectors

RSCT Customisation

Pfisterer also manufactures RSC-T ground tap connectors to meet individual customer requirements, where experts will carry out all the necessary consultation, dimensioning, engineering, pilot production, testing, and series production.

Patented Contact Technology

The bolts of the RSC-T are based on the proven SICON technology. The patented shear bolt has a stepless construction and utilizes the full load capacity of the thread at all times. The friction disc at the end of the bolt prevents the metal conductor from being damaged. For the RSC-T, the proven SICON bolt has been further developed and equipped with a friction disc which features insulation piercing technology. This establishes a reliable contact with optimum contact force. The SICON bolt is installed using a standard tool and gently shears off on successful installation.

Pfisterer RSCT Benefits

Reliable contact between grounding and tap
connector
Compatible with anti-theft cables
No interruption of the main conductor
Shock-proof in accordance with IP1X
No open blade for installation
Saves up to 50% of installation time
No flame on the track

Technical Connector Information

Conductor cross-section
Ground or main conductor: 265.8 mm² *
Tap conductor: 157.5 mm² *
Conductor material: copper, aluminium
Dimensions: 150 × 130 × 60.5 (L × W × H in mm)
Weight: 1.15 kg
Other conductor cross-sections available
on request

Rail Cable Accessories, Electrification

& Installation Equipment

Thorne & Derrick supply an extensive range of 400V-33kV Rail Cable Accessories & Power Distribution Systems including feeder pillars to contractors undertaking Low Voltage Power Distribution, HV Electrification & Substations, DC Traction & Networks, OLE and Track Feeder Cable Renewals – a complete range of Network Rail PADS approved track terminations, cable joints, cable repair and connection products up to 25kV AC.

Full range of Cable Pulling Equipment & Products to ensure safe and efficient of rail cables in to cable ducts and containment infrastructure including cable troughs.

Rail Cable Accessories

Network Rail PADS Approved | Cable Joints, Terminations & Connections | Distributors & Stockists for 3M Cold Shrink | Nexans Euromold | Pfisterer CONNEX