Shear Bolt Connectors | 35–630sqmm | MV HV Cables 11kV 33kV 36kV | 3M C-SB
Shear Bolt Connectors
3M C-SB 35–630sqmm | MV & HV Cables 11kV–36kV
Product Range: C-SB 35–150, 70–240, 185–400, 300–630 sqmm
The 3M C-SB Shear Bolt Connectors are mechanical aluminium-alloy connectors designed for reliable connection of MV & HV power cables on underground distribution networks. Covering conductor sizes from 35 sqmm to 630 sqmm, the range is commonly specified within MV cable joints & connectors for networks operating at 11kV, 33kV, and up to 36kV.
These shear bolt connectors are torque-controlled and require only a standard spanner or wrench, eliminating the need for crimping tools or hydraulic equipment. The connector body is pre-filled with conductive jointing compound for long-term electrical stability and corrosion resistance.
GO TO DOWNLOADS3M C-SB Shear Bolt Connector Overview
The 3M C-SB shear bolt connector series is engineered for fast, consistent and tool-independent installation on aluminium and copper conductors in accordance with IEC 60228. Four connector sizes cover a wide conductor range from 35sqmm to 630sqmm, reducing stock holding while simplifying site installation. These shear bolt connectors are compatible with heat shrink and cold shrink medium voltage cable terminations, simplifying jointing and termination on site.
Each connector incorporates double shear-off bolt heads, ensuring correct tightening torque is achieved automatically. Once installed, the connector length and outer diameter remain unchanged, making the system ideal for confined joint bays and compact MV cable joints.
Contact our experienced team to discuss your requirements or request a quotation for 3M C-SB shear bolt connectors for LV and MV cable networks. Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, are trusted suppliers of 3M shear bolt connectors and MV cable accessories, providing expert technical advice, specification support and fast worldwide delivery for utility, industrial and infrastructure projects.
Technical Specifications – 3M C-SB
- Voltage rating: MV & HV networks up to 36kV
- Conductor sizes: 35–630 sqmm
- Conductor material: Aluminium, aluminium alloy & copper
- Standards compliance: IEC 61238-1-3 (Class A & Class 1)
- Installation: Torque-controlled shear bolts (no crimping)
- Connector body: Tin-plated aluminium alloy
- Pre-filled conductive compound: Anti-oxidation & anti-corrosion
Key Benefits of 3M Shear Bolt Connectors
✔ No hydraulic crimping tools required
✔ Consistent torque-controlled installation
✔ Wide conductor range reduces inventory
✔ Suitable for copper and aluminium conductors
✔ Compact design for MV cable joints
✔ Tested to IEC 61238-1-3 for underground networks
3M C-SB Connector Size Range
- C-SB 35–150 sqmm – 4 shear bolts
- C-SB 70–240 sqmm – 4 shear bolts
- C-SB 185–400 sqmm – 6 shear bolts
- C-SB 300–630 sqmm – 6 shear bolts
| Product Description | Dimensions (mm) | Bolt Nº | Printing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3M Shear Bolt Connector C-SB 35-150 sqmm /4L | L: 106 | L1: 51.5 | D: 28 | d: 16 | AF: 17 | 4 | 3M C-SB 35-150 |
| 3M Shear Bolt Connector C-SB 70-240 sqmm /4L | L: 125 | L1: 61.0 | D: 33 | d: 20 | AF: 19 | 4 | 3M C-SB 70-240 |
| 3M Shear Bolt Connector C-SB 185-400 sqmm /6L | L: 170 | L1: 83.0 | D: 42 | d: 26 | AF: 22 | 6 | 3M C-SB 185-400 |
| 3M Shear Bolt Connector C-SB 300-630 sqmm /6L | L: 200 | L1: 97.0 | D: 52 | d: 33 | AF: 24 | 6 | 3M C-SB 300-630 |
Crimp Type Connectors – Alternative Connection Methods
Crimp connectors from Klauke and Cembre are commonly specified for utility, industrial and OEM applications where installation procedures, tooling and quality control can be strictly managed.
For advice on selecting between mechanical shear bolt connectors and crimp type connectors, contact our technical team to ensure compliance with project specifications and industry standards.
Typical Crimp Connector Options
- Compression straight-through connectors
- Compression lugs for MV cable terminations
- Long-barrel and short-barrel crimp connectors
- DIN and IEC-compliant compression terminals
At Thorne & Derrick we also supply a comprehensive range of crimp connectors and compression terminals from leading manufacturers including Klauke and Cembre, covering aluminium and copper conductors for MV and HV cable systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are shear bolt connectors suitable for MV cables?
Yes. 3M C-SB shear bolt connectors are tested to IEC 61238-1-3 and are suitable for LV and MV underground cable networks up to 36kV, including 11kV and 33kV systems.
Do shear bolt connectors require special tools?
No. Mechanical shear bolt connectors only require a standard socket spanner or wrench. No hydraulic crimping tools or dies are required.
Can 3M C-SB connectors be used on copper and aluminium conductors?
Yes. The connectors are designed for aluminium, aluminium alloy and copper conductors in accordance with IEC 60228 Class 1 and Class 2.
Are mechanical connectors as reliable as crimp connectors?
When installed correctly, mechanical shear bolt connectors provide excellent electrical and mechanical performance and are type-tested to international standards for underground MV applications.
Where are shear bolt connectors typically used?
They are commonly used in MV cable joints, repair joints and terminations for utilities, industrial plants, substations and infrastructure projects.
3M Electrical Markets Division
3M is a global leader in electrical connection and insulation technology. The C-SB shear bolt connector range is manufactured to rigorous international standards and supported by independent test reports to ISO/IEC 17025.
Thorne & Derrick are specialist UK distributors of 3M MV cable accessories, providing technical support, specification assistance and worldwide supply.
Shear Bolt Connectors Series 3M C-SB – Data SheetDownload
