Exothermic Welding
Exothermic welding, often called Cadwelding or FurseWeld (from
W.J.Furse – a leading earthing equipment supplier) is a cost efficient
method of making large or small numbers of high quality electrical
connections. It is a simple, self-contained system that uses the high
temperature reaction of powdered copper oxide and aluminium, within a
mould, to form permanent electrical connections.
Typical applications include:
- Earthing for power plants and sub-stations
- Telecommunications
- Transmission and power distribution lines
- Cathodic protection
- Rail connections
Exothermic System:
- requires no external power or heat source
- creates high quality electrical connections
- is completely portable
- is cost effective
- can be used for over 45 standard connection configurations
Exothermic Welding connections have several advantages:
- tolerant to repeated fault currents
- highly conductive
- do not loosen
- excellent corrosion resistance
Most
exothermic welded connections have at least twice the cross-sectional
area of the conductors being joined, and an equivalent or greater
current carrying capacity.
Corrosion resistance is exceptional because of the very high copper content (>90%) of the alloy.
Photographs courtesy of W.J.Furse of Nottingham – A Thomas and Betts company.