Harsh Environment / Remote Locations

a higher output. When building the initial trial run of 14 towers, each tower took about three days to wire. The next order was for 50 towers, so Tower Solutions wanted to increase its output to three towers per week. The local distributor had presented a quick- connect system several years ago, but it was not necessary at the time. With the production volume increasing, Tower Solutions decided it was time to upgrade to this faster connection technology.

WITH THE PRODUCTION VOLUME INCREASING, TOWER SOLUTIONS DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO UPGRADE TO THIS FASTER CONNECTION TECHNOLOGY

Hall stated, “We were looking for a product that was compatible with the liquid-tights.”

Based on the earlier recommendation, Hallfield Controls selected a family of heavy-duty, rectangular connectors that protects interfaces from dirt, water, oil, and other contaminants. The family comprises thousands of different components, including contact inserts and contacts, cable glands and adapters, and housings. The combined component family can create more than 70 billion different combinations.

The connectors can withstand high vibrations and mechanical strain and provide sealing protection up to IP69K. Although this job did not require an IP67 or IP69 rating, Hall said it’s a best practice to select products that will keep the water out. Additionally, Hall selected a variant designed specifically for outdoor use. This connector featured a black powder coating and Viton seal that are excellent for prolonged exposure to the elements, including UV exposure. Because the end customers do the final field installation, Tower Solutions wanted to prevent accidental disconnection. A manual latch, while easy to use, could be disconnected unintentionally. A screw-locking mechanism met the middle ground. It ensures easy assembly, but if disassembly is needed, it would require tools.

Phoenix Contact’s HEAVYCON Advance (ADV) protects interfaces from dirt, water, oil, and other contaminants. The connectors can withstand high vibrations and mechanical strain and provide sealing protection up to IP69K degrees.

Tower Solutions also needed to ensure vibration- tight connections, as they did not want connections

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