What Is Powerline Connection Fitting( Link Fitting)?
Powerline Connection fittings (Link fittings) are an important category of power line fittings, primarily used for mechanical and electrical connections between conductors, insulators, splicing components, or tower structural members.
Below is the classification and description of common types of connection fittings (Link fittings) 👇
🔹 I. What Are the Main Types of Powerline Connection Fittings (Link fittings) ?
Ball Eye / Socket Eye
Use: Used with the socket clevis of insulator strings.
Characteristics: Commonly used at the lower end of suspension insulator strings to transmit mechanical tension.
Socket Clevis / Tongue
Use: Used with the ball eye at the upper end of insulators.
Characteristics: Enables flexible connection between the ball eye and the tower or conductor clamp.
U Clevis / U Shackle
Use: Connects fittings of different structures, such as connecting a link plate to a shackle, or a clamp to an insulator string.
Characteristics: Simple structure, high mechanical strength, widely used.
Link Plate / Extension Link
Use: Used for adjusting length or connecting fittings in different directions.
Characteristics: Multi-hole design allows for flexible configuration according to installation requirements.
Connecting Ring / Oval Eye Link
Use: Used to connect fittings with eye-type ends on both sides, such as shackles and pull rings.
Characteristics: High load-bearing capacity, facilitates rotational angle adjustment.
Extension Ring / Turnbuckle Link
Use: Used to adjust the length of insulator strings or installation height.
Characteristics: Effectively adjusts mechanical tension and installation angle.
Double Link Plate
Use: Connects multiple insulator strings or multiple conductor fittings in high-voltage lines.
Characteristics: Improves mechanical stability and electrical balance.
Triangle Yoke Plate
Use: Used for branch connections of double or triple insulator strings.
Characteristics: Commonly used in high-voltage transmission lines (220kV and above).
🔹 II. What Are The Main Functions of Powerline Connection Fittings (Link Fittings)?
| Function Category | Role Description |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Connection | Securely connects conductors, insulators, or attachment points, bearing tension and gravity. |
| Electrical Connection | Ensures good electrical conductivity, reducing contact resistance. |
| Adjustment Function | Adjusts length, direction, and angle, making installation more flexible. |
| Safety Protection | Prevents line breaks or flashover accidents caused by mechanical loosening. |
🔹 III. What Are The Applications of Powerline Connection Fittings (Link fittings)？
| Application Location | Common Connection Fittings |
|---|---|
| Connection point between tower and insulator string | Ball Eye, Socket Clevis, U Clevis |
| Mid-span extension of insulator string | Link Plate, Connecting Ring |
| Double or multiple insulator string structures | Triangle Yoke Plate, Double Link Plate |
| Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW/ADSS) connections | Special Link Plates, Preformed Connection Fittings |
🔹 IV. What Need to Consider When Choose Powerline Connection Fittings (Link fittings)?
Select the appropriate model based on voltage level and mechanical load.
Materials commonly used include hot-dip galvanized steel or aluminum alloy.
Should comply with national standards such as GB/T 2314, IEC 61284.
Must pass quality tests like mechanical tensile tests, salt spray corrosion tests, etc.
