The new safety regulations will specifically require that all electrically powered signals and lights include a quick-disconnect system and comply with standards TA 89/05, BS EN 12767 and BS EN 60309-1&2. In the event of an accident where a vehicle collides with road furniture, the system must disconnect the power supply within 0.4 seconds of the impact.
Commercially available motion sensors and circuit protection devices do not prevent tensile forces on the wires in case of impact with a pole.
The result of collaboration with road furniture manufacturers and suppliers:
As a leading designer of special connection technology, Molex has worked closely with major road furniture manufacturers and suppliers to design and develop a connection system that solves these problems. The passive safety pole connector incorporates safety devices and systems that operate without human intervention.
Following crash tests, Denis O'Sullivan, Global Product Manager at Molex Incorporated, notes: “The initial crash test demonstrates that the passive safety pole connector performs admirably by safely disconnecting the pole in the event of an impact. These new connectors are another example of Molex's intention to use its extensive knowledge and experience gained in the industrial, automotive, and medical sectors to penetrate new markets.”
Installation Procedure
: Installing a Molex pole connector is a two-step process. The first step is performed at ground level. The pole's base bracket is driven into the ground. The first cable, equipped with a connector sealed by a waterproof cap, is connected underground to the main circuit protection device. The integrated protective cap, which remains in place until the connector is mated to the connector on the pole side, provides mechanical and environmental protection for the interface (IP68). This feature is important because the connector on the ground side may be installed for several weeks or even months without the pole being present. If a pole fails, the cap can simply slide over the connector, thus protecting the contact interface and ensuring the safety of construction personnel and the general public.
The second step involves installing the pole and connecting the pole cable to the grounding cable. A flexible tethering system secures the pole above or below ground.
The connector and cable come pre-assembled from the factory for protection against external elements, resulting in considerable savings of time and money during installation
A connector suitable for many other applications.
In addition to electrically powered streets, roads, and highways, the Molex passive safety pole connector can be used in any application requiring rapid disconnection for safety reasons. Low pull-out forces, combined with IP68-rated protection and excellent electrical and mechanical performance, ensure that the passive safety pole connector is suitable for generators in ports, electric cars, golf carts and electric forklifts, emergency vehicles, as well as temporary speaker and lighting installations at outdoor concerts.
