1963–2023 Celebrating 60 years —C A S E S T U DY How the Homac FTN 1000 6N series helped an electric company with faster, safer watertight seals The challenge of really tight spaces. Underground electrical systems present one significant problem that is seldom found with aerial designs: limited space. Trenches, basements, electrical rooms, cabinets, tunnels and crawl spaces are typically confining. Electrical workers routinely confront situations where conventional configurations are either impossible or inefficient, especially where many different customers are served from one central power source, such as an office building. In addition, after 30 to 40 service years, electrical systems inevitably need repairs or replacement. Product innovation can start with a simple phone call. One electric power company identified a need for a special secondary connector for submersible transformers during a training exercise. After a call and a few cell phone pictures, the Homac Custom Solutions Team designed a solution. In transformer changeouts, the installers found that existing lugs were too wide to be installed side-by- side in certain conditions. Installation crews used 2-hole spades as a workaround, which required extra time and materials. The Homac Custom Solutions Team in Ormond Beach, FL addressed the problem by adapting an FTN series connector to their specifications: • 4 ports and 6 holes • For use with aluminum cables • Set-screw connection • Watertight seal Innovative design saves time, material and labor. — ABB has made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the contents of this document. However, all content is provided for general informational purposes only, and ABB makes no guaranty or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy of any technical content, or that the information contained in this publication will be error free and all such guarantees or warranties are expressly disclaimed. ABB may change or modify the contents at any time, without prior notice. We reserve all rights in this document and in the subject matter and illustrations contained therein. Any reproduction or utilization of its contents — in whole or in parts — is forbidden without prior written consent of ABB. © 2023 ABB Installation Products Inc. and/or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. — ABB Installation Products Inc. Electrification Business 860 Ridge Lake Blvd. Memphis, TN 38120electrification.us.abb.com7TKK001506 9 .2023 Installers praised the FTN 1000 design. It used less tape to seal, and crews estimated it cut installation time by 22⁄33 to ¾ of the typical changeout time. The design proved so successful that the customer ordered a second supply. ABB offered the solution to another utility company in the western U.S. and adaptations for other cable sizes are in development. Innovation at work for the utility industry The Homac® portfolio of connectors encompasses a complete line of underground and substation connectors and is recognized as an industry leader for its Flood-Seal® technologies and custom solutions. The Homac Custom Solutions Team designs and manufactures product configurations to meet customers’ specific needs for transformers, hand holes and/or pedestal applications. “The connector will save a substantial amount of time during an outage.” As with the FTN 1000, Homac engineers can take a simple photo and design, fabricate and test a prototype in the Ormond Beach in-house manufacturing facility, including: • Horizontal or vertical orientation • Stud or bolt circle • Compression or mechanical fittings • Update or modify existing design or create an all-new solution • Able to ship wherever needed With its Homac brand, ABB solves unique installation challenges. Homac® transformer connectors are assembled in Ormond Beach, Florida.