Product Details
CuW Tulip Contact
The CuW tulip contact is a plug-in tulip assembly with CuW-tipped fingers for applications where the contact sees arc exposure during insertion or break, no...
Technical Description
CuW Tulip Contact
The CuW tulip contact is a plug-in tulip assembly with CuW-tipped fingers for applications where the contact sees arc exposure during insertion or break, not just continuous current. Standard tulip contacts use silver-plated copper fingers, which work well for routine plug-and-unplug at MV current but erode under arc conditions. The CuW tip on each finger handles the arc duty; the rest of the finger handles the current path.
This SKU sits between the Tulip Contact 630A / Tulip Contact 1250A (standard silver-plated copper) and the CuW Contact Finger (single-finger CuW-tipped form). It's the right choice when you need plug-in functionality plus arc resistance.
Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Form | Multi-finger plug-in tulip with CuW-tipped fingers |
| Tip Material Grade | CuW70 / CuW75 / CuW80 |
| Finger Body Material | Copper or copper alloy |
| Finger Count | Per drawing |
| Tip Length | Per drawing |
| Spring Material | Stainless steel or spring bronze |
| Ring / Housing | Copper, bronze, or aluminum alloy per design |
| Mating Stud Diameter | Per drawing |
| Body Plating | Silver plating standard on copper body; tip remains bare CuW |
| Rated Current | Application-specific; common ratings 630 / 1250 / 2000 A |
| Working Voltage | Common MV ratings: 12 / 24 / 40.5 kV |
Exact certified properties for your lot are available with material documentation on request.
Applications
- Plug-in MV connections with arc exposure on insertion or break (uncommon but real cases exist)
- Vacuum interrupter assemblies using tulip-form contacts with arc duty
- Disconnector and isolator contacts requiring both plug-in repeatability and arc resistance
- Custom MV assemblies sub-supplying to switchgear OEMs with specialized contact specs
Technical Notes
A standard silver-plated copper tulip handles tens of thousands of insertion cycles at low contact resistance, but it's not designed to handle an arc, if the contact closes or opens with current flowing under load, the plating and copper underneath erode quickly. CuW-tipped tulip contacts solve this by putting CuW where the arc strikes.
The tip-vs-body design is the same principle as the CuW Contact Finger, scaled to a multi-finger plug-in assembly. Each finger has a CuW tip brazed onto a copper finger body; the spring loads the assembly through the bodies, not through the CuW tips.
The CuW tip length depends on expected arc cycles. For occasional arc events during fault current breaking, a short tip is enough. For repeated load switching with arcs, a longer tip extends service life, at higher cost per assembly. Specify the duty cycle and we can recommend.
Sourcing & OEM
Custom CuW tulip contacts to your drawing are routine. Specify finger count, CuW grade and tip length, plating thickness on the body, and ring geometry; contact us with the drawing for a project-specific quote.
Technical FAQ
Common questions about this product.
When should I use a CuW tulip contact instead of a standard silver-plated tulip?
When the contact sees arc exposure during insertion or break, not just continuous current. Standard tulips handle plug-and-unplug at MV current well; they don't handle arcs. If your application opens or closes under load, CuW tips are worth the cost.
Are the CuW tips brazed onto copper finger bodies?
Yes, that's the standard construction. Brazing is done in-house with copper-silver fillers under controlled atmosphere. Full-CuW fingers (no copper body) are available but uncommon, heavier and more expensive without performance benefit for most duty cycles.
What CuW tip length is recommended?
Tip length depends on duty cycle. For occasional fault current breaking, a short tip is enough. For repeated load switching with arcs, a longer tip extends service life. Specify your operating cycles and expected arc current with your inquiry.
Is the copper finger body silver plated?
Yes by default. The plating reduces contact resistance at the mating stud interface; the CuW tip stays bare to handle arc duty.
How does this compare to CuW Contact Finger?
The CuW Contact Finger is for single-finger applications (sliding contact, disconnector finger). This SKU is for multi-finger plug-in tulip assemblies. The tip-vs-body construction principle is the same.
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