Reliable medium-voltage cable connections are essential for electric utilities and underground power distribution systems. The Richards Manufacturing CSH Series Cold Shrink Hammerhead simplifies cable termination and splicing with an integrated design that reduces installation steps and eliminates the need for several separate components.
Designed for underground electrical distribution applications, the CSH Series combines a range-taking cold shrink design, durable EPDM construction, and an integrated cable jacket seal in one solution.
The Richards CSH Series is a cold shrink deadbreak connector housing designed for medium-voltage power cable applications. Available in 15/25/28 kV and 35 kV configurations, it builds on Richards' established 600 A and 900 A deadbreak connector technology.
Richards describes it as its industry-leading 600/900 A deadbreak elbow design given a cutting-edge transformation. Unlike traditional deadbreak elbows that require a separate cable adapter and jacket sealing components, the CSH integrates these features into a single assembly. Richards states that three separate components have been combined into one design.
The CSH is available with a range-taking shear bolt lug option as well as traditional 600 A or 900 A compression lugs. Because the cold shrink housing does not rely on an interference fit, positioning the lug in the housing is straightforward.
The 600/900 A deadbreak interface accepts the appropriate IEEE 386 interface components (Interface 11 for 15/25 kV, Interface 13 for 35 kV), such as apparatus bushings, elbow tap plugs, and hammerhead insulating plugs (HIPs).
An optional capacitive test point lets system operators use suitable equipment to test for voltage, or install a faulted circuit indicator (FCI).
The entire CSH is molded from a proprietary EPDM formulation with excellent mechanical impact and tear resistance, an important trait in the underground environment.
The cable entrance is shrinkable, which removes the performance risk associated with cable adapter positioning and makes installation more ergonomic. It also lets the CSH cover a range of cable sizes, so customers can reduce inventory.
Hold-out cores that rely on grease or a ribbon/spiral design can be messy, and spiral hold-outs can be difficult to remove or collapse prematurely. Richards developed a compact core designed to eject easily and perform consistently across installation environments. Once ejected, the core separates into halves that can be recycled.
Once the core is removed, a jacket seal is deployed over sealing mastic, completing the jacket restoration without a separate component.
The CSH Series is available in 15/25/28 kV and 35 kV configurations. Richards lists the following continuous and short-time current ratings:
| Conductor | Continuous Current | Short-Time Current |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | 600 A | 25 kA, 10 cycles and 10 kA, 3 seconds |
| Copper | 900 A | 40 kA, 10 cycles and 10 kA, 3 seconds |
The CSH is designed and tested per IEEE 386 for separable insulated connector systems and IEEE 592 for semiconducting shields. For reference, the IEEE 386 industry minimum requirements are shown below. Richards states that its testing exceeds these requirements and that it runs partial discharge plus both AC and impulse withstand tests.
| Voltage Class (Phase-to-Phase) | 15 kV | 25 kV | 35 kV* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum operating voltage (phase-to-ground) | 8.3 kV | 15.2 kV | 21.1 kV |
| Corona voltage level (partial discharge extinction) | 11 kV | 19 kV | 26 kV |
| AC withstand (1 minute) | 34 kV | 40 kV | 50 kV |
| Impulse withstand (BIL) | 95 kV | 125 kV | 150 kV |
*The 35 kV class is also available in a 200 kV BIL class, rated for 200 kV impulse and 70 kV AC withstand. See the Richards data sheet for details.
Actual ratings and compatibility depend on the specific configuration, conductor, and cable system. Always verify the appropriate product data sheet before ordering.
CSH housings come in sizes O, P, and Q. Sizing is based on AEIC/ICEA dimensional ranges, and the true range on a particular cable construction may vary. The 35 kV CSH is available in sizes P and Q only.
| Elbow Size | Minimum Insulation Diameter | Insulation Level | Conductor Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| O | 0.725 in | 15 kV (175 mil), 15 kV (220 mil), 25 kV (260 mil) | #4 AWG to 500 kcmil (varies by insulation level) |
| P | 0.990 in | 15 kV (175/220 mil), 25 kV (260 mil) | 4/0 AWG or 350 kcmil to 750 kcmil |
| Q | 1.268 in | 15 kV (175 mil), 15 kV (220 mil), 25 kV (260 mil) | 500 or 600 or 750 kcmil to 1500 kcmil |
| Elbow Size | Minimum Insulation Diameter | Insulation Level | Conductor Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| P | 0.990 in | 35 kV (345 mil) | 1/0 AWG to 500 kcmil |
| Q | 1.268 in | 35 kV (345 mil) | 350 kcmil to 1500 kcmil |
To confirm sizing on non-standard cables, or on cables that fall just outside the minimum or maximum, contact the factory. Some compact or compressed cables may not fit at the low end of a size's range.
For 600 A aluminum (Al/Cu rated) installations, Richards offers range-taking shear bolt lug kits selected by elbow size plus lug code:
| Voltage Class | Elbow Size + Lug Code | Kit Conductor Range |
|---|---|---|
| 15/25/28 kV | OR1 | 1/0 AWG to 300 kcmil |
| 15/25/28 kV | OR2 | 1/0 AWG to 450 kcmil |
| 15/25/28 kV | PR3 | 350 kcmil to 600 kcmil |
| 15/25/28 kV | PR4 | 350 kcmil to 750 kcmil |
| 15/25/28 kV | QR4 | 500 to 750 kcmil |
| 15/25/28 kV | QR5 | 600 to 1250 kcmil |
| 35 kV | PR1 / PR2 / PR3 / PR4 | 1/0 AWG to 300 kcmil / 1/0 AWG to 500 kcmil / 3/0 AWG to 600 kcmil / 350 to 500 kcmil |
| 35 kV | QR4 / QR5 / QR6 | 350 to 750 kcmil / 600 to 1250 kcmil / 1500 kcmil |
Exact minimum and maximum conductor sizes vary with insulation level. Confirm against the Richards sizing tables before ordering.
CSH catalog numbers are built from the following fields:
| Position | Field | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Current rating | 6 = 600 A (all aluminum components, Al/Cu rated); 7 = 600 A (copper components and copper-top lug, Al/Cu rated); 9 = 900 A (all copper components, for copper conductor only) |
| 2 | Voltage class | 2 = 15/25 kV; 3 = 35 kV |
| 3 | Product series | CSH |
| 4 | Test point | N = none; T = with capacitive test point |
| 5 | Kit type | 1 = CSH housing and stud; 2 = CSH housing, stud, and insulating plug |
| 6 | Elbow size | O, P, or Q (35 kV in P or Q only) |
| 7 | Lug code | From the compression lug selection table, or blank for an elbow-only kit |
| 8 | Shield adapter | G = tinned copper braid with solder block and constant force spring (blank if not needed) |
For example, Richards' sample part number is a 15/25 kV, 600 A CSH kit with a Size P housing, test point, stud, insulating plug, an aluminum compression lug for 500 kcmil strand/compressed conductor, and a shield adapter kit.
The shield adapter braid is #6 for housing size O and #4 for sizes P and Q. Elbow-only kits (no lug), compression lug kits, and range-taking shear bolt lug kits are each ordered differently, so confirm the configuration with Richards' ordering information or contact us.
The CSH Series is designed for medium-voltage underground distribution systems where reliable cable connections and efficient installation are priorities.
Typical applications include utility distribution equipment, underground cable connections, and installations requiring 600 A or 900 A deadbreak interfaces.
Its integrated design is particularly useful for utilities and electrical contractors looking to simplify cable preparation, reduce component count, and streamline installation.
Traditional deadbreak connector installations may require multiple components to accommodate different cable sizes and restore the cable jacket. Richards developed the CSH Series to combine several of these functions into one assembly.
The result is a streamlined installation process with fewer separate components to manage, while maintaining the robust construction required for underground electrical distribution.
For utilities seeking a practical medium-voltage cable connection solution, the CSH Series offers a combination of installation efficiency, durability, and flexible cable sizing.
Our online store carries two 15/25 kV, 600 A CSH kits with capacitive test point: the Richards 62CSHT2OG Cold Shrink Hammerhead (Size O) and the Richards 62CSHT2PG Cold Shrink Hammerhead (Size P).
Need help selecting the right CSH configuration? Contact Powertech Associates for assistance identifying the appropriate voltage class, connector size, conductor range, and accessories for your application.
Explore the Richards CSH Series Cold Shrink Hammerhead for product details and technical documentation.
