In some cases, working in a customer-oriented manner means taking an established product and revising it based on feedback and market observations. The Stuttgart-based connection specialists at LAPP have therefore taken another close look at the EPIC POWERLOCK circular connector, which has been established for many years, and are now presenting a new, improved version. The optimized design and innovative assembly and release mechanism are patent pending.

Release via fully integrated slider

Whether at large events, in industry, or in mobile power supply, anyone who wants to transmit high currents safely and reliably needs robust connectors that can be relied on at all times. With EPIC POWERLOCK, LAPP, the global market leader for integrated solutions and branded products in the field of cable and connection technology, aims to offer a powerful solution for applications with extremely high currents of up to 660 amps – developed for maximum safety and uncompromising reliability. The new connectors now make it easier to connect cable wires and contacts. And thanks to the release mechanism with a fully integrated slider, special tools are no longer necessary.

Easy release by hand

To make the connectors even more user-friendly, LAPP's team of experts has revised the existing EPIC POWERLOCK system and simplified the connector's assembly and release mechanism: Previous versions required adaptive or separate release tools. If these were not available, installers often had to use auxiliary tools. A fully integrated mechanism on the new EPIC POWERLOCK connector now makes tools completely unnecessary: a slider on the outside of the connector allows easy release by hand.

Proper disconnection

“The new release mechanism has the particular advantage that users can no longer damage the connection by disconnecting it improperly, as was occasionally the case previously when the special tool was not used,” explains Joachim Strobel, Product Manager Business Unit EPIC at LAPP. “The fully integrated release technology thus ensures simple and intuitive handling when disconnecting.” There is also another advantage: the patent-pending system is still pluggable with all market standards and compatible with the Powerlock Box, a frequently used panel mounting unit for even greater safety in use.

Simplified use with different cable diameters

The LAPP experts have also worked on a new design for the inside of the connector. Previously, users needed different contacts depending on the connection technology (screws or crimping) and the conductor cross-section. The EPIC POWERLOCK now has a single, cone-shaped axial screw contact that fans out the strands when inserted. This new design enables assembly in a wide range of cable diameters from 35 to 240 millimeters. The patent-pending design offers many advantages in terms of handling. The special design of the axial screw tip also reduces the insertion force required for cable assembly. “We have succeeded in significantly optimizing an existing system – entirely in the interests of customer benefit,” says Stevens Sehic, Head of R&D in the Connectors Product Cluster at LAPP. “Our approach was to simplify the assembly and release process for the customer. With this solution, we are setting new standards in the connector market.”

Flexible, robust, internationally applicable

According to Lapp, the EPIC POWERLOCK is ideal for use in switchgear, generators, battery storage systems, or emergency power generators. Thanks to its color-coded design and innovative mechanical locking mechanism, the EPIC POWERLOCK reliably prevents incorrect installation, thereby increasing safety for users. The touch-protected contacts also ensure safe operation – even under demanding conditions. Its robust design is said to meet the highest requirements for impact resistance and IP protection, making it the first choice for both temporary and permanent installations. The LAPP connector complies with all relevant standards, so it can be used worldwide – wherever mobile power distribution is required.

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