Description
Cathodic Protection Connections by Erico®
The CADWELD® Exothermic Welding System is used to make an electrical connection running between copper to steel, copper to cast iron, or copper to copper for Cathodic Protection and grounding applications. CADWELD® connections are suitable for exposure to the elements of direct burial in earth or concrete without degradation over the lifetime of the installation.
Erico CADWELD® connections are the accepted method of attaching Cathodic Protection lead wires to pipes (steel or cast iron), tanks or any other metallic structure.
The CADWELD® connections weld the conductors to the metallic structures to be cathodically protected to ensure that no galvanic corrosion can occur at the interface.
The CADWELD® process provides minimum heat effect on steel, which is especially important on thin-wall, high stress pipes.
CADWELD® connections can also be used for header cable taps, conductor splices/terminations, and ground rod connections.
CADWELD® Connections Benefits:
- Current carrying capacity equal to that of the conductor
- Permanent molecular bond with low resistance connection that cannot loosen or corrode
- Uses lightweight, inexpensive equipment
- No external source of power or heat required
- Requires minimal training
- Can be easily checked for quality
CADWELD® Connections are made with a semi-permanent graphite mould, which holds the connectors to be welded. Weld metal (a mixture of copper oxide and aluminum) is dumped into the top of the mould. The mold is then covered and the weld metal ignited. The exothermic reaction produces molten copper, which results in a permanent, high conductivity connection.
CADWELD® PLUS System
The revolutionary CADWELD® PLUS System is a simplified method of performing exothermically welded electrical connections for both Cathodic Protection and grounding applications.
CADWELD® PLUS is the latest advancement in the continuing evolution of ERICO’s exothermic products.
The CADWELD® PLUS integrated weld metal package has streamlined the installation process by eliminating ignition materials — resulting in a reduced set-up time.
The tamper-proof, integrated weld metal package consists of a steel cup containing CADWELD® patented weld metal alloys and the ignition source. This weld metal package is designated for use in all standard CADWELD® moulds, including CADWELD® MULTI. Once placed in the CADWELD® mould, the weld is electronically ignited using a simple battery-powered control unit with a six-foot lead.
CADWELD® PLUS System Features:
- Offers all the benefits of conventional CADWELD® and more
- Withstands repeated fault currents without failing during operation
- Exceeds requirements of “IEEE® Std 837 — Std. for Qualifying Permanent Connections Used in Substation Grounding”
- Joins copper to copper, copper to galvanized or plain steel, copper to copper clad steel, copper to bronze/brass/stainless, steel to steel, etc.
- Consists of a tamper-proof, disposable, moisture resistant welding material cup. The welding material, disk and ignition source are incorporated into a self-contained package
- Colour coded welding material reduces the risk of misapplication and gives a simple visual verification of the correct welding material size
- An Electronic Control Unit makes ignition simple with no starting material required
- Six-foot control unit lead provides increased flexibility in hard to reach areas
CADWELD® Magnetic Hold Down Assembly
The Magnetic Hold Down Assembly holds “A” Price Key molds securely to either large, flat surfaces or slightly curved horizontal steel surfaces during the connection process.
CADWELD® Magnetic Hold Down Assembly Features:
- Include a powerful welding magnet (50 lbs.), which securely positions the mold during the connection process
- Increases mold stability; reducing the chance of weld metal leakage
- Sold separately — quickly and easily attaches to hold down “A” Price Key molds (new or retrofit)
- Adjustable assembly
- Provides ideal solutions when used with CADWELD® PLUS to allow for full extension of control unit lead
- Can be used on flat steel surfaces or steel pipes
