Medium Voltage Elbow Connectors.
Loadbreak 200A and deadbreak 600A separable insulated connector systems for shielded 2.5kV-35kV underground distribution — elbows, T-bodies, bushing inserts and wells, feedthroughs, junctions, and elbow arresters, classified under IEEE 386.
- Voltage class
- 2.5–35kV
- Current classes
- 200A / 600A
- Manufacturers
- 4
Manufacturers.
IEEE 386 separable connectors.
IEEE 386 is the standard governing separable insulated connector systems on shielded medium-voltage distribution. It fixes the interface dimensions and ratings so loadbreak and deadbreak components are interchangeable across manufacturers — a separate standard from IEEE 48, which governs terminations.
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IEEE 386-2016
The governing standard — definitions, service conditions, ratings, interchangeable construction features, and tests for loadbreak and deadbreak separable insulated connector systems on power distribution rated 2.5 kV through 35 kV and 900 A or less.
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Loadbreak — 200A class
Built to be connected and disconnected with the circuit energized, using a hot stick. The 200A class is the standard loadbreak rating under IEEE 386 for deadfront padmount and underground gear.
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Deadbreak — 600A class
Carries higher continuous current but requires the circuit to be de-energized before it is operated. The 600A class is the standard deadbreak rating, used at higher-current junctions and switchgear.
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IEEE 48 boundary
Separable connectors are classified under IEEE 386. Terminations proper — the stress-control and external-insulation accessories on a cable end — are classified under IEEE 48, covered under Cable Terminations.
Product types.
Loadbreak elbows
Right-angle separable connectors built for live operation with a hot stick. The deadfront interface lets a cable be landed on or removed from energized padmount and underground gear. Paired with bushing inserts on the apparatus.
Deadbreak T-bodies
T-shaped 600A connectors for higher continuous current on switchgear, junctions, and sectionalizing equipment. Operated dead, they stack and feed through to support multi-way and looped configurations.
Bushing inserts & wells
The apparatus-side half of the IEEE 386 interface. Bushing wells are molded into the equipment; inserts thread in to receive a loadbreak elbow, fixing the standardized mating geometry that makes components interchangeable.
Feedthroughs & junctions
Feedthrough inserts, junctions, and standoff bushings that loop, tap, and park cables in deadfront systems. They build the multi-way connection points inside junction cabinets and sectionalizing enclosures.
Elbow arresters
Deadfront surge arresters built to the IEEE 386 interface, landed on a feedthrough or parking bushing to protect underground equipment from lightning and switching transients without breaking the deadfront.
Protective caps & accessories
Insulated protective caps, grounding accessories, and test points that complete the deadfront system — sealing unused bushings, parking energized elbows, and providing safe capacitive test access.
FAQ.
What is an elbow connector?
An elbow connector is a separable insulated connector with a right-angle body that joins a medium-voltage cable to an apparatus bushing on transformers, switchgear, junctions, and sectionalizing enclosures. The body lets the cable be connected or disconnected as a unit on deadfront equipment.
Separable insulated connector systems for distribution rated 2.5 kV through 35 kV are governed by IEEE 386.
What is the difference between a loadbreak and a deadbreak elbow?
A loadbreak elbow — typically the 200A class — is designed to be connected and disconnected with the circuit energized, using a hot stick.
A deadbreak elbow — typically the 600A class, often a T-body — carries higher continuous current but requires the circuit to be de-energized before it is operated.
What do 200A and 600A class mean for elbows?
They are the standard current-rating classes defined in IEEE 386. The 200A class is associated with loadbreak operation, and the 600A class with higher-current deadbreak operation.
IEEE 386 fixes the interface dimensions of each class so components are interchangeable across manufacturers.
How does IEEE 386 relate to IEEE 48 terminations?
They are companion standards for two different accessories. IEEE 386 governs separable insulated connectors — elbows, T-bodies, bushing inserts, and the deadfront interface — rated 2.5 kV through 35 kV.
IEEE 48 governs terminations proper, the stress-control and external-insulation accessories installed on a cable end. Terminations are covered under Cable Terminations.
Which manufacturers does Hawk carry for elbow connectors?
Hawk carries loadbreak and deadbreak elbow connector products from Elastimold, Hubbell Power Systems, Richards Manufacturing, and TE Connectivity.
Does Hawk publish elbow connector pricing or lead times?
No. Elbow connectors are priced per project.
Send the voltage class, current class, loadbreak or deadbreak duty, and cable size through Contact — pricing and availability are confirmed once those are defined.
Sourcing elbow connectors?
Send the voltage class, current class (200A or 600A), loadbreak or deadbreak duty, the cable conductor size, and the apparatus bushing interface — Hawk MV Supply will fill in the rest.
Separable insulated connectors across the 2.5kV–35kV distribution class.
Hawk MV Supply sources loadbreak and deadbreak separable insulated connector systems for shielded medium-voltage distribution rated 2.5kV through 35kV — loadbreak elbows, deadbreak T-bodies, bushing inserts and wells, feedthroughs, junctions, elbow arresters, and protective caps. A separable connector is the deadfront interface that lets a cable be landed on or removed from energized equipment as a unit. These systems are governed by IEEE 386, which fixes the interface dimensions and ratings for the 200A loadbreak class and the 600A deadbreak class so components are interchangeable across manufacturers. A connector is specified by voltage class, current class, loadbreak or deadbreak duty, BIL, and cable conductor size; exact values are confirmed per project.
Separable connectors are distinct from cable terminations: IEEE 386 covers the elbow-and-bushing interface, while IEEE 48 covers terminations proper — see Cable Terminations. Elbow connectors are used throughout underground distribution — at padmount transformers, switchgear, sectionalizing cabinets, and junctions — across utility, industrial, and renewable systems. Hawk carries connector products from Elastimold, Hubbell Power Systems, Richards Manufacturing, and TE Connectivity. Brand names and logos are the property of their respective owners; specifications shown are typical industry ranges, with product availability and exact values confirmed at quote.