Chardongroup’s 15 kV Loadbreak Elbow: Reliable Medium-Voltage Solution at MEE 2025

Chardongroup leads the field of medium-voltage electrical components by delivering reliable, high-quality products that enhance the performance of power distribution systems. Renowned for innovation and durability, Chardongroup designs its products to meet the ever-growing demands of the energy sector.

One of their standout products, the 15 kV, 200A Loadbreak Elbow (15-LE200), is a critical component for safely connecting underground cables to transformers, switchgear, and other electrical devices.

At the Middle East Energy (MEE) 2025 exhibition, Dutco Tennant will showcase Chardongroup’s 15 kV, 200A Loadbreak Elbow, offering attendees an opportunity to explore this high-performance product and understand how it can enhance the safety, efficiency, and longevity of medium-voltage electrical systems 

Choosing the right loadbreak elbow selection is essential for ensuring safe and efficient electrical connections.

In this blog, we will examine the key factors to consider when selecting a loadbreak elbow, including voltage and amperage ratings, material considerations, and connector types, helping you make the best choice for your system.

1. Understanding Voltage and Amperage Ratings

When selecting a loadbreak elbow, ensuring compatibility with the system's voltage and amperage ratings is essential for safe and efficient operation.

The 15 kV, 200A Loadbreak Elbow from Chardongroup is designed to support systems with a maximum phase-to-phase voltage rating of 14.4 kV and a phase-to-ground rating of 8.3 kV.

This makes it an excellent choice for medium-voltage networks operating within the 15 kV range.

The amperage rating is another critical factor to consider. The 15-LE200 has a continuous current rating of 200 amps RMS, which ensures the elbow can safely carry typical operational loads without overheating.

It also supports 10 switching operations at 200 amps at 14.4 kV, making it ideal for medium-voltage systems that require frequent switching.

2. Material Considerations: Rubber vs. EPDM

Loadbreak elbows are generally made from rubber or specialized materials like EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), each offering different benefits for various applications.

• Rubber elbows are flexible and durable but may not perform as well in extreme weather or chemical environments.
  
  

• EPDM, a more advanced material, is highly resistant to ozone, UV rays, and extreme temperatures. It offers excellent insulation properties and makes the Chardongroup 15 kV, 200A Loadbreak Elbow highly suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. The 15-LE200 uses high-quality, peroxide-cured EPDM rubber, ensuring long-lasting durability, enhanced electrical insulation, and resistance to environmental degradation.
  
  

The use of EPDM in the 15 kV Loadbreak Elbow ensures that it remains durable, even under harsh weather conditions, providing reliability and safety for medium-voltage networks.

3. Connector Types: Compression vs. Mechanical Lug

Loadbreak elbows typically feature compression connectors or mechanical lugs to ensure proper cable connections.

Understanding the differences between these connector types is essential for making the best choice for your system.

• Compression Connectors provide a low-resistance connection and are known for their durability and long-term performance.

The Chardongroup 15-LE200 comes with a bi-metal compression connector as standard, which is suitable for both copper and aluminum conductors. This connector type ensures optimal current transfer and is designed for maximum reliability.

• Mechanical Lugs, while easier to install, typically rely on bolts to clamp the cable in place and may not offer the same low-resistance performance as compression connectors.These lugs are more commonly used in systems where ease of installation is a higher priority than performance.
  
  
  

For high-performance, reliability, and long-term operation, the bi-metal compression connector in the 15-LE200 loadbreak elbow is the ideal choice, offering the best connection for both copper and aluminum conductors.

4. Key Features and Components of the 15 kV Loadbreak Elbow

The 15 kV, 200A Loadbreak Elbow (15-LE200) from Chardongroup is equipped with several key features designed to enhance its performance and safety. These include:

• Semiconducting Insert:

Precision molded and peroxide-cured, the semiconducting insert provides corona-free electrostatic shielding, improving system efficiency and protecting against electrical discharge.

• Semiconducting Shield:

The semiconducting shield is also precision molded and peroxide-cured, offering ground shield continuity and meeting IEEE Standard 592. This ensures that the loadbreak elbow effectively shields the system and maintains safety under operation.

• Capacitive Test Point:

An optional capacitive test point allows for hotstick operation to determine the circuit condition, making it safer for field personnel when performing system diagnostics.

• Drain Wire Tab:

The drain wire tab provides a convenient point for connecting the drain wire, which helps ground the connector shield, improving the overall safety and performance of the system.

• Compression Connector:

The bi-metal or copper compression connectors are designed for optimal current transfer, providing reliability for both copper and aluminum conductors.

• Loadbreak Band:

The white, UV-resistant loadbreak band indicates 3-phase loadbreak operation, providing clear visual identification for maintenance and operational tasks.

• Pulling Eye:

Made from stainless steel, the pulling eye facilitates easy hotstick switching operations, allowing for safe and efficient system management.

• Loadbreak Probe:

The tin-plated copper loadbreak probe is designed with an arc-extinguishing tip, ensuring reliable switching and high performance during operation. 

5. Ratings and Performance

The Chardongroup 15 kV, 200A Loadbreak Elbow boasts impressive electrical ratings that ensure it can handle the demands of modern medium-voltage power systems. Key ratings include:

• Voltage Class: 15 kV

• Max Phase-to-Phase Rating: 14.4 kV

• Max Phase-to-Ground Rating: 8.3 kV

• AC 1 Minute Withstand: 34 kV

• DC 15 Minute Withstand: 53 kV

• BIL (Basic Impulse Level): 95 kV

• Corona Voltage Level: 11 kV

• Continuous Current Rating: 200 amps RMS

• Switching Capacity: 10 operations at 200 amps RMS at 14.4 kV

• Fault Close: 10,000 amps RMS symmetrical at 14.4 kV for 0.17 s

• Short-Time: 10,000 amps RMS symmetrical for 0.17 s and 3,500 amps RMS symmetrical for 3.0 s

These ratings ensure that the 15-LE200 Loadbreak Elbow is capable of handling extreme conditions and providing reliable performance over an extended operational life.

6. Ordering the Right Loadbreak Elbow

When ordering the 15 kV, 200A Loadbreak Elbow, Chardongroup offers customization based on your system's requirements. The ordering code follows this format:

15-LE200 "W" "X" "Y" "Z"

• "W": Enter “T” if a capacitive test point is desired.

• "X": Cable range code (A, B, C, or D) based on insulation diameter.

• "Y": Conductor code, indicating the appropriate size and type of conductor.

• "Z": Choose "C" for a Plated Copper Connector or "B" for a Bi-metal Connector.

Cable Range Code                                                  Inches                                          Millimeters

A                                                                           0.575 - 0.740                                   14.61 - 18.80

B                                                                           0.640 - 0.905                                   16.26 - 22.99

C                                                                           0.830 - 1.060                                   21.08 - 26.92

D                                                                           0.930 - 1.220                                   23.62 - 30.99

For example, if you need a standard 15 kV Loadbreak Elbow with a 0.850” cable insulation diameter, a 3/0 bi-metal compression connector, and a capacitive test point, the part number would be: 15-LE200TB08B

The Chardongroup 15 kV, 200A Loadbreak Elbow offers exceptional performance, safety, and reliability for medium-voltage electrical systems.

With its advanced materials, high-quality construction, and comprehensive features, it is the ideal choice for connecting underground cables to various electrical apparatus.

Whether you are working in construction, maintenance, or system upgrades, the 15-LE200 Loadbreak Elbow ensures optimal operation in demanding environments.