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Copperhead Conductor Systems

The VAHLE Copperhead Conductor System can trace its history back to the last century. In 1912, electrical engineer Paul Vahle identified several major problems with traveling wires used for powering trolleys: they didn’t provide a very secure contact for passing current; they generated a lot of sparks, which can be a real safety hazard; and the flexible wire broke easily.

In response to these problems, Vahle developed the Copperhead Conductor System: a copper bar mounted onto a T-shaped steel section. The copper bar transfers the electrical current, and the T-bar provides greater strength and more reliable electrical contact.

Advantages of Copperhead Conductor

The Copperhead Conductor System is the proven, reliable solution for mobile electrification. Use the Copperhead to overcome the limitations of trolley wires, steel angles and steel rails.

• Copperhead rails ensure efficient and continuous electrical contact
• Increased safety due to elimination of sparking
• Cost savings from reduced maintenance needs
• Significantly reduced component wear for increased component life expectancy
• Lower resistance between copper and pickup shoe of mobile component
• Lower weight means lighter support structures and reduced space needs
• Standard expansion joints used to compensate for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes
• Curved or bent Copperhead rails available on request and customized to your precise specifications
• For low-temperature environments, heating systems available for all rails

Today, VAHLE Copperhead conductor rails are the proven solution for safe power transmission in a variety of heavy-duty applications, including:

• Travelling cranes
• Loading bridges
• Container handling equipment
• Monorails
• Hoists
• Coking machinery

In addition, the Copperhead system has been expanded over the years for specialized needs:

• Fiberglass Copperhead conductor rails for highly corrosive environments
• Aluminum Copperhead conductor rails for lower weight and greater conductivity
• Solid copper conductor rails for heavy duty applications

For more information, please contact us.

Profile	Type	Material of the carrier profile	Cross section of copper head [mm2]	Max. current intensity [A] Continuous operation / 35° C
	L20	Steel	14-1000	220-444
	A20	Aluminum	14	445
	F35	Steel	30 - 200	320 - 724
	A35	Aluminum	30 - 100	600 - 795
	F45	Steel	50 - 600	495 - 1432
	A45	Aluminum	50 - 400	790 - 1451
	C20	Solid copper	200	720
	C35	Solid copper	400	1080
	C45	Solid copper	500-800	1240-1580
	C60	Solid copper	1200	2360

Accessories for VAHLE conductor rails

• Expansion and fixed joints
• Retaining and connecting clamps
• Rail holders and rail supports
• Insulators for high and low voltage
• Current collectors

• Catalogs
• Applications

Contact one of our sales representatives today
to inquire about a quote from Vahle Electrification
or call us today at 800-725-9796