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Bowdens

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Units 9 & 14, April Court,
Sybron Way,
Crowborough,
East Sussex,
TN6 3DZ,
United Kingdom

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Products / Services

Overhead Line Fault Indicators

The HV and Pathfinder range of overhead line fault passage indicators has been developed over the past 30 years and has reached an unsurpassed level of performance.

Underground Cable Earth Fault Indicators (EFI)

The SIGMA and Omega ranges of underground earth fault indicators offer great flexibility in the features required to meet the challenges of fault finding on modern cable networks.

Test Instruments

The Bowdens instrument ranges include but is not limited to Cable Identifiers, LV Contact Timers, and Testers.

LV FPI

A portable instrument designed to find faults on LV Cable Networks.

This system is intended to aid the tracing of the path a fault current flows down a low-voltage cable and to help identify where a fault is. There are six sensors in a standard set, and they record the peak current that has been detected flowing down the buried cable over which they are placed. The measurement is by the magnetic field which falls away with increasing distance, the actual measurement is an indication of fault current from 0-999.9 but which has no units.

Link Box

Low Voltage Overcurrent Fault Passage Indicator.

The Link Box Fault Passage Indicator (FPI) is deployed on the links of an LV Link box. Once deployed the Link Box FPIs provide fault location when a fault occurs, by indicating on which leg of the Link Box the fault has occurred. There is no need to remove links or fuses, simply drop the Link Box FPIs over the Links and they are ready to go.

Data Management

The Bowdens communications module can be integrated with various products such as Pathfinder 360 Alpha Comms, MK10 portable FPI, SIGMA OC/EFI, and SIGMA EFI. These products offer reporting options and can be fitted with either a 4G or GSM comms module. The comms module can use a SIM card of choice, operate on public or private APN, and is powered by the same battery as the fault indicator. The instruments report on events and their status, ensuring exceptional battery life. The Nortech I-Host alarm data management platform is recommended for flexible integration with Bowden Bros devices, while the interface with GE PowerOn Fusion SCADA allows direct communication and data transfer.

Pathfinder 360 Alpha

Permanently installed Pathfinder for 11 & 33 kV networks with local indication.

The Pathfinder 360 Alpha is an inductive Fault Passage Indicator installed below the conductors of an overhead line. It detects imbalances in the electromagnetic field in single or three-phase, solidly earthed HV networks ranging from 6 to 36kV. It can sense phase-to-phase and earth faults as low as 12 Amps and determines the fault's nature (transient or permanent) by analyzing the surrounding voltage field. The instrument continuously monitors residual current and voltage fields and triggers when it detects fault current exceeding the di/dt threshold curve.

Pathfinder 360 Alpha & Comms

The Pathfinder 360 Alpha Comms offers a communication package as an optional addition to the Pathfinder 360 Alpha. This enables one-way or two-way communication to a mobile telephone or an alarm data management software platform. The integrated "Comms" package operates on 4G, with automatic fallback to 3G or 2G if necessary, or on GPRS or GSM networks. It allows engineers to quickly identify fault locations, reduces restoration times, and provides regular status updates, including battery life and RSSI data.

Pathfinder MKVIE

Portable Pathfinder for ASC earthed networks

The Pathfinder MKVIE is designed to detect faults on networks earthed through an Arc Suppression coil (ASC) or Petersen coil. The ASC triggers automatically during a fault, adjusting reactive and capacitive currents while limiting fault current to small levels to maintain service. Locating faults on such systems is challenging, but the Pathfinder MKVIE analyzes the 3rd Harmonic component and compares vertical and horizontal electromagnetic fields. Changes in the field beyond the fault are detected, and the instrument can be used to patrol overhead lines and pinpoint fault locations based on the point of change in the field.

Pathfinder MK8

Programmable Earth Fault or Overcurrent and Earth Fault Indication

The highly successful portable MK8 Pathfinder is an essential tool for linesmen and fault repair teams to localize earth faults or phase-to-phase faults on 11 or 33kV overhead lines. The Portable FPI can be strapped to a clean pole at eye level, allowing operators to determine if the fault extends beyond that pole and enabling quick pinpointing of hard-to-find faults with multiple units. The MK8 features a long-life lithium battery with a minimum eight year lifespan under normal conditions, and it includes a battery test facility during the switch-on routine.

Pathfinder MK9B

Portable Pathfinder for 11 & 33kV networks with SEF detection capability.

The Pathfinder MK9B builds upon the MK8's success by detecting very low-value Sensitive Earth Fault (SEF) faults using two parallel algorithms. It identifies fault currents above 15 Amps lasting longer than 50 milliseconds (Normal-Red flag) and detects currents ranging from 3 to 15 Amps with a duration over three seconds (SENSITIVE EARTH FAULT-YELLOW flag). This empowers fault engineers with enhanced fault information and precise location capabilities for low-value faults.

Pathfinder MK10

Portable Pathfinder for 11 & 33kV networks with Comms capability.

The Pathfinder MK10 offers fault detection capabilities similar to the MK8, with the additional advantage of a 4G, GSM, or GPRS module for remote alarm reporting. This instrument has been highly successful in pinpointing repetitive transient faults that cause reclosers to trip. By placing multiple MK10 instruments downstream of the recloser, fault engineers can leave them on the network for several days. As soon as a trip occurs, the instruments will report their alarm status, enabling immediate action to locate the fault promptly.

Sigma Modular

Programmable Earth Fault or Overcurrent and Earth Fault Indication
with comms option.

Sigma offers a flexible solution to CFI requirements. As a modular device, it can be built up and priced according to the client's needs. It may have a single Earth Fault card or add three phase cards to give it an Earth fault and overcurrent capability. It is programmable for all key functions, including CT compatibility. Pre-loaded or selectable profiles, set up for the client's preferred settings ensure minimal programming intervention. Load current monitoring is available from LV-powered Sigmas and an integrated communications option may be added for GSM or GPRS remote reporting of alarms and status. Sigma may be used with conventional resin cast CTs, or with Bowdens flexible band CTs which are designed to fit into the cable box of an RMU.

EFI RR MKIII

HIGH IMMUNITY EARTH FAULT INDICATOR

The EFI RR MKIII was developed to meet the stringent needs of one of our UK clients who demanded a very high degree of immunity from electro-magnetic fields induced into the CT surrounding the HV cable. HV Cable Insulation test equipment was prone to trip standard EFIs, so a higher degree of protection was required. A replaceable battery makes for easy change after a predicted 15 year life.

Batteryless EFIs

EARTH FAULT INDICATORS

The Bowdens range of Batteryless EFIs is unique, as much as there is absolutely NO battery within the unit. The power required to flip the flag is derived from the particular double-wound split core CT, which charges a special low leakage capacitor to maintain the trip condition for three hours. The Batteryless EFI is therefore completely maintenance-free.

Omega III

The Omega is an Earth Fault relay with a dual indicator − red LED and flag that can be operated from from a Bowdens Band CT or a conventional cast resin core balance CT. It has user settable trip current, and trip duration settings, as well as a reset time range of between 3 and 12 hours. It can be powered by a replaceable long life lithium battery giving a 15 year average life under normal operating conditions or it can be powered from the incoming LV mains, in which case the option for LV supply reset is available. The indicator is driven by high capacity super caps whilst the LV supply is absent. This means that no batteries are required with the LV unit. The OMEGA III EFI has a high intensity red LED indicator as well as a black/red flag disc and the facility for a remote LED indicator external to the substation. It has two alarm output relays with either latching or fleeting function. OMEGA III may also be powered and reset from an RTU supply. It also has manual controls for Test and Reset.

Omega I & Omega II

The Omega is a low-cost Earth Fault relay that can be operated from a Bowden Band CT or a conventional cast resin core balance CT. It has a factory pre-set trip current and trip delay, but a user-selectable reset time of three or six hours. It can be powered by a replaceable long-life lithium battery giving a 15 year average life under normal operating conditions or it can be powered from the incoming LV mains, in which case the option for LV supply reset is available. The OMEGA EFI has a high-intensity red LED indicator and an alarm output relay. It also has manual controls for Test and Reset.

Current Transformers

Bowdens CT

Bowdens supply cast resin CTs either split core or solid core with a turns ratio of 60:1. With a standard i.d. of 90mm they are designed to fit around the H.V. cable using the clamp provided. A special double wound split core CT is available for our NB range.

Bowdens also supply the band CT which is an open-ended, split core CT wound on a flexible stainless steel core, and can be made to various standard lengths. Standard nominal i.d. dimensions are: 50mm for single phases in a cable box. 120mm standard Earth fault applications. 220mm for extending around three single phase conductors to give out-of-balance earth fault. 380mm for larger separation around three single phase conductors.

Lee Vaughan Cable Identifier MKIV

The Lee Vaughan Cable Identifier MKIV is a tool designed to identify dead cables among live ones. It works by attaching the transmitter to the dead cable and shorting the connected cores at the remote end. The receiver detects the transmitted signal to identify the cable. It offers visual and audible identification, comes in a fitted carry case, and is powered by 4 x AA size cells. It is suitable for cable lengths up to 5km, depending on the cable type.

Lee Vaughan Cable Identifier MKV

The Lee Vaughan Cable Identifier MKV is a new instrument that complements the existing MKIV model. While the MKIV remains available, the MKV introduces new features to enhance usability and speed in identifying dead cables in trenches or on cable trays at remote locations. The MKV offers selectable power output, an additional roving coil for accessing tightly bunched cables, modulated or continuous tone options, improved noise suppression for easier cable detection, and is powered by four AA standard Alkaline batteries with a battery status test feature.

Contact Timer

The Bowdens Contact Timer is a compact and user-friendly handheld instrument designed for distribution engineers. It allows them to identify slow operating mechanisms in circuit breakers before they are called upon to operate during fault conditions. Quick and accurate measurements of circuit breaker opening and closing times can help minimize stress on the system and equipment. The instrument is portable, easy to connect, and provides clear read-out displays in milliseconds. It can be used on circuit breakers in the service position, powered by a PP3 9V battery, and features auto power down for efficient use.

EFI Tester

The Bowdens EFI tester is a portable primary injection tester specifically designed to validate the correct operation of EFI installations. It applies turns around the CT core, attached to an EFI, and injects a known current for a specified duration. The tester features internal battery power, providing rechargeable batteries and offering approximately 2500 tests per battery charging period. It delivers a 10 Amp output per turn and allows for a 100-millisecond current test pulse or continuous output. The tester comes with a battery charger conveniently housed in a foam-filled carry case.

Cable Core Identifier

The Cable Core Identifier is a cost-effective tool designed to determine phase rotation in un-energized three-phase H.V. cables prior to jointing. It is easy to use and highly effective, utilising three coloured LEDs to validate proper connections. The Receiver is connected at the remote end, and continuity between phases is checked by following the instructions on the Transmitter and changing the coloured crocodile connectors accordingly. When all three LEDs light up, it indicates the correct phase connection.

Design Process

We offer a range of design processes such as Electronics Design, PCB Layout, Embedded Design, and Software Design

Manufacture

We offer a range of design processes such as Surface Mount Assembly, Box Build, Electro Mechanical Assembly, Laser Cutting and Through Hole Assembly

About us

For over 80 years, Bowdens has been advancing, enhancing, and supporting high-voltage infrastructure worldwide.

Founded in 1930 by Major A.H. Bowden and his brother E.L. Bowden, Bowdens operated as a family business until November 2022, when Spring (Europe) Ltd acquired the Bowdens brand. Since 2015, Spring had been involved in developing and manufacturing Bowdens' Underground Earth Fault Indicators. The longstanding relationship between the directors of both companies made Spring (Europe) Ltd a natural choice to ensure the uninterrupted supply of Bowdens products. Bowdens offerings include Overhead Line Fault Indicators, Underground Earth Fault Indicators, Test Instruments, and GSM/GPRS-enabled data management solutions for smart networks.

Our Products Include:

Overhead Line Fault Indicators

The HV and Pathfinder series of overhead line fault passage indicators have been refined over the past 30 years, achieving an exceptional standard of performance.

Underground Cable Earth Fault Indicators (EFI)

The SIGMA and Omega series of underground earth fault indicators provide versatile features tailored to meet the demands of fault detection in modern cable networks.

Test Instruments

The Bowdens range of instruments includes Cable Identifiers, LV Contact Timers, Testers, and more.

Data Management

GSM/GPRS communication upgrades to many of these products enable instant alarm data reception, enhancing capabilities for smart network management.

Our Services Include:

Design Process

We provide a variety of design services, including electronics design, PCB layout, embedded design, and software design.

Manufacture

We offer a range of assembly services, including surface mount assembly, box build, electromechanical assembly, laser cutting, and through-hole assembly.

Spring (Europe) provides a skilled workforce and a specialised design team capable of handling everything from basic assembly to complete turnkey projects. Our engineers work according to your precise specifications, regardless of your industry, quality standards, timeline, or budget, tailoring our design process to create the best solution for your needs.

Feel free to contact us by email, phone, or through the form on our website.

Take a look at our YouTube: www.youtube.com/@BowdensOfficial

Find us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/bowdens-uk