New stainless steel cable saddle builds on Ellis' proven Centaur® technology and experience on major transmission infrastructure projects

Ellis Patents, a leading UK designer and manufacturer of safety-critical cable cleats and cable management solutions, is launching its new Centaur®+ Saddle at the CIGRE Paris Session this month.

Developed specifically for demanding high-voltage transmission applications, Centaur®+ combines a curved 316L stainless steel saddle, designed for cable support, and an over-strap offering short circuit restraint. The saddle sits on a base which allows for movement in the vertical plane.

The result is a cable support solution designed to accommodate the practical requirements of sagged cable installations while providing the robust construction required for critical transmission infrastructure.

Building on proven Centaur® expertise

Centaur®+ represents the next development of Ellis' experience in high-voltage cable support, building on the established Centaur® range and its use on major transmission infrastructure projects.

One of the most significant examples is National Grid's London Power Tunnels project, where Ellis Centaur® Cable Cleats and Centaur® Intermediate Straps have been used to secure and protect high-voltage cables against short circuits.

During Phase 1 of the project, 192 kilometres of 400kV cable and 30 kilometres of 132kV cable were installed within 32 kilometres of tunnels, using Ellis Centaur® products to secure the cables.

The relationship has continued into London Power Tunnels Phase 2 (LPT2). Taihan Cable & Solution Co., Ltd is responsible for the design, delivery, connection, construction and testing of a 400kV cable system for the project, again using Ellis Centaur® Cable Cleats and Centaur® Intermediate Straps.

The continued use of Centaur® on both phases demonstrates the trusted role of Ellis cable cleat technology in major, safety-critical transmission infrastructure.

Danny Macfarlane, Managing Director at Ellis Patents, said:

“Our involvement in London Power Tunnels demonstrated the performance and reliability that can be achieved with the Centaur® system in a major 400kV transmission environment. The continuation of Centaur® into LPT2 is particularly significant because it reflects the confidence placed in the technology by the project team.”

“Centaur®+ takes that experience into a new design. We have focused on the practical challenges faced by engineers and installers working with large high-voltage cables, particularly where cable geometry and installation conditions require additional flexibility.”

Designed for demanding cable installations

Centaur®+ features a curved saddle designed specifically for sagged cable installations. The saddle and over-strap are manufactured from 316L stainless steel, with a galvanised steel pivot base and base fixings. Stainless steel options for the base and fixings are also available.

Centaur®+ has been short-circuit tested to IEC 61914, reflecting Ellis' focus on the mechanical and safety requirements associated with cable support systems in high-voltage applications.

The system is available with saddle lengths of 600mm, with the current configurations covering cable diameters from 85mm to 152mm.

Importantly, Centaur®+ can also be adapted for specific project requirements, allowing Ellis to alter the design to meet particular load or functionality requirements.

Supporting the evolving transmission network

As electricity networks expand to accommodate increasing demand, renewable generation and new transmission infrastructure, the engineering requirements placed on high-voltage cable systems continue to evolve.

For transmission system operators, system designers and installation contractors the cable cleating system is an integral part of the overall installation design.

Centaur®+ has been developed to provide a solution for applications where cable geometry, installation conditions and project-specific requirements demand a robust yet adaptable cable support system.

“CIGRE is the ideal environment in which to launch Centaur®+,” added Danny. “It brings together the transmission and power-system community from around the world and gives us the opportunity to demonstrate the product directly to the engineers, designers, cable manufacturers and transmission specialists who understand the challenges these projects present.”

Ellis will showcase Centaur®+ at CIGRE Paris from 23–28 August 2026, where visitors can meet the team and discuss the product's potential application on high-voltage transmission projects.

About Ellis Patents

Ellis Patents is a UK-based designer and manufacturer of safety-critical cable cleats, cable hangers and cable management solutions.

From its manufacturing facility in North Yorkshire, Ellis supplies cable management solutions for demanding applications across power transmission and distribution, renewable energy, data centres, rail, oil and gas, power generation and major infrastructure.

Ellis combines product design and engineering expertise with extensive testing capabilities to develop solutions for critical cable installations around the world.

Further case study background: LONDON POWER TUNNELS (LPT2) PROJECT - Ellis Patents

For more information or to request technical specifications:

www.ellispatents.co.uk
Ellis Patents Ltd
Contact sales@ellispatents.co.uk

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