Description
Cembre AR260L Rail Web Bush Connection Kit
The Cembre AR260L Rail Web Bush Connection Kit provides a permanent, low-resistance electrical connection point within the rail web for heavy haul railway and signal track circuit applications.
Designed for 16.5–19.0 mm rail web thickness, the AR260L fits into a precision-drilled 19 mm hole in the rail web. It creates an M12 electrical connection for the attachment of approved cable lugs and railway conductors.
The AR260L forms part of Cembre’s original rail web electrical connection system. It specifically suits heavy haul and high-vibration applications, particularly traction return bonding, continuity bonding, ground bonding, substation connections, electrical drainage and signal track circuit connections.
Rather than relying on a welded or externally clamped connection, the Cembre AR260L uses a conductive double-sided bush that mechanically expands within the rail web. As a result, this creates a permanent, gas-tight, metal-to-metal electrical interface between the bush and the rail.
The result is a highly reliable rail electrical connection that maintains stable, low contact resistance while withstanding vibration, weather exposure and the demanding environmental conditions heavy haul railway infrastructure presents.
Cembre AR260L Rail Web Connection System
Cembre developed the AR260L as a double-sided permanent electrical contact for heavy haul rail web connection applications.
During installation, the installer drills an accurately sized 19 mm hole through the rail web. The installer then inserts and mechanically expands the conductive double-sided bush using the appropriate Cembre hydraulic installation tool together with the OG13.2 or OG13.2T mandrel.
Consequently, the extrusion process causes the conductive bush to conform closely to the internal surface of the rail web hole, creating a permanent electrical interface between the rail and the bush.
Because installers produce the electrical connection mechanically rather than thermally, installation does not require welding or heating of the rail.
Accordingly, this avoids creating a heat-affected zone in the rail and removes the risk of the metallurgical damage associated with welded bonds, making the AR260L suitable for use on all rail grades, including head-hardened rail.
AR260L Heavy Haul and Signalling Applications
The Cembre AR260L rail web bush kit particularly suits heavy haul railway applications, including:
- Traction return bonding
- Continuity bonding
- Ground bonding
- Substation connections
- Electrical drainage
- Signal track circuit continuity
- Signal track circuit connections
Once installed, the permanent double-sided bush remains mechanically connected to the rail while installers can disconnect, inspect or replace the external cable connection without disturbing the rail interface.
This makes the AR260L particularly useful for heavy haul networks where maintenance crews may need to disconnect electrical connections during testing, fault finding or future upgrades.
Cembre AR260L Technical Specifications
Manufacturer: Cembre
Part Number: AR260L
Product Type: Double-sided rail web electrical bush connection
Electrical Contact Type: Double-sided
Rail Web Thickness: 16.5–19.0 mm
Required Rail Hole: 19 mm
Electrical Connection: M12 (bolt kit supplied)
Recommended Drilling Accessory: Cembre CY190 broach cutter
Required Installation Mandrel: OG13.2 or OG13.2T
Installation Type: Cold mechanical extrusion
Typical Applications: Heavy haul traction return bonding, continuity bonding, ground bonding, substation connections, electrical drainage and signal track circuits
How the Cembre AR260L Rail Bush Connection Works
Overall, the reliability of the Cembre AR260L comes from the permanent mechanical interface created between the conductive double-sided bush and the rail web.
An accurately sized 19 mm hole is drilled through the rail web, ideally using the Cembre CY190 broach cutter.
The installer then positions the AR260L bush in the rail web and installs it using a compatible Cembre hydraulic installation tool together with the OG13.2 or OG13.2T installation mandrel.
During installation, the hydraulic tool draws the mandrel through the bush, mechanically expanding it against the internal surface of the rail hole on both sides of the web.
Similarly, the extrusion process allows the bush to conform closely to the surface of the drilled hole and creates a stable, gas-tight, metal-to-metal electrical connection.
This connection method provides excellent resistance to:
- Rail vibration
- Mechanical movement
- Moisture
- Weather exposure
- Atmospheric contaminants
- Long-term environmental conditions
Because the permanent bush remains installed within the rail, installers can subsequently remove or replace the external cable connection without drilling another hole or disturbing the permanent rail interface.
AR260L Rail Drilling and Installation Requirements
The Cembre AR260L requires installers to drill a 19 mm diameter hole through the rail web before installation.
Indeed, using the recommended Cembre CY190 broach cutter helps produce the accurate 19 mm rail web hole required for correct installation of the AR260L electrical contact.
Installation of the AR260L then requires the dedicated OG13.2 or OG13.2T mandrel together with a compatible Cembre HTEP or B1300TEP-T hydraulic installation tool.
Installers should accurately drill and check the hole before installing the electrical contact.
M12 Bolt Kit Supplied
Specifically, the Cembre AR260L includes a supplied M12 bolt kit for the attachment of cable lugs and railway conductors.
Battery Hydraulic Installation Tool
Cembre B1300TEP-T
In addition, the B1300TEP-T provides portable battery-powered hydraulic installation of Cembre rail web electrical contacts.
Installers require the OG13.2 or OG13.2T mandrel in addition to the B1300TEP-T to install the AR260L.
Manual Hydraulic Installation Tool
Cembre HTEP
Similarly, the HTEP provides a manual hydraulic installation option for Cembre AR rail web electrical contacts.
Installers require the OG13.2 or OG13.2T mandrel in addition to the HTEP to install the AR260L.
In short, using the correct Cembre installation equipment provides a controlled and repeatable AR260L installation and ensures installers correctly extrude the double-sided bush into the rail web.
Why Use the Cembre AR260L Rail Web Connection?
Engineered for Heavy Haul Railways
The AR260L specifically suits heavy haul, high-vibration railway applications where the connection requires exceptional resistance to mechanical and environmental stress.
No Welding Required
Controlled mechanical extrusion establishes the electrical connection, rather than a thermal bonding process.
This removes the need to weld or heat the rail during installation, and avoids the metallurgical damage associated with welded bonds on head-hardened rail.
Permanent Low-Resistance Rail Interface
As a result, controlled expansion of the double-sided bush creates a stable, gas-tight, metal-to-metal electrical connection directly with the rail web.
Maintainable Cable Connection
Installers can disconnect, inspect or replace the M12 cable connection for testing, fault finding or future upgrades without removing the permanent rail web bush.
Repeatable Installation
The dedicated OG13.2 or OG13.2T mandrel provides controlled installation of the AR260L using compatible Cembre hydraulic tools.
Genuine Cembre AR260L Rail Web Bush Connection Kits
The Cembre AR260L forms part of Cembre’s original rail web electrical connection system. It specifically suits heavy haul railway, traction return bonding and signal track circuit applications requiring a robust, permanent electrical connection to the rail web.
In short, the AR260L uses a mechanically expanded, double-sided copper bush installed into a 19 mm rail web hole, providing a reliable M12 electrical connection without welding or heating the rail.
For projects, rail authority specifications and maintenance requirements calling for a Cembre AR260L, Engineering Supplies can supply the genuine Cembre product. This includes the dedicated OG13.2 or OG13.2T installation mandrel, compatible hydraulic installation tooling and associated Cembre rail drilling equipment.
For a Cembre AR260L rail web bush kit, 19 mm rail connection or heavy haul traction return bonding application, contact Engineering Supplies for product selection, availability and technical support.
Cembre AR260L Frequently Asked Questions
What size hole does the Cembre AR260L require?
The AR260L suits installation into a 19 mm diameter hole through the rail web, ideally drilled using the Cembre CY190 broach cutter.
What rail web thickness suits the AR260L?
In fact, the Cembre AR260L is suitable for rail web thicknesses between 16.5 mm and 19.0 mm.
What size electrical connection does the AR260L use?
The AR260L uses an M12 cable connection, supplied with its own bolt kit.
What do installers primarily use the Cembre AR260L for?
Installers primarily use the AR260L for heavy haul railway bonding and signal track circuit applications, including traction return bonding, continuity bonding, ground bonding, substation connections and electrical drainage.
Does the AR260L require a special installation mandrel?
Yes.
Installers require the Cembre OG13.2 or OG13.2T mandrel when installing an AR260L using compatible HTEP or B1300TEP-T hydraulic installation equipment.
Can I use my existing Cembre HTEP or B1300TEP-T to install an AR260L?
Yes, provided installers fit the correct OG13.2 or OG13.2T mandrel.
Installers can therefore use their existing HTEP or B1300TEP-T for the AR260L by changing to the appropriate installation mandrel.
Is the AR260L suitable for head-hardened rail?
Yes.
Because the AR260L creates its permanent electrical rail interface through cold mechanical extrusion rather than welding, installers can use it on all rail grades, including head-hardened rail, without risk of metallurgical damage.
Can installers disconnect the cable after installing the AR260L?
Yes.
The permanent double-sided bush remains installed within the rail while installers can disconnect the M12 cable connection for testing, maintenance, fault finding or cable replacement.
Cembre AR260L Supply and Technical Support in Australia
Engineering Supplies supplies and supports the AR260L rail web bush connection kit together with the dedicated installation mandrel and complete Cembre rail connection tooling range.
We can assist with:
- AR260L supply
- OG13.2 and OG13.2T installation mandrels
- 19 mm rail web connection systems
- Cembre rail drilling equipment
- Battery hydraulic installation tools
- Manual hydraulic installation tools
- Technical product information
- Rail signalling connection identification
- Complete Cembre rail connection systems
Required Installation Mandrel:
Cembre OG13.2 or OG13.2T
Battery Installation Tool:
Cembre B1300TEP-T
Manual Hydraulic Installation Tool:
Cembre HTEP
Contact Engineering Supplies for pricing, availability and technical support on the Cembre AR260L and complete Cembre rail electrical connection range.
