Description
Cembre AR65 Rail Web Bush Connection Kit
The Cembre AR65 bush kit provides a permanent, low-resistance electrical connection to the rail web for railway signalling, traction return, continuity bonding and earthing applications. Unlike welded rail bonds, the AR65 uses a mechanically expanded conductive bush to create the electrical connection.
During installation, the operator drills a precision 22 mm hole into the rail web. A calibrated installation mandrel then expands the conductive copper bush firmly against the rail. As a result, the system creates a secure, gas-tight metal-to-metal electrical interface with excellent resistance to vibration and environmental exposure.
Cembre AR65 Bush Kit for Permanent Rail Connections
The Cembre AR65 provides a reliable electrical connection that maintains stable, low contact resistance throughout the long service life expected from railway infrastructure.
Furthermore, the mechanical installation process introduces no heat into the rail. Therefore, it creates no heat-affected zone and avoids the metallurgical changes associated with thermal bonding methods.
In addition, Cembre manufactures the AR65 with a tin-plated copper bush and durable connection components for reliable performance in demanding railway environments.
Cembre AR65 Bush Kit Applications
The AR65 rail web connection suits applications including:
- Traction return bonding
- Rail continuity bonding
- Ground and earthing connections
- Substation rail connections
- Electrical drainage connections
- Signal track circuit continuity
- Signal track circuit connections
Once installed, the bush creates a permanent electrical interface with the rail. However, maintenance crews can inspect, remove or replace the external cable connection without modifying the rail interface. Consequently, the system simplifies ongoing maintenance and future infrastructure upgrades.
Cembre AR65 Bush Kit Specifications
The AR65 provides a single-sided 22 mm rail web electrical connection for rail web thicknesses from 14 to 16.5 mm.
Key specifications include:
- Single-sided rail web bush kit
- Suitable for 14–16.5 mm rail web thickness
- Requires a 22 mm rail web hole
- M12 electrical connection
- Supplied with M12 bolt kit
- Tin-plated copper bush
- Self-locking nut
- Suitable for one electrical connector
- Recommended copper connection tightening torque: 80 Nm
- Recommended aluminium connection tightening torque: 50 Nm
- Requires OG13.2 or OG13.2T installation mandrel
- CAL22.23 Go/No-Go gauge recommended for checking the drilled hole
Drilling Holes for the Cembre AR65 Bush Kit
Correct hole preparation plays an important role in achieving a reliable AR connection.
For best drilling performance, we recommend Cembre’s CY Broach Cutters. Specifically, use the Cembre CY220 Broach Cutter to produce the required 22 mm rail web hole with a compatible Cembre rail drilling machine.
Next, use the CAL22.23 Go/No-Go gauge to confirm that the finished hole meets the required dimensional tolerance before installing the bush.
For drilling Cembre AR connection holes, Cembre also recommends VASCO5000 rail drill coolant. Importantly, when VASCO5000 is used during drilling, the hole does not require drying before installation of the AR bush.
Cembre AR65 Installation Tooling
For battery-powered installation, use the Cembre B1300TEP-T Battery Hydraulic Installation Tool with the correct installation mandrel.
Alternatively, the Cembre HTEP Manual Hydraulic Installation Tool provides a manual hydraulic installation option.
The AR65 requires an OG13.2 or OG13.2T mandrel for correct installation. Therefore, always confirm that the appropriate hydraulic tooling and mandrel are available before commencing work.
Complete Cembre Rail Connection System
Engineering Supplies supplies the complete Cembre rail connection system. In addition to the AR65, our range includes AR rail web bushes, Cembre rail drills, CY broach cutters, VASCO5000 coolant, hydraulic installation tools, OG mandrels, gauges, spare parts and accessories.
Furthermore, our experienced team can assist with selecting the correct Cembre AR contact, drilling equipment and installation tooling for your rail profile and electrical connection application.
For additional manufacturer information, specifications and details of the Cembre AR rail contact range, visit Cembre’s official Railroad Contacts and Connectors range. Cembre describes its AR range as providing durable rail connections for signalling and traction return applications.
Get a Quote
For pricing, availability or technical assistance with the Cembre AR65 rail web bush connection kit, contact Engineering Supplies on (08) 9258 8444 or email sales@engsup.com.au.
