Description
Cembre AR66D Bush Kit
The Cembre AR66D bush kit provides a permanent, low-resistance electrical connection to the rail web for railway signalling, traction return, continuity bonding, earthing and track connection applications.
Designed for 14–16.5 mm rail web thickness, the AR66D installs into a precision-drilled 13.5 mm rail web hole and provides an M10 electrical connection for cable lugs and rail bonding conductors.
Unlike welded or externally clamped rail connections, the Cembre AR66D uses a conductive copper bush that expands mechanically within the rail web. As a result, the bush creates a durable metal-to-metal electrical interface without applying heat to the rail.
Cembre AR66D Bush Kit for Permanent Rail Connections
The Cembre AR66D forms part of Cembre’s established range of permanent rail electrical connection systems.
First, the operator drills a precision 13.5 mm hole through the rail web. Next, the Cembre AR66D bush kit is positioned in the hole before dedicated Cembre hydraulic tooling pulls the calibrated installation mandrel through the bush.
As a result, the conductive copper bush expands firmly against the internal surface of the rail web hole and creates the permanent electrical interface.
Unlike thermal rail bonding methods, the AR66D does not require welding or heating of the rail. Therefore, installation introduces no heat-affected zone into the rail.
In addition, the permanent bush remains installed in the rail while maintenance crews can inspect, remove or replace the external cable connection separately. Consequently, future cable maintenance does not require a new rail connection each time.
Cembre AR66D Bush Kit Applications
The Cembre AR66D bush kit suits a wide range of railway electrical applications, including:
- Traction return bonding
- Rail continuity bonding
- Rail earthing and grounding
- Substation rail connections
- Electrical drainage systems
- Signal track circuit continuity
- Signal track circuit connections
- Rail bonding connections
- Track connections
- Railway electrical connections
Because the permanent rail interface and external cable connection remain separate, the Cembre AR66D Bush Kit provides a maintainable solution for long-term railway infrastructure.
Cembre AR66D Bush Kit Specifications
- Manufacturer: Cembre
- Part Number: AR66D
- Product Type: Single-sided rail web electrical bush connection
- Electrical Contact Type: Single
- Number of Connections: 1
- Rail Web Thickness: 14–16.5 mm
- Required Rail Hole: 13.5 mm
- Electrical Connection: M10
- Bush Material: Copper
- Bush Surface Treatment: Tin plated
- Nut Material: Stainless steel
- Washer Material: Stainless steel
- Self-Locking Nut: Yes
- Recommended Copper Connection Torque: 40 Nm
- Recommended Aluminium Connection Torque: 30 Nm
- Installation Type: Cold mechanical expansion
- Typical Applications: Signalling, traction return, bonding, earthing, continuity and track connections
For additional manufacturer specifications, visit the official Cembre AR66D product page.
How the Cembre AR66D Bush Kit Works
The AR66D creates its permanent electrical interface through controlled mechanical expansion of the conductive copper bush.
First, the operator drills a correctly sized 13.5 mm hole through the rail web using suitable Cembre rail drilling equipment.
Next, the AR66D bush is positioned in the rail web. The appropriate Cembre hydraulic installation tool then pulls the calibrated 10.5T-M9 installation mandrel through the bush.
As the mandrel passes through, it expands the conductive material against the internal surface of the rail hole. Consequently, the bush forms a large and consistent metal-to-metal contact area with the rail.
Therefore, the AR66D provides a permanent electrical connection designed for the vibration, moisture and environmental conditions encountered in railway infrastructure.
Rail Hole Drilling for the Cembre AR66D Bush Kit
Correct hole preparation plays an important role in achieving a reliable Cembre AR connection.
The AR66D requires a 13.5 mm diameter hole through the rail web. For best drilling performance and hole quality, we recommend the Cembre CY135 Broach Cutter with compatible Cembre rail drilling equipment.
In addition, Cembre recommends VASCO5000 rail drill coolant for rail drilling and AR system installation.
Importantly, when VASCO5000 is used as the coolant while drilling a Cembre AR connection hole, the hole does not need to be dried before installing the AR bush. As a result, installers can move directly from drilling and checking the hole to bush installation.
Cembre AR66D Bush Kit Installation Mandrel
Correct installation of the AR66D requires the 10.5T-M9 installation mandrel.
During installation, the hydraulic tooling pulls the calibrated mandrel through the conductive bush. As a result, the copper bush expands against the wall of the 13.5 mm rail web hole and creates the permanent electrical interface.
Therefore, using the correct Cembre mandrel and installation procedure helps provide a controlled and repeatable rail connection.
Cembre AR66D Bush Kit Installation Tooling
Battery Hydraulic Installation
For portable battery-powered installation, use the Cembre B1300TEP-T Battery Hydraulic Installation Tool with the appropriate 10.5T-M9 mandrel.
The B1300TEP-T provides a convenient battery hydraulic solution for installing Cembre AR rail web electrical contacts in the field.
Manual Hydraulic Installation
Alternatively, the Cembre HTEP Manual Hydraulic Installation Tool provides a manual hydraulic installation option.
Therefore, customers can select either battery-powered or manual hydraulic equipment depending on the application and worksite requirements.
Using the correct Cembre drilling, checking and installation equipment helps provide a controlled and repeatable rail connection in accordance with Cembre’s specified installation procedure.
Benefits of the Cembre AR66D Bush Kits
No Welding Required
The AR66D uses controlled mechanical expansion rather than a thermal bonding process.
Therefore, installation requires no welding equipment and introduces no heat-affected zone into the rail.
Permanent Rail Interface
Once installed, the conductive bush remains permanently connected to the rail.
However, maintenance crews can service the external cable lug and conductor independently from the permanent rail interface. As a result, future cable maintenance does not require modification of the rail connection.
Low-Resistance Electrical Connection
Controlled expansion creates a large metal-to-metal contact area between the conductive copper bush and the rail web.
Consequently, the AR66D provides a stable, low-resistance electrical connection for demanding railway applications.
Compact 13.5 mm Rail Connection
The AR66D requires a 13.5 mm rail web hole, making it part of Cembre’s smaller-diameter AR connection range.
In addition, the M10 electrical connection provides a compact solution for signalling, bonding and other railway electrical applications.
Resistance to Railway Environments
Cembre designs its AR rail contacts for railway applications where connections experience vibration, mechanical movement, moisture and environmental exposure.
Therefore, the AR66D suits demanding long-term railway infrastructure applications.
Maintainable Cable Connection
Maintenance crews can inspect, disconnect or replace the external conductor without drilling another hole or replacing the permanent rail bush.
As a result, the system simplifies ongoing maintenance and future cable replacement.
Repeatable Installation
Dedicated Cembre drilling equipment, installation mandrels and hydraulic tooling allow operators to follow a controlled and repeatable installation process.
Furthermore, using components designed as part of the same Cembre system helps simplify equipment selection and installation.
Complete Cembre Rail Connection System
The AR66D forms part of Cembre’s complete rail electrical connection system.
Engineering Supplies supplies:
- Cembre AR rail web electrical contacts
- Cembre battery rail drills
- Cembre rail drilling machines
- CY broach cutters
- VASCO5000 rail drilling coolant
- Installation mandrels
- Battery hydraulic installation tools
- Manual hydraulic installation tools
- Rail hole checking equipment
- Spare parts and accessories
In addition, Engineering Supplies provides technical support across the complete Cembre rail connection range.
Furthermore, our experienced team can assist with selecting the correct Cembre AR contact, drilling equipment, mandrel and installation tooling for your rail profile and electrical connection application.
Cembre AR66D Bush Kit Frequently Asked Questions
What size hole does the Cembre AR66D require?
The Cembre AR66D requires a 13.5 mm diameter hole through the rail web.
For best results, use the Cembre CY135 Broach Cutter with compatible Cembre rail drilling equipment.
What rail web thickness suits the AR66D?
The Cembre AR66D suits 14–16.5 mm rail web thickness.
Therefore, always confirm the rail web thickness before selecting the appropriate Cembre rail connection.
What size electrical connection does the AR66D use?
The Cembre AR66D uses an M10 electrical connection for attaching the rail bonding cable lug or conductor.
What mandrel installs the Cembre AR66D?
The AR66D requires the 10.5T-M9 installation mandrel together with compatible Cembre hydraulic installation equipment.
Therefore, always confirm the correct mandrel before commencing installation.
What tools can install the Cembre AR66D?
For battery-powered hydraulic installation, use the Cembre B1300TEP-T.
Alternatively, the Cembre HTEP provides a manual hydraulic installation option.
What is the Cembre AR66D used for?
Typical applications include:
- Traction return bonding
- Rail continuity bonding
- Railway earthing and grounding
- Signal track circuits
- Substation rail connections
- Electrical drainage
- Track connections
- Rail electrical bonding
Does installation of the AR66D require welding?
No.
The Cembre AR66D uses a cold mechanical expansion process. Therefore, installation does not require welding or heating the rail.
Can the cable connection be replaced after installation?
Yes.
The permanent electrical bush remains installed within the rail web. However, maintenance crews can remove or replace the external cable lug and conductor without disturbing the permanent rail interface.
Cembre AR66D Bush Kit Supply and Technical Support in Australia
Engineering Supplies supplies and supports the Cembre AR66D bush kit together with the associated Cembre drilling, installation and checking equipment.
In addition, we can assist with:
- Cembre AR66D product supply
- Rail web bush selection
- Cembre rail drilling equipment
- CY135 rail broach cutters
- 10.5T-M9 installation mandrels
- Battery and manual hydraulic installation tools
- VASCO5000 rail drill coolant
- Technical product information
- Rail connection product identification
- Complete Cembre rail connection systems
Therefore, customers can source both the AR66D and its associated drilling and installation equipment from Engineering Supplies.
Get a Quote
For pricing, availability or technical assistance with the Cembre AR66D Rail Web Bush Connection Kit, contact Engineering Supplies on (08) 9258 8444 or email sales@engsup.com.au.
Finally, Engineering Supplies supplies Cembre railway electrical connection systems, rail drilling equipment, hydraulic installation tooling and consumables throughout Australia.
