Hiko UDP In-Ground Distribution Boxes
Secure, watertight underground distribution link switches and services up to 400 A.
The Hiko UDP takes asset lifecycle management to the next level: it future proofs the LV network and eliminates the risks associated with above ground pillars. The design of the pit eliminates the need for a concrete vault or collar, reducing time and cost on site.
The Hiko UDP uses industry standard fusegear / switchgear and structural pits to provide a safe, robust, reliable, flexible and future- proof solution for underground urban distribution reticulation and service supplies up to 400 A.
Hiko uses pits made from Langmatz in Germany which are engineered for a lifetime of over 40 years. Their use of structural foamed polycarbonate (SFPC) in a honeycomb modular design delivers outstanding performance under dynamic and static load conditions. The SFPC material is extremely strong, heat resistant, flame retardant and resistant to solvents including petrol, diesel and oil. It has been shown by independent testing to be completely non-toxic to ground water. Installation is facilitated by the SFPC pit elements, which can be easily separated into layers and reconnected if required, and by the provision of tool- free conduit knock-outs and an adjustable lid height.
The EFEN fusegear / switchgear used by Hiko is housed horizontally under a watertight composite “bell” which allows continuous operation even in flood conditions. Monitoring equipment can also be accommodated. In some configurations, the “bell” is hinged allowing fusegear / switchgear to be lifted up vertically for inspection and operation.
The UDP is available with lids rated to AS3996 or EN 124 from Class B for footpaths and driveways right up to Class D for application in carriageways.
No special tools or spare parts are required.
Mechanical Specifications
Specification | Test Method | Requirement |
Lid load class | AS 3996 | Up to Class E400 (40 tonnes) |
Transfer of vertical loads to ground base | DIN 1054:2005-01 | min 200 kN/m2 |
Transfer of adjacent static and dynamic loads to ground base | DIN FB 101 | Load class 2 (96 kN with area 40×40 cm using set up RStO road class) |
Active ground pressure (transfer of vertical loads to pit elements) | DIN 4085 | Ground types V1 to V3 acc to ATV-DVWK-A 127 |
Materials
Component | Material |
Lid | Cast iron, galvanized steel or composite, cast aluminium, paved |
Bell | Composite |
Head frame | Hot dip galvanised steel (≥ 70 μm) or stainless steel 304 |
Fixings | Stainless steel 304 |
Structural pit elements | Structural foamed polycarbonate (PC/PBT blend with 6% GRP) |
Structural Pit Element Material Properties
Specification | Test Method | Requirement |
Density | ISO 1183 | 0.95 – 1.25 g/cm3 |
Water absorption | DIN 53495 | < 0.5 % |
Hardness | ISO 2039/1 | 90 MPa |
Tensile strain at break | ISO 527 | 38 MPa |
Elongation at break | ISO 527 | 12 % |
Elastic modulus | ISO 527 | 2,000 MPa |
Notched impact strength | DIN 53453 | 6 kJ/m2 (20°C), 4 kJ/m2 (-20°C) |
Vicat softening temperature | ISO 306 | 110°C (B50 method) |
Flammability | (Surface flame) | Self-extinguishing after flame is withdrawn |
Groundwater compatibility | (Independent Test) | Non-toxic (no leaching of heavy metals, phenol, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or BTEX) |
Hiko Code |
| Typical Configurations | Internal Length (mm) | Internal Width (mm) | Nominal Depth (mm) | Typical Weights (kg) | Max . Cu Cable Tails (mm2) | |||||
| 250 A | 400 A | 630 A | Total* | Head Frame | Lid(s)1 | Switchgear Assembly | |||||
UDP05xx |
| 1x 3P | 1x 3P | 1x 3P | 400 | 400 | 700 | 110 | – | 15 | 30 | 185 |
UDP07xx |
|
| 3x 3P | 3x 3P | 800 | 400 | 700 | 160 | 25 | 15 | 50 | 185 |
UDP11xx |
|
| 5x 3P | 5x 3P | 800 | 650 | 700 |
|
|
|
| 185 |
UDP10xx |
|
| 6x 3P | 6x 3P | 800 | 800 | 700 | 300 | 40 | 2x 50 | 150 | 185 |
Other literature available on request
Reports, drawings, technical data sheets, installation instructions, O&M guidelines
