Molex has introduced a power quick-disconnect connector designed to meet new EU legislation for roadside lighting and electronic signage.

The road safety legislation, which is expected to come into force across EU, stipulates necessary changes in roadside furniture construction and materials to better absorb impact and lessen personal injury of motorists in the event of a crash.

In the event of an accident, whereby a vehicle hits roadside equipment, the system must disconnect the electrical supply within 0.4 seconds of impact.

Motion sensors and circuit protection devices available on the market do not prevent tearing or tethering of wires on impact with a pole.

The passive safety pole connector includes safety devices and systems that operate without need for human input or action.

“The initial crash test demonstrates that the passive safety pole connector works admirably and the pole safely disconnected upon impact,” said Denis O’Sullivan, global product manager at Molex.

Installation of the pole connector is a two-step process. Step one occurs at ground level.

The base fixtures of the pole are cemented into the ground. The first cable, fitted with a connector sealed by a water-tight cap, is installed into the ground at the main circuit-protection device.

The integrated protective cap remains in place until the connector is mated with the pole side connector, and provides mechanical and environmental protection for the interface (IP68).

In the event of a pole being destroyed, the cap can be pushed onto the connector providing protection for the contact interface and ensuring the safety of the public and construction crews.

The second step is to install the pole and connect the pole cable to the ground cable. A flexible tether attaches the pole over or underground. The connector and cable are pre-assembled when manufactured to protect them fully from external elements, while saving considerable time and money during installation.