Hot-Dip Galvanized WS-Type Socket Clevis for Insulator Strings
The WS-type socket clevis is an overhead-line connection fitting designed to connect the ball pin of a string insulator with a clevis-type fitting, suspension clamp, tension assembly, yoke plate or other compatible line hardware.
One end incorporates a ball socket and locking device for retaining the insulator ball pin. The opposite end has an extended forked clevis structure with a removable steel pin or bolt, hex nut and cotter pin. This arrangement transmits the tensile mechanical load while permitting the articulation required within the insulator string.
Common models include WS-7, WS-10, WS-12, WS-16 and WS-21. Model selection must be based on the insulator coupling designation, nominal failure load, clevis opening, connecting-pin diameter and compatibility with the complete hardware assembly.
Important: The photograph confirms the WS-type socket-clevis structure, but it does not show a sufficiently clear model marking. The exact model and load class must therefore be checked against the product dimensions, drawing and mechanical test report.
Key Features
- Ball socket for connecting a compatible string insulator
- Extended forked clevis for connection with line hardware
- Removable pin or bolt simplifies assembly and inspection
- Nut and cotter pin help prevent accidental pin disengagement
- Socket locking device retains the insulator ball pin
- Available in several coupling sizes and mechanical load classes
- Hot-dip galvanized ferrous components for outdoor corrosion protection
- Suitable for suspension, tension and dead-end insulator assemblies
Typical Technical Specifications
| Product Type | WS-Type Socket Clevis |
|---|---|
| Product Category | Overhead-Line Connection Fitting |
| Representative Models | WS-7, WS-10, WS-12, WS-16, WS-21 and WS-30 |
| Socket Connection | Ball-and-socket insulator coupling |
| Lower Connection | Extended clevis with removable pin or bolt |
| Body Material | Forged steel or cast steel according to the approved drawing |
| Pin and Fastener Material | High-strength carbon steel |
| Locking Device | Stainless steel or approved corrosion-resistant material |
| Cotter Pin | Stainless steel |
| Surface Finish | Hot-dip galvanized ferrous components |
| Application | Suspension strings, tension strings and insulator connection assemblies |
| Customization | Model, coupling size, dimensions, load class, coating, marking and packaging |
Representative Model Data
| Model | C (mm) | H (mm) | M (mm) | A (mm) | B (mm) | Coupling Designation | Nominal Failure Load (kN) | Reference Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WS-7 | 20 | 70 | 16 | 34.5 | 19.2 | 16 | 70 | Approximately 0.97 |
| WS-10 | 20 | 85 | 18 | 34.5 | 19.2 | 16 | 100 | Approximately 1.30 |
| WS-12 | 24 | 85 | 22 | 34.5 | 19.2 | 16 | 120 | Approximately 1.60 |
| WS-16 | 26 | 95 | 24 | 42.5 | 23.0 | 20 | 160 | Approximately 2.20 |
| WS-21 | 30 | 100 | 27 | 51.0 | 27.5 | 24 | 210 | Approximately 3.20 |
| WS-30 | 36 | 110 | 36 | 51.0 | 27.5 | 24 | 320 | Approximately 5.70 |
The dimensions and weights above are representative reference values. Dimension-symbol definitions, manufacturing tolerances and nominal failure loads must be verified against the approved Jiujin Power drawing and mechanical test report.
Ball-and-Socket Connection
The socket end receives the ball pin of a compatible cap-and-pin or long-rod insulator. A locking device installed through the socket retains the ball while allowing the movement required by the insulator string.
The designated coupling size must match the insulator ball. Common coupling designations include 16, 20 and 24. Components with different coupling designations must not be assembled together.
Extended Clevis Connection
The extended clevis end connects to a tongue, link plate, clamp or other compatible fitting using a removable pin or bolt. The clevis opening, pin diameter and available articulation space must match the adjacent component.
The pin is normally secured using a hex nut and cotter pin. The cotter pin must be properly installed and opened after assembly to prevent unintended disengagement.
Difference Between W and WS Socket Clevises
W and WS fittings both provide a socket connection for a ball-pin insulator. Their body length, clevis construction, pin position and connection dimensions may differ. The WS type commonly uses a more extended forked connection end.
The two series must not be selected only by appearance. Final selection must follow the insulator coupling size, mechanical load and approved assembly drawing.
Materials
The main body may be manufactured from forged steel or cast steel according to the required model and production drawing. The connecting pin, bolt and nut are normally manufactured from high-strength carbon steel.
The socket locking device and cotter pin commonly use stainless steel or another corrosion-resistant material. The exact body material and steel grade cannot be determined from the photograph alone.
Hot-Dip Galvanized Finish
Ferrous components are normally hot-dip galvanized to improve corrosion resistance in outdoor transmission and distribution environments. The coating specification should define the required zinc thickness, adhesion, surface condition and inspection method.
The product photograph shows a galvanized appearance, but the coating process and zinc thickness must be confirmed using production and inspection records.
Applications
- Overhead-line suspension insulator strings
- Tension and dead-end insulator assemblies
- Connections between insulators and suspension clamps
- Connections between insulators and tension hardware
- Yoke-plate and multi-string insulator assemblies
- Transmission-line and substation connection systems
Selection Guidelines
- Confirm the designated coupling size of the insulator ball pin.
- Determine the required nominal failure load of the hardware string.
- Check the socket profile and required locking-device type.
- Verify the clevis opening, pin diameter and effective connection length.
- Confirm compatibility with the adjacent clamp, plate or line fitting.
- Select the required body material and galvanized-coating specification.
- Use the approved line-hardware assembly drawing as the final reference.
The operating voltage does not by itself determine the WS socket-clevis model. Coupling size, mechanical loading and dimensional compatibility are the main selection criteria.
Installation Guidance
- Inspect the socket body, locking device, connecting pin, nut and cotter pin.
- Confirm that the socket and insulator ball have the same coupling designation.
- Insert the insulator ball fully into the socket.
- Install the specified locking device and verify that it is properly seated.
- Position the adjacent fitting inside the forked clevis end.
- Insert the connecting pin or bolt without forcibly deforming the holes.
- Install the nut and cotter pin according to the approved procedure.
- Check that the assembly can articulate without collision or binding.
Quality Inspection
- Material certificate and chemical-composition verification
- Socket profile and coupling-gauge inspection
- Clevis opening, hole alignment and pin-diameter inspection
- Locking-device fit and retention inspection
- Visual inspection for cracks, harmful casting defects and deformation
- Galvanized-coating appearance and thickness inspection
- Mechanical load testing according to the agreed specification
- Model marking, quantity and packaging inspection
Reference Standards
- IEC 60120:2020 – Ball and socket couplings of string insulator units: dimensions
- IEC 60372:2020 – Locking devices for ball and socket couplings: dimensions and tests
- IEC 61284:1997 – Overhead lines: requirements and tests for fittings, when applicable
- DL/T 759-2023 – Connecting fittings
- GB/T 2314-2008 – General technical requirements for electric power fittings
- ISO 1461:2022 – Hot-dip galvanized coatings on fabricated iron and steel articles
Reference to a standard does not constitute certification. Compliance must be supported by inspection records and test reports for the exact product model supplied.
Ordering Information
Please provide the following information when requesting a quotation:
- Required WS model or dimensional drawing
- Ball-and-socket coupling designation
- Required nominal failure load
- Clevis opening and connecting-pin diameter
- Body and fastener material requirements
- Socket locking-device type
- Hot-dip galvanized coating requirement
- Applicable standard and project specification
- Required mechanical and coating test documents
- Order quantity, marking and packaging requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a WS-type socket clevis used for?
It connects the ball pin of a string insulator to a clevis-type component in an overhead-line suspension or tension assembly.
Is this the same product as a W-7A socket clevis?
They have the same basic ball-socket connection function, but their body length, clevis structure and connection dimensions may differ. They should be treated as separate product series.
Can WS-7 and WS-10 use the same 16 mm insulator ball?
Representative product tables list both with a 16 mm coupling designation, but the clevis dimensions and mechanical load classes differ. Compatibility must be confirmed using the approved drawings.
Does the product include the locking device and connecting pin?
These parts are normally supplied with the complete fitting, but the exact supply scope must be confirmed in the quotation and packing list.
Can the product be selected according to line voltage?
No. Voltage alone is insufficient. The principal selection factors are coupling size, mechanical load, clevis dimensions and compatibility with the complete fitting string.
