Grounding cable reel for vehicle

Abstract

A grounding cable reel for grounding a vehicle of the type used to service electrical power lines includes a reel assembly incorporating a conductive slip ring capable of conducting very large, short term ground fault loads, i.e., on the order of 20,000 amps. A first cable connected at one end to the vehicle's frame is coupled at its second end to a copper rod which extends through a hollow shaft which supports the reel such as for mounting to the vehicle. The copper rod is coupled to a conductive inner hub of the slip ring which is mounted to an end of the hollow support shaft. Rotationally coupled to the inner hub is an outer conductive swivel to which a first end of a second cable is coupled, while the second end of the second cable may be coupled to a grounding post or other grounded object. The second cable is disposed about the reel which is coupled to the outer swivel and rotates therewith. A louvered circular conductive strip is disposed intermediate and in contact with the inner hub and the outer swivel for providing electrical continuity in the slip ring. The inner hub and outer swivel are preferably comprised of brass for conducting large currents and for serving as a heat sink, while the contact strip allows for rotation of the outer swivel on the inner hub and electrical current conduction therebetween and is preferably comprised of a silver alloy.