Ellis unveils Centaur®+: the next evolution in high-voltage cable cleating

New stainless steel cable saddle builds on Ellis’ proven Centaur® technology and experience on major transmission infrastructure projects

Ellis Patents has launched Centaur®+ Saddle, a new cable support solution developed specifically for demanding high-voltage transmission applications.

Unveiled at the CIGRE Paris Session in August 2026, Centaur®+ combines a curved 316L stainless steel saddle with an over-strap providing short-circuit restraint. The saddle is mounted on a pivoting base, allowing movement in the vertical plane and providing greater flexibility when accommodating the geometry of sagged cable installations.

The new solution builds on Ellis’ established experience in high-voltage cable support and the proven performance of the Centaur® system on major transmission infrastructure projects.

Building on proven Centaur® expertise

Centaur®+ represents the next development of Ellis’ high-voltage cable support technology, building on the established Centaur® range and its use on major transmission infrastructure projects.

One of the most significant examples is National Grid’s London Power Tunnels project, where Ellis Centaur® Cable Cleats and Centaur® Intermediate Straps have been used to secure and protect high-voltage cables against short circuits.

During Phase 1 of the project, 192 kilometres of 400kV cable and 30 kilometres of 132kV cable were installed within 32 kilometres of tunnels, using Ellis Centaur® products to secure the cables.

The relationship has continued into London Power Tunnels Phase 2 (LPT2). Taihan Cable & Solution Co., Ltd is responsible for the design, delivery, connection, construction and testing of a 400kV cable system for the project, again using Ellis Centaur® Cable Cleats and Centaur® Intermediate Straps.

The continued use of Centaur® across both phases demonstrates the role of Ellis cable cleat technology in major, safety-critical transmission infrastructure.

“Our involvement in London Power Tunnels demonstrated the performance and reliability that can be achieved with the Centaur® system in a major 400kV transmission environment. The continuation of Centaur® into LPT2 is particularly significant because it reflects the confidence placed in the technology by the project team.”

Danny Macfarlane, Managing Director, Ellis Patents

Designed for demanding cable installations

Centaur®+ has been developed to address the practical challenges engineers and installers can face when working with large high-voltage cables, particularly where cable geometry and installation conditions require additional flexibility.

Key features include:

• Curved 316L stainless steel saddle designed for sagged cable installations

• 316L stainless steel over-strap providing short-circuit restraint

• Pivoting base mount allows for greater installation flexibility

• Galvanised steel pivot base and base fixings, with stainless steel options also available

• Short-circuit tested to IEC 61914

• 600mm saddle length

• Current configurations covering cable diameters from 85mm to 152mm

• Ability to adapt the design for specific project requirements, including particular load or functionality requirements

The combination of a curved saddle and pivoting base provides a robust yet adaptable solution where cable geometry and installation conditions need to be accommodated as part of the overall cable support design.

“Centaur®+ takes our experience with high-voltage transmission projects into a new design. We have focused on the practical challenges faced by engineers and installers working with large high-voltage cables, particularly where cable geometry and installation conditions require additional flexibility.”

Danny Macfarlane, Managing Director, Ellis Patents

Supporting the evolving transmission network

As electricity networks expand to accommodate increasing demand, renewable generation and new transmission infrastructure, the engineering requirements placed on high-voltage cable systems continue to evolve.

For transmission system operators, system designers and installation contractors, the cable cleating and support system is an integral part of the overall installation design.

Centaur®+ has been developed to provide a solution for applications where cable geometry, installation conditions and project-specific requirements demand a robust and adaptable cable support system.

Its launch at CIGRE Paris provided an opportunity for Ellis to introduce the new technology directly to the international transmission and power systems community, including engineers, designers, cable manufacturers and transmission specialists.

Centaur®+ is now available for discussion as part of project-specific high-voltage cable support requirements.

To discuss Centaur®+ and how it could be applied to your transmission project, contact the Ellis Patents team.