‘Mini’ VarioShells enable more flexible inter-car jumper designs

At InnoTrans 2026, HARTING is presenting three new ‘Mini’ versions of the Han® HPR VarioShell. The series features an integrated housing concept for jumper cables used to transmit high currents, signals and data in rail vehicles.

The ‘Mini’ VarioShells are available in sizes 6, 10 and 24. Their design is more compact than that of their larger counterparts – the VarioShell Han® 24 & 34 HPR. Due to their dimensions, only a single mounting frame can be installed in the smaller enclosures – whereas the ‘large’ VarioShells can be fitted in double rows. This makes the ‘small’ versions lighter, allowing right-angled connections to vehicle walls and preventing large cable bending radii.

The VarioShell is a proven integrative concept for the design of jumper cables that has been in use for many years. It is designed to simplify the use of connectors on rail vehicles (as jumper cables), reduce weight and make maintenance easier.

For high-power transmission, the HC-Modular contacts 250, 350 and 650 are available, as well as the new Han^® DCT CU 18/22/30 series (featuring DoubleContact Technology). Thanks to their IP 68/69 protection rating, all VarioShells can be used safely in outdoor conditions.

The housings are fitted with removable covers, which means that engineers still have access to the connectors from all directions even after installation. This reduces the effort required for installation, service and maintenance. Thanks to its full compatibility with HARTING’s other product families for high-current contacts and Han-Modular^®, the VarioShell also offers particularly durable solutions that are open to retrofitting.