33kV Cable Termination | Stripping Sheath with Bonded Aluminium Screen

Published 28 Mar 2024

Uploaded by Chris Dodds | Sales & Marketing Manager at Thorne & Derrick

33kV Cable Sheath Stripping with the Ripley US15 Tool

Jointer Steffan Evans from HVSM demonstrates how to remove the cable sheath and bonded aluminium screen from a 33kV single-core, 800mm² XLPE-insulated cable.

Steffan uses the Ripley US15 Cable Sheath Stripping Tool, designed for cable sheath diameters of 10–50mm. When used by trained and competent jointers, the tool removes the outer sheath and bonded aluminium foil screen while helping to protect the underlying copper wire screens from damage.

Explore our range of cable jointing tools for cable preparation and installation applications.

Cable Preparation – Nexans Euromold Installation Instructions

The following excerpt from the Nexans Euromold Type C Interface Connectors (K), (M), (P) 800PB/G instructions, rated up to 20.8/36 (42)kV, highlights the requirement to remove the outer cable sheath and aluminium foil screen together.

Important caution: When working with conductive-coated outer cable sheaths, installers must remove the conductive coating when preparing the cable for accessories. This allows tasks such as cable sheath testing to take place.

The instructions specify that installers should remove approximately 400mm of conductive coating below the end of the cable sheath using a suitable stripping tool.

Sheath stripping with the Ripley US15

Stripping Bonded Screens on 33kV Cables

In this demonstration, Steffan removes the bonded semi-conductive screen from medium-voltage power cables (20/22kV) before terminating them into a Siemens NXAIR vacuum circuit breaker.

He uses the Ripley US02-7000 Semi-Con Shaver to precisely remove the bonded screen from a 400mm² cable. This prepares the cable for the installation of a Raychem (Tyco) heat shrink cable termination.

Ripley US02 Cable Preparation Tool

Manufactured by Ripley Tools, the US02 features an ergonomic revolving handle and accessible adjustment knobs. These features help jointers work comfortably and accurately when performing repetitive screen-shaving tasks in the field.

“Investing in innovation and introducing cable jointing tools to HVSM improves safety and reliability for our clients. The Ripley US02 is very Jointer-friendly with a spectacular finish to the XLPE insulation – the automatic cut-off and incremental blade adjustments ensure a professional perfection of cable preparation at medium voltages,” comments Steffan.

Stripping in the Switch – Compact Tool Design

The compact but robust design of the US02 allows jointers to work in confined spaces within medium-voltage electrical equipment.

Cable Preparation Tools | Distributed From Stock | Approved Supplier

HVSM – High Voltage Engineering Specialists

HVSM is one of Ireland’s longest-standing high-voltage engineering companies, having operated since 1991. Headquartered in Ireland, the company works with customers across the globe.

HVSM provides specialist engineering services to high-voltage power industries, including commercial, utilities, manufacturing, life sciences, data centres and renewable energy.

Cable Jointing Stands and Installation Equipment

Thorne & Derrick are official distributors of the Vicera range of cable jointing stands. This range complements our established selection of cable jointing, cable pulling equipment and cable preparation tools, helping support efficient and reliable power cable installations.

MV and HV Cable Joints, Terminations and Connectors

Thorne & Derrick distribute a wide range of medium- and high-voltage (MV and HV) cable joints, terminations and connectors from leading manufacturers, including 3M, Prysmian, Nexans Euromold, Elastimold, Pfisterer CONNEX and SEANEX.

Our range includes heat shrink, cold shrink, push-on and slip-over cable accessories for joining, terminating and connecting 11kV–33kV and 66kV–132kV cables. These accessories support connections to oil-, air- and gas-insulated switchgear, transformers, motors and overhead lines used in medium- and high-voltage electricity distribution.

11kV, 33kV and 66kV Cable Accessories

Thorne & Derrick hold extensive stocks of 11kV, 33kV and 66kV cable joints and terminations for XLPE, PILC and EPR cables. Our range includes both heat shrink and cold shrink technologies to meet the medium- and high-voltage cable accessory requirements of UK and international customers.