3M Scotchcast Cable Joint – Resin & Taped Manhole Cable Splice 600/1000V
Published 04 Dec 2017

- Application: Resin and taped manhole cable joint / splice, 600/1000V
- Cable Joint: 3M Scotchcast Cable Joints
- Cable Jointer: Andy O’Malley (IBEW 258 EHV Cable Jointer / Cable Splicer)
- Featured Manufacturer: 3M Electrical
3M Scotchcast Cable Jointing in Confined Spaces
3M Scotchcast Cable Joints provide resin-based solutions for low voltage cable jointing and repairs. This example shows a resin and taped cable splice completed inside a manhole, where safe working procedures and suitable jointing materials are essential.
The photograph shows the completed cable joint from outside the manhole. During the repair, the cable jointer used 3M Scotchcast cable joints to splice the looped cables. As a result, the team could repair the damaged cables within the confined space.
Confined-Space Safety and Preparation
Before entering the manhole, cable jointers must complete the necessary safety checks. First, they bump-test their gas detectors to confirm that the equipment works correctly. They then test the atmosphere inside the manhole, with the lid still in place, to check for harmful, flammable or toxic gases.
If the initial checks confirm that it is safe to proceed, the jointers remove the manhole cover. Next, they ventilate the working area using forced air. Throughout the operation, they continue to monitor the atmosphere with their gas detectors.
The team also prepares suitable access and rescue equipment before starting work:
- A wooden ladder provides access to the manhole.
- Cable jointers wear rescue harnesses.
- A tripod and winch provide rescue support.
- A gate guard surrounds the manhole to help prevent trips, falls and other accidents.
Jointing Cables Inside the Manhole
The cable jointer completes the joint inside the manhole rather than at ground level. This approach helps avoid excessive bending and strain when the team feeds the low voltage cable back into the manhole. By completing the joint in position, the jointer can reduce the risk of putting unnecessary strain on the cable.
In addition, installers can use cable duct seals to help prevent flammable gases and flood water from entering the manhole through cable ducts.
The 500kcmil cable has a 100V DC rating and operates on a 600V circuit. For this installation, the joint uses 3M Scotch Electrical Tapes. The application does not use heat shrink or cold shrink tubing.

3M Scotchcast Cable Joint – Resin and Taped Manhole Cable Splice 600/1000V
3M Scotchcast Resin Cable Joints
3M Scotchcast resins provide insulation and protection for low voltage cable joints. These materials help protect cable connections across a range of electrical installations.
For example, resin cable joints suit cables with XLPE, EPR, PVC and PILC insulation. They have applications up to 3.3kV.
In addition, 3M offers specially formulated resin systems for demanding operating and environmental conditions. Available formulations include:
- Hydrocarbon-resistant resins
- Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) resins
- Fire-resistant resins
- Flame-retardant resins
These cable jointing systems support installations across a range of industrial and hazardous area environments. For instance, applications include oil and gas, petrochemical, mining, telecommunications, rail and general industry.
Depending on the selected product and installation requirements, suitable 3M Scotchcast cable joints can be used for direct burial underground or exposed cable containment installations.
3M Scotchcast LV Resin Cable Joints – Features & Benefits

Resin Cable Joints – Features & Benefits of 3M Scotchcast Cable Jointing Systems
3M Scotchcast Cable Jointing Support
Need help selecting a suitable low voltage cable joint? Thorne & Derrick can provide technical support, training and specification advice for your application.
Our team can help you identify the correct LV cable joints for industrial and hazardous area installations. Furthermore, we can discuss your cable jointing requirements and help you explore the available solutions.

Thorne & Derrick – Main Distributors for 3M Electrical
Thorne & Derrick also supports customers looking for 3M Cold Shrink solutions for medium and high voltage (MV-HV) cable applications. Contact our team for assistance with selecting or specifying cable joints and terminations.
Thorne & Derrick – Specialist Electrical Distributor

LV ♦ MV ♦ HV
Thorne & Derrick distribute an extensive range of low, medium and high voltage cable jointing, termination and installation products. We also supply cable pulling equipment for electrical infrastructure projects.
We support customers across the UK and internationally. Our products serve underground cable networks, overhead lines, substations and electrical construction projects. In particular, our range supports LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV transmission and distribution applications.
Key Products
Our product range includes cable accessories, installation equipment and electrical infrastructure solutions, such as:
- MV-HV Cable Joints & Terminations
- Cable Cleats
- Duct Seals
- Cable Transits
- Underground Cable Protection
- Cable Jointing Tools
- Feeder Pillars
- Cable Ducting
- Earth Tapes
- Electrical Safety
- Cable Glands
- Arc Flash Protection
- Fusegear
Manufacturer Partners
We distribute products from leading electrical manufacturers, including:
- 3M
- ABB
- Alroc
- Band-It
- Catu Electrical
- Cembre
- Centriforce
- CMP
- Elastimold
- Ellis Patents
- Emtelle
- Furse
- Lucy Zodion
- Nexans Euromold
- Pfisterer
- Polypipe
- Prysmian
- Roxtec

LV – Low Voltage Cable Joints, Glands, Cleats, Lugs & Accessories (1000 Volts)

MV HV – Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors (11kV 33kV EHV)

Cable Laying – Underground Cable Covers, Ducting, Seals & Cable Pulling Equipment
More from the Power Blog
The Thorne & Derrick Power Blog covers a wide range of electrical engineering topics. You can explore technical articles and industry updates covering:
- LV, MV, HV and EHV transmission and distribution
- Substations and switchgear
- Cable jointing and termination
- Cable fault location and repair
- Underground power cables
For more information, visit the Power Blog and browse our latest technical articles.
