Alroc CAMF4/40-90-BBCF – Multifunction Cable Jointers Tool For Bonded Semiconductor & Insulation

Published 18 Jan 2018

Alroc cable jointing tools for MV HV EHV power cables

Alroc Cable Jointing Tools | MV HV EHV 11kV 33kV 66kV 132kV

Uploaded by Chris Dodds | Reading Time: 5 Minutes

Alroc Cable Jointing Tools for MV and HV Power Cables

Alroc manufactures specialist cable jointing tools for the accurate preparation of low, medium and high voltage power cables.

Correct cable preparation is essential for reliable cable joints and terminations. Therefore, professional cable jointers use precision tools to remove insulation and semiconductive screens without damaging the underlying cable components.

One example is the Alroc CAMF4/40-90-BBCF. This multifunction tool removes bonded semiconductive screens and XLPE insulation from medium and high voltage cables.

In addition, its adjustable design supports several preparation operations using a single tool.

Alroc CAMF4/40-90-BBCF multifunction cable jointing tool

Alroc CAMF4/40-90-BBCF Technical Specifications

The CAMF4/40-90-BBCF is designed for cable preparation across a specified diameter range.

Its key technical specifications include:

Cable diameter range: 40–90mm.
Bonded semiconductive screen removal capacity: 2.5mm.
Remaining semiconductive screen length: 55mm.
XLPE insulation removal capacity: 35mm.
Typical applications: MV, HV and EHV cable preparation.

Furthermore, the tool uses ball bearings to support smooth rotation around the cable.

As a result, installers can achieve a more controlled cutting action without applying silicone to the working surface.

Removing Bonded Semiconductive Screens

The Alroc CAMF4/40-90-BBCF allows cable jointers to remove bonded semiconductive screens from MV and HV power cables.

During preparation, the blade must remove the required screen material without damaging the underlying XLPE insulation.

Therefore, precise cutting depth and stable tool movement are essential.

Controlled Cutting with Ball Bearings

The tool incorporates 16 ball bearings that roll around the cable during preparation.

These bearings help maintain steady rotation and consistent positioning.

Consequently, the blade can follow the cable surface more accurately while reducing the risk of digging into the insulation.

In addition, the design supports a consistent diameter across the prepared insulation surface.

Reducing Surface Roughness

Low surface roughness is important when preparing insulation for high voltage cable accessories.

For this reason, the Alroc tool is designed to produce a smooth surface during bonded screen removal.

Furthermore, the controlled cutting movement supports the formation of a chamfer between the insulation and semiconductive screen.

As a result, the prepared cable can achieve a more consistent transition between the different material layers.

Removing XLPE Insulation from MV and HV Cables

In addition to semiconductive screen removal, the CAMF4/40-90-BBCF can remove XLPE cable insulation.

The stated insulation removal capacity is 35mm.

During this operation, the tool rotates around the cable while removing the selected insulation thickness.

However, the cutting depth must be adjusted correctly before use.

For accurate results, cable jointers should follow the tool instructions and the cable accessory manufacturer’s preparation requirements.

Adjustable Cutting Depth

The CAMF4/40-90-BBCF includes adjustment features for controlling the cutting blade.

For example, the operator can set the required cutting depth before rotating the tool around the cable.

Furthermore, fine adjustment allows more precise removal of the bonded semiconductive screen.

Consequently, the jointer can control the preparation process according to the cable construction.

Chamfering and Grooving XLPE Insulation

The tool also supports chamfering and grooving operations when used with the appropriate blade arrangement.

For these applications, the ball-bearing system can be configured to support a controlled cutting position.

As a result, the operator can create a chamfer or groove in the XLPE insulation.

These preparation functions are particularly useful when specific cable accessories require accurately formed insulation profiles.

How the Alroc Cable Jointing Tool Works

The CAMF4/40-90-BBCF uses a rotating cutting action to remove selected cable layers.

First, the cable jointer adjusts the tool to suit the cable diameter.

Next, the cutting blade is positioned to achieve the required depth.

The operator then rotates the tool around the cable to remove the selected material.

In addition, a back-iron adjustment feature helps control the tool’s cutting movement.

Consequently, the operator can achieve consistent preparation around the cable circumference.

Precision Cable Preparation

Accurate preparation is essential when installing high voltage cable joints, terminations and connectors.

For example, damage to the XLPE insulation can create problems during cable accessory installation.

Therefore, the tool’s controlled cutting action helps reduce the risk of damage caused by incorrect blade positioning.

Furthermore, the adjustable design supports repeatable preparation across suitable cable sizes.

Watch the Alroc cable preparation tool in operation.

Split Tool Design for HV and EHV Cable Jointing

Some Alroc CAMF tool configurations can be split open for removal from the cable.

This feature is particularly useful when preparing large high voltage cables.

For example, a jointer may need to remove the preparation tool after installing or soldering a cable connector.

In these situations, the split design allows the tool to be removed without passing it over the completed connection.

Consequently, the feature can simplify cable preparation during demanding installation work.

Applications in Offshore and Submarine Cables

Large HV and EHV cables are used in offshore and submarine power transmission systems.

During installation, jointers must prepare the cables before fitting HV joints, terminations and connectors.

Furthermore, space restrictions and cable dimensions can make tool handling more difficult.

For this reason, suitable split cable preparation tools can offer practical installation advantages.

CAMF4/40-90-BBCF Cable Preparation Features

The Alroc CAMF4/40-90-BBCF includes a push-button locking arrangement.

In addition, the tool supports several preparation operations through its adjustable design.

These include:

Removal of bonded semiconductive cable screens.
Removal of XLPE cable insulation.
Chamfering of prepared cable insulation.
Grooving with suitable blade configurations.
Fine adjustment of cutting depth.
Controlled rotation using ball-bearing contact points.

The tool uses 16 rolling elements with four or eight contact points, depending on its configuration.

Consequently, the cutting mechanism remains supported during preparation.

This arrangement helps prevent the blade from digging into the insulation surface.

132kV Cable Jointing Applications

Alroc cable preparation tools are used in high voltage cable installation projects, including 132kV transmission networks.

These applications may involve XLPE single-core power cables and accessories designed for EHV systems.

For example, prepared cables may be connected to gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) or air-insulated switchgear (AIS) through suitable terminations.

In addition, the installation of EHV cable accessories may involve requirements associated with IEC 60840, where applicable.

However, the correct tool, cutting arrangement and preparation dimensions must always match the approved cable accessory installation procedure.

XLPE Insulation Removal from High Voltage Cables

Removing XLPE insulation requires a controlled cutting process.

The Alroc tool includes a back-iron adjustment feature that helps control the cutting pitch.

As a result, the jointer can rotate the tool more easily while removing insulation from medium and high voltage power cables.

Furthermore, accurate adjustment helps produce the required insulation profile.

Chamfering High Voltage Cables

Chamfering creates a shaped transition at the end of the prepared cable insulation.

This operation may be required when installing certain cable joints or terminations.

For example, a smooth transition can support the correct positioning of cable accessory components.

Chamfering high voltage cable XLPE insulation with specialist cable jointing tools

Chamfering HV Cable XLPE Insulation

Grooving High Voltage Cables

Grooving creates a controlled recess in the cable insulation.

Depending on the accessory design, this may form part of the required cable preparation process.

However, the groove dimensions must follow the relevant installation instructions.

Grooving high voltage cable XLPE insulation during cable preparation

Grooving HV Cable XLPE Insulation

Shaving Bonded Semiconductive Screens

Shaving removes the bonded semiconductive screen from the cable insulation.

In addition, the process helps create the required prepared insulation surface.

For high voltage cable accessories, consistent screen removal is essential.

Therefore, jointers must control the blade depth carefully and avoid damage to the XLPE insulation.

Shaving bonded semiconductive screen from high voltage XLPE cable insulation

Shaving HV Cable XLPE Insulation

Thorne & Derrick – Cable Jointing Tool Distributors

Thorne and Derrick specialist electrical distributors

LV | MV | HV

Thorne & Derrick supply specialist cable installation, jointing and termination equipment for UK and international projects.

Our customers work across underground cable networks, overhead lines, substations and electrical construction.

In addition, we support power distribution and transmission projects operating at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV voltages.

Explore our range of cable pulling equipment and electrical installation products.

Key Electrical Product Categories

Specialist Cable Accessory Manufacturers

Thorne & Derrick supply products from established electrical manufacturers.

These include 3M, ABB, Alroc, Band-It, CATU, Cembre, Ellis Patents, Nexans Euromold and Pfisterer.

Explore selected manufacturers:

Alroc tools support the preparation of cables for a wide range of MV and HV joints, terminations and connectors.

These include suitable accessories from manufacturers such as Prysmian, 3M, Pfisterer and Nexans Euromold.

However, compatibility depends on the cable dimensions and the specific accessory installation requirements.

MV HV cable joints terminations and connectors for 11kV 33kV and EHV systems

MV and HV Cable Joints, Terminations and Connectors – 11kV, 33kV and EHV