3M Cable Joints & Terminations
How To Apply 3M Cold Shrink Cable End Caps
June 11th, 2018
A series of How-To videos for repairing, jointing and terminating cables using 3M Cold Shrink & Scotchcast products.
Cold Shrink Cable End Caps
This video by 3M Electrical shows how to apply 3M Cold Shrink end caps safely.
3M Cold Shrink cable caps environmentally seal and mechanically protect exposed low, medium and high voltage cable ends using no tools, mastics or tapes.
The 3M video shows how cables ends can be quickly and simply sealed – simply position the end cap over the cable end and unwind the core to install the Cold Shrink cap onto the exposed cables.
Cold Shrink – invented by 3M over 40 years ago and now the preferred technology for heat-free jointing, terminating, sealing and abandonment of LV HV cables
We hope you find this video informative and educational, contact T&D for technical support, quotations and stock availability for 3M Cold Shrink Cable End Caps.
3M Cold Shrink Cable Caps Selection Chart
| 3M Cold Shrink Cable Caps Part Number | Cable Diameter Use Range (mm) |
| EC1 | 11.6 – 20.9 |
| EC2 | 15.9 – 30.1 |
| EC3 | 26.0 – 49.2 |
| EC4 | 45.5 – 84.3 |
| Test Methods | Typical Value |
| Colour | Black |
| 300% Modulus (ASTM D-412-75) | 480 psi |
| Ultimate Tensile (ASTM D-412-75) Original | 1400 psi |
| Ultimate Elongation (ASTM D-412-75) Original | 750% |
| Die C Tear (ASTM D-624C-73) Original | 150 pli |
| Fungus Resistance (ASTM G-21) 28 Days Exposure | No Growth |
| Moisture Absorption 7 Days at 90ºC in H2O | 1.8% Weight Gain |
➡ Visit 3M Electrical for further information about joints, terminations, tapes and insulation to seal, repair, splice and connect LV MV HV cables.
♦ Did you know? Cables can be insulated, protected and repaired using cold shrink tubing available in both EPDM rubber or fire resistant silicone.
Cold Shrink | Joint | Terminate | Seal | Repair | Splice | LV MV HV Cables | 3M
- 3M Electrical Products Stocked By Thorne & Derrick International
How To Install 3M Cold Shrink Cable Joints (LV)
May 18th, 2018A series of How-To videos for repairing, jointing and terminating cables using 3M Cold Shrink & Scotchcast products.
Cold Shrink Cable Joints
This video by 3M Electrical shows how to apply 3M Cold Shrink Cable Joints safely to splice, repair and connect low voltage power cables, 600V/1000V.
3M Cold Shrink cable joints utilise tool free cold shrink technology where no heat or gas torch is required for jointing cable in onshore and offshore locations with polymeric type cable insulation construction including both XLPE and EPR.
Cold shrink is an effective alternative to resin cable joints and can be used indoors, outdoors, overhead or used in cable trays.
Jointing Cables
Ensure all cables and conductors are free from dirt, residue and contaminants using cable cleaning wipes prior to preparing the cable to install the joint.
Cold shrink tubes and copper wire sleeves are first positioned over the cable.
The cable cores are then cut in such a way to stagger the position of the connectors – either mechanical shearbolt or crimp splice connectors are compatible. Check the proposed conductor connector is of suitable physical dimensions to be used with the cold shrink joint – on larger conductors due to volume displacement of multiple mechanical type connectors it maybe preferable for the jointer to use crimp/compression splices due to smooth profile design overcoming any potential bulging or distortion of the cold shrink tubes.
Accepted brands include Cembre, Arcus and Pfisterer Sicon type connectors.
The cable insulation is then removed and connectors are installed.
Most connector technology can be used providing they suit the requirements of the cable voltage, conductor construction and fit dimensionally within the 3M cable joint.
Scotch Electrical Tapes
Scotch 23 self-amalgamating tape is used to over tape the connectors. Layers of Scotch 23 are applied tightly around each connector overlapping into the primary insulation on each side of the connector position.
A piece of cable jacketing that has been saved from the cable preparation is then wrapped around the connectors for added mechanical protection.
Scotch 2228 mastic tape is then used to seal the crotch of the cable.
Scotch 33+ premium insulation tape is applied across the lengths of the cold shrink joint to improve electrical insulation and water sealing protection.
The copper wire sleeve is then repositioned over the joint and secured onto the cable armours (either wire or braid armour) with constant force springs providing a 360º earth screen around the cold shrink cable joint for added protection.
Scotch 23 self-amalgamating tape is used to tape over the constant force springs ensuring the application is in the same direction as the constant force springs.
Scotch 2228 mastic tape is wrapped over the constant force springs to ensure a smooth profile and to achieve the required cable seal.
The 3M cold shrink protection tube is then positioned over the cable joint. The coil is then removed by hand to install. The live memory action of the specially formulated material shrinks the cold tube into position and ensures a constant radial pressure and seal.
Cold Shrink Joints Selection Table For Power Cables
Selecting the correct 3M LC type cable joint for use with single and multi-core type power cables, typically BS5467 (SWA) or BS6883 (GSWB).
| Cold Shrink Joint Part Number | Cross Sectional Area (mm²) | Cable Diameter Range (mm) | Cable Armour Range (mm) | ||||
| Single Core 1kV | Two Core 1kV | Three Core 1kV | Four Core 1kV | Three Core 3.3kV | |||
| 3M LC1 | N/A | 1.5 – 4 | 1.5 – 4 | 1.5 – 2.5 | N/A | 16.1 – 33.1 | 9 – 15 |
| 3M LC2 | 50 – 95 | 6 – 10 | 6 – 10 | 4 – 6 | N/A | 16.1 – 33.1 | 14 – 22 |
| 3M LC3 | 120 – 150 | 16 – 50 | 16 – 25 | 10 – 16 | N/A | 16.1 – 33.1 | 18.5 – 29 |
| 3M LC4 | 185 – 400 | 70 – 120 | 35 – 70 | 25 – 50 | 16 – 50 | 24.9 – 56.4 | 23.5 – 37 |
| 3M LC5 | 500 – 630 | 150 -185 | 95 – 150 | 70 – 120 | 70 – 150 | 37.8 – 84.3 | 31 – 50 |
| 3M LC6 | 800 – 1000 | 240 – 300 | 185 – 240 | 150 -185 | 185 – 240 | 37.8 – 84.3 | 44 – 70 |
| 3M LC7 | N/A | N/A | 300 | 240 – 300 | 300 | 62.5 – 128.5 | 44 – 70 |
Cold Shrink FAQs
Can 3M Cold Shrink Joints Be Resin Encapsulated?
Standard 3M Cold Shrink cable joints in the LC range can be over-protected by using cable joint moulds and then filled by pouring resin into the mould to encapsulate the joint – for example the cold shrink joint can be modified to provide resistance to hydrocarbon damage in hazardous area locations by using 3M Scotchcast 1402FR resin.
Can 3M Cold Shrink Joints Be Used To Joint Halogen Free & Flame Retardant Cables?
3M cold shrink joints can be used in conjunction with 3M STFF outer-protection sleeve – the joint sleeve is designed to protect the joint from fire. STFF sleeve is halogen free/zero halogen, flame retardant and does not emit toxic fumes in fire situations. Specified for onshore, offshore and rail tunnel applications where fire resistant protection of the cable joint is critical to overall performance, safety integrity and operational fire performance of the electrical cable and power system.
Can 3M Cold Shrink Be Used For Cable Repair?
Where cables have been subject to sheath degradation overtime due to electrical and mechanical stresses whilst in service a cold shrink tube can be used to re-instate the levels of cable insulation – note this requires access to an open-end of the cable or disconnection of the cable due to the tubular design of the cold shrink. If disconnection or isolation of the power cable system is not possible a heat shrink wrap-around type cable repair can be carried out. Read more about this subject in our detailed Blog covering solutions for repairing damaged cables.
Cold Shrink – invented by 3M over 40 years ago and now the preferred technology for heat-free jointing, terminating, sealing and abandonment of LV HV cables
We hope you find this video informative and educational, contact T&D for technical support, quotations and stock availability for 3M Low Voltage Cold Shrink Cable Joints.
➡ Visit 3M Electrical for further information about joints, terminations, tapes and insulation to seal, repair, splice and connect LV MV HV cables.
Learn more about the benefits and applications of Cold Shrink:
Cold Shrink | Joint | Terminate | Seal | Repair | Splice | LV MV HV Cables | 3M
- 3M Electrical Products Stocked By Thorne & Derrick International
In What Situations Would I Require A Hazardous Area Cable Joint?
March 7th, 2018A series of How-To videos for repairing, jointing and terminating cables using 3M Cold Shrink & Scotchcast products.
Hazardous Area Cable Joints
This video by 3M Electrical shows in what situations you would require a hazardous area joint such as 3M Scotchcast LVI/3 for jointing power cables in Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas and
potentially explosive atmospheres according to the ATEX Directive.
3M LVI-3/x hazardous area resin cable joint kits are designed to be used for multi-core, armoured polymeric insulated, low voltage energy cables.
The 3M video explains how hazardous area cable joints are designed for applications where the cable joints must be flame retardant, halogen free and hydro carbon resistant.
3M have been supplying cable accessories and electrical insulating Scotchast resins for use in hazardous areas for more than 25 years and have carried out extensive research into the effects of hydrocarbons in chemical solvents and resin encapsulants.
3M products have been successfully installed in areas such as mines and quarries, underground applications, petrochemical sites and offshore areas where there is a risk of flame or explosion due to the atmospheric presence of flammable gases.
A specialised joint shell which is flame retardant, hydro carbon resistant and halogen free is filled with a 3M 1402FR resin which has been highly modified by the inclusion of various chemical additives. These additives make the resin flame retardant, halogen free and virtually unaffected by immersion and hydro carbons or chemical solvents.
➡ For further information read: ATEX Cable Joints – Jointing Cables In Hazardous Areas Zone 1 & Zone 2
Cold Shrink – invented by 3M over 40 years ago and now the preferred technology for heat-free jointing, terminating, sealing and abandonment of LV HV cables
We hope you find this video informative and educational, contact T&D for technical support, quotations and stock availability for 3M Hazardous Area Cable Joints.
Selecting Hazardous Area Cable Joints
| Conductor CSA (mm2) | 3M LVI-3 Scotchcast Resin Kit Reference For Jointing Power Cables In Hazardous Areas | |||||
| 1 Core 1kV | 2 Core 1kV | 3 Core 1kV | 4 Core 1kV | 1 Core 3.3kV | 3 Core 3.3kV | |
| 1.5 | – | LVI-3/2 | LVI-3/2 | LVI-3/2 | – | – |
| 2.5 | – | LVI-3/2 | LVI-3/2 | LVI-3/2 | – | – |
| 4 | – | LVI-3/2 | LVI-3/2 | LVI-3/2 | – | – |
| 6 | – | LVI-3/2 | LVI-3/2 | LVI-3/2 | – | – |
| 10 | – | LVI-3/3 | LVI-3/3 | LVI-3/3 | – | – |
| 16 | – | LVI-3/3 | LVI-3/3 | LVI-3/3 | – | LVI-3/4 |
| 25 | – | LVI-3/3 | LVI-3/4 | LVI-3/4 | – | LVI-3/4 |
| 35 | – | LVI-3/4 | LVI-3/4 | LVI-3/4 | – | LVI-3/4 |
| 50 | LVI-3/2 | LVI-3/4 | LVI-3/4 | LVI-3/5 | LVI-3/3 | LVI-3/5 |
| 70 | LVI-3/3 | LVI-3/4 | LVI-3/5 | LVI-3/5 | LVI-3/3 | LVI-3/5 |
| 95 | LVI-3/3 | LVI-3/5 | LVI-3/5 | LVI-3/6 | LVI-3/3 | LVI-3/6 |
| 120 | LVI-3/4 | LVI-3/5 | LVI-3/6 | LVI-3/7 | LVI-3/4 | LVI-3/6 |
| 150 | LVI-3/4 | LVI-3/6 | LVI-3/7 | LVI-3/7 | LVI-3/4 | LVI-3/6 |
| 185 | LVI-3/4 | LVI-3/6 | LVI-3/7 | LVI-3/7 | LVI-3/4 | LVI-3/7 |
| 240 | LVI-3/5 | LVI-3/7 | LVI-3/7 | LVI-3/8 | LVI-3/5 | LVI-3/7 |
| 300 | LVI-3/5 | LVI-3/7 | LVI-3/7 | LVI-3/8 | LVI-3/5 | LVI-3/8 |
| 400 | LVI-3/5 | LVI-3/7 | LVI-3/8 | – | LVI-3/5 | LVI-3/8 |
| 500 | LVI-3/5 | – | – | – | LVI-3/5 | – |
| 630 | LVI-3/6 | – | – | – | LVI-3/6 | – |
| 800 | LVI-3/6 | – | – | – | LVI-3/6 | – |
| 1000 | LVI-3/7 | – | – | – | LVI-3/7 | – |
3M LVI-3 Scotchcast resin cable joints are tested according to EN50393.
| Type of Test According To EN50393 Table 3 / I / A1 | Results |
| AC Voltage Withstand Test In Air 4kV AC / 1 min | Passed |
| Insulation Resistance Test In Air 1kV DC | > 10,000MΩ |
| Heat Cycle In Air 63 Cycles: 5h/3h | Passed |
| Heat Cycle In Water 63 Cycles: 5h/3h | Passed |
| AC Voltage Withstand Test In Water 4kV AC / 1 min | Passed |
| Insulation Resistance Test In Water 1kV DC | > 10,000MΩ |
➡ Visit 3M Electrical for further information about joints, terminations, tapes and insulation to seal, repair, splice and connect LV MV HV cables.
Cold Shrink | Joint | Terminate | Seal | Repair | Splice | LV MV HV Cables | 3M
- 3M Electrical Products Stocked By Thorne & Derrick International
3M Cold Shrink vs Heat Shrink
January 24th, 2018A series of How-To videos for repairing, jointing and terminating cables using 3M Cold Shrink & Scotchcast products.
Cold Shrink
This video by 3M Electrical shows the benefits of using 3M Cold Shrink compared to heat shrink cable accessories to insulate, joint, repair and terminate cables.
3M cold shrink tubes utilise a unique cold applied delivery system which is designed to make cable jointing, insulating, termination and abandonment as simple as possible without any of the inherent workplace risks associated with “hot-working” and using naked flames to activate heat shrink type cable accessories.
Cold shrink reduces the risk of damaging XLPE cable insulation caused by scorching or over-heating of the cable by the jointer. No cooling time is required before energising cables.
Cold Shrink Benefits
Installation is fast and an easy one-step installation process:
- Labour Savings – enables installation of cable accessory in 1/3 of the time or less compared to heat shrink equivalents
- Tooling – no special heating tools or “hot-work” work permits required
- Compact – smooth profile cold shrink limits volume displacement on cable tray where congregated cable joints are located
- Outdoor – resistant to weathering for continued outdoor service in environmental and exposed locations
- User Friendly – easy to learn and train with less installation steps
- More Cold Shrink Videos | Cable Abandonment | Cable Terminations MV HV
➡ See How To Use Cold Shrink Tubes.
3M Tubes – available in EPDM Rubber or Silicone
Depending on the application cold shrink is available manufactured in EPDM Rubber or Silicone – contact us to discuss your application.
Cold Shrink creates a static and stable cable seal that does not expand or contract with the cable under thermal cycling of LV-HV cables, potentially leading to the creation of voids between the cable accessory and the cable which could lead to a joint or termination failure.
Cold Shrink – invented by 3M over 40 years ago and now the preferred technology for heat-free jointing, terminating, sealing and abandonment of LV HV cables
We hope you find this video informative and educational, contact T&D for technical support, quotations and stock availability for 3M Cold Shrink.
Trust Cold Shrink
- Low Cable Failure Rates*:
– 0.067% for Cold Shrink Cable Joints & Cable Splices
– 0.022% for Cold Shrink Terminations
* Data based upon U.S. failure data of U.S. manufactured 3M Cold Shrink Medium Voltage Cable Accessories between 2009 and 2012.
3M
Should you require support about selecting the correct 3M Cold Shrink product range for use with low, medium or high voltage cables please contact us – a complete range of Cold Shrink cable joints and terminations is available for MV-HV cables, including 11kV/33kV.
➡ Visit 3M Electrical for further information about 3M cable joints, terminations, tapes and insulation to seal, repair, splice and connect LV MV HV cables.
Cold Shrink | Joint | Terminate | Seal | Repair | Splice | LV MV HV Cables | 3M
- 3M Electrical Products Stocked By Thorne & Derrick International
How To Use 3M Cold Shrink Tubes – Silicone & Rubber Cold Shrink Tubings
December 11th, 2017A series of How-To videos for repairing, jointing and terminating cables using 3M Cold Shrink & Scotchcast products.
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uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager
Cold Shrink Tubes
Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, are the largest stockist and supplier of Cold Shrink Tubes manufactured by 3M Electrical – contact us for competitive prices, stock availability and delivery to UK and overseas destinations.
This video by 3M Electrical shows how to apply Cold Shrink Tubes safely and correctly.
3M Cold Shrink Tubes are a series of open-ended, tubular rubber sleeves, which are factory expanded and assembled onto a removable core. They are supplied for field installation in a pre-stretched condition and used by electrical engineers, installers and cable jointers to carry out electrical cable insulation, cable sheath repair and splice joints on cable containment or cable trench applications.
The 3M video shows how to install the cold shrink tubes by unwinding the removable core allowing the tube to shrink and form a tight waterproof seal to prevent water or humidity ingress into the cable. Quicker, easier and with enhanced installer safety benefits compared to heat shrink tube alternatives without a requirement for a heat source or tooling.
Cold Shrinking – the installer should use a gentle unwinding motion to release the expanded Cold Shrink tube from the core maintaining a consistent and even technique resisting temptation to snatch and pull as this will snag the plastic tail within the cold shrink tube. The outer core should remain relatively stationary while unwinding the inner core – the live memory action of the specially formulated 3M Cold Shrink material ensures a permanent, durable environmental seal and insulation. The tough, durable, EPDM rubber construction ensures 3M Cold Shrink tubes withstand operating temperatures of -40 to 194 degrees F (-40 to 90 degrees C).
- Black EPDM Cold Shrink Tubing Manufactured by 3M Electrical
Hazardous Areas
Consequently, cold shrink tubes have been adopted by the hazardous area industries (oil, gas and petrochem) for safe cable sealing and environmental protection in potentially explosive atmospheres and confined spaces where flammable gases or combustible vapours combined with “hot-working” could ignite the “Fire Triangle”.
Suitable for hazardous area cable repair, however where installation location is exposed hydro carbons a complete range of ATEX cable joints are available for jointing cables in hazardous areas, Zone 1 and Zone 2.
Safe Cable Protection & Jointing In Hazardous Areas & Potentially Explosive Atmospheres – cold shrink is safe to use where “hot-working” is precluded
The absence of a naked flame requirement eliminates fire risk and removes the danger of incurring heat, burn or scorch damage to cable sheath by over-heating with gas torches.
The core is removed manually by a simple clockwise unwinding of a tail piece of the inner former – after the cold applied tube has been positioned for installation over an inline connection, cable terminal lug or other similar application the cold shrink is collapsed to form an effective cable seal.
Faster to install for use on LV, MV or HV cables where working access is possible to an open cable end either by cable cutting or disconnecting from supply point.
Other possible applications include electrical installation, cable repair, mechanical protection and moisture sealing barrier – providing a constant radial seal and pressure even under thermal cyclical load.
No playing with fire when installing Cold Shrink by 3M
Selecting Cold Shrink Tubes
Cold shrink tubes are supplied in a range of sizes with specified minimum/maximum tolerances per tube – the selection of the correct 3M tube requires the outside diameter of the cable to ideally be midway between the recommended min/max range of the shrink tube. Once installed the tubes are immediately energisable and suitable for direct burial, overhead or submersed applications on 1000 volt cables located in indoor/outdoor locations in both safe (non-hazardous) and hazardous area cable locations.
Cold shrink tubes are available in EPDM and Silicone.
Cold Shrink – invented by 3M over 40 years ago and now the preferred technology for heat-free jointing, terminating, sealing and abandonment of LV HV cables
We hope you find this video informative and educational, contact T&D for technical support, quotations and stock availability for 3M Cold Shrink Tubes.
♦ More Cold Shrink | Cable Caps | Cable Abandonment | Cable Joints LV | Cable Joints Terminations HV 11kV 33kV
Silicone Cold Shrink – Fire resistant & Low Smoke Zero Halogen
Silicone cold shrink tubes are open ended, silicone rubber, tubular sleeves installed onto cables, pipes and umbilicals to provide a watertight seal with additional resistance for fire, acids, ultra violet light, moisture and flame – the cold shrink tube is inherently low smoke zero halogen (LSOH).
No heat source or naked flames are required to install cold shrink – specified for cable joint, repair or cable splice work in hazardous area locations or potentially explosive atmospheres.
The 3M 8440 series of silicone tubes are outlined in the below table to enable correct selection – call should you require any assistance.
The silicone cold shrink tubes manufactured by 3M Electrical provide primary electrical insulation on solid dielectric (rubber EPR and plastic XLPE) insulated low voltage LV cables up to 1000 volts.
| 3M Silicone Cold Shrink Tube | OD Min mm | OD Max mm | Length mm | Type |
| 3M 8443-2 | 6.86 | 14.0 | 44.0 | Silicone |
| 3M 8443-6.5 | 6.86 | 14.0 | 159.0 | Silicone |
| 3M 8445-2.5 | 8.89 | 18.0 | 57.0 | Silicone |
| 3M 8445-7.5 | 8.89 | 18.0 | 179.0 | Silicone |
| 3M 8447-3.2 | 12.19 | 24.0 | 76.0 | Silicone |
| 3M 8447-8 | 12.19 | 24.0 | 184.0 | Silicone |
Silicone Cold Shrink Manufactured By 3M
➡ Visit 3M Electrical for further information about 3M cable joints, terminations, tapes and insulation to seal, repair, splice and connect LV MV HV cables.
Cold Shrink | Joint | Terminate | Seal | Repair | Splice | LV MV HV Cables | 3M
- 3M Electrical Products Stocked By Thorne & Derrick International
