Jointers Blogs

33kV Cable Terminations – ABB SafePlus Switchgear Cable Connectors (BS7870/4.1 XLPE Cable)

• Application: 33kV Cable Terminations –  ABB SafePlus Switchgear Cable Connectors
• Cable Type: BS7870/4.1 XLPE Cable 33kV
• Pictured By: Jony Brown HV Regional Manager at SSE Enterprise Contracting
• Product Category: MV HV Power Cable Terminations

33kV Cable Terminations

Thorne & Derrick distribute HV Cable Terminations & Connectors to suit single and 3 core medium/high voltage cables with XLPE, EPR or PILC insulation operating up to 33kV – UK DNO approved equipment from manufacturers including Nexans Euromold, 3M Cold Shrink and Pfisterer CONNEX for cable termination connections into air, oil or gas insulated switchgear, transformers and cable end-boxes are available from stock.

33kV cable terminations are complete with components including screen earth kit (copper taped screen cables), screen wire earth lugs (copper wire screened cables) cable glands (bolt-on, compression or heat shrink type for armoured/non-armoured cables), insulating bushing boots and either 33kV crimp lugs or mechanical shearbolt cable lugs.

Outdoor cable terminations are available to terminate and connect 33kV cables onto medium or high voltage electrical equipment including pole-top mounted brackets for overhead line distribution networks.

ABB SafePlus Switchgear

ABB SafePlus is a compact, metal enclosed SF6-insulated medium voltage (MV) switchgear system for secondary distribution applications up to 33kV/36kV. The switchgear has a unique flexibility due to its extendability and the possible combination of fully modular and semi-modular configurations of medium voltage electrical equipment.

Typical applications for ABB SafePlus Medium Voltage switchgear include: compact secondary substations (CSS), light industry, wind and solar farms, buildings, generation, mining, airports and railways.

Cable Terminations Interface C Bushings

SafePlus medium/high voltage switchgear is equipped with cable bushings outer or outside cone type which comply with CENELEC EN 50181 Interface B (400 Series Plug-in) or Interface C (400 Series Bolted).

Cable terminations of the following types are recommended: Euromold / Elastimold, Tyco Electronics, nkt-cables, Prysmian, Südkabel or ABB Kabeldon.

In the following site photograph from a wind farm project the 33kV power cable to BS7870/4.1 specification has been connected into the SF6 gas insulated switchgear with Interface C type bushings using screened separable connectors.

BS7870 Cables

Low Voltage (LV) and Medium Voltage (MV) polymeric insulated cables manufactured in accordance with British Standard BS7870 for use by distribution and generation utilities – covering LV and HV cables for the provision of an electricity supply from a distribution main. This British Standard applies to concentric, split concentric cables and power cables for fixed installations up to and including 33kV.

Thorne & Derrick distribute HV Cable Terminations for 6.6kV 11kV 33kV high voltage cables – we also provide competitive prices for indoor and outdoor heat shrink terminations for HV cables from extensive stocks to UK and international destinations.

ABB Surge Arresters & Fuse – High Voltage

Thorne & Derrick International

Should you require any assistance with the selection or specification of heat shrink terminations to suit 33kV high voltage power cables please do not hesitate to contatct us.

T&D distribute the most extensive range of MV & HV Cable Joints & Terminations, Cable Installation Accessories & Cable Pulling Equipment – we service UK and international clients working on underground cables, overhead lines, substation earthing and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV transmission and distribution voltages.

• Key Products: 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.

• Distributors for: 3M, ABB, Alroc, Band-It, Catu, 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…

T&D’s Power Blog covers: LV MV HV & EHV Transmission & Distribution, Substation Earthing, Switchgear, Cable Jointing & Termination, Cable Fault & Repair, Underground Cables.

➡ Visit Power Blog.

3M Cold Shrink Joints On High Voltage XLPE 34.5kV Windfarm Cables

• Application: 3M Cold Shrink Joints On High Voltage XLPE 34.5kV Cables
• Cable Type: High Voltage XLPE 34.5kV Cables
• Cable Jointer:  Jerry Rusty Neimeyer – Underground HV/EHV & Lead/PILC Specialist & Former Raychem Product Trainer to 69KV
• Featured Manufacturer: 3M Electrical 
  

• by Chris Dodds T&D - estimated reading time 5 minutes

3M Cold Shrink Joints

34.5KV XLPE 1000 KCMIL Aluminium Direct Buried For A Wind Farm With 3M Cold Shrink Cable Joint Kits

➡ 3M Cold Shrink Cable Joints suitable for jointing, connecting and splicing medium and high voltage (MV-HV) cables including 11kV, 33kV and 66kV.

Complete range of 11kV-33kV Cold Shrink Terminations are available to connect and terminate cable into switchgear, transformers and electrical equipment on MV-HV power systems.

• 11kV-33kV 3M Standard Cold Shrink Cable Joints – MV Medium Voltage
• 11kV-33kV 3M Premium Cold Shrink Cable Joints – MV Medium Voltage
• 11kV-33kV 3M Super Premium Cold Shrink Cable Joints – MV Medium Voltage
• HV Joints – High Voltage Cable Joints Using 3M Cold Shrink QSIII QS3000
• EHV Joints – 132kV Extra High Voltage Cable Joints Using 3M Cold Shrink

3M Cable Joints Terminations Cold Shrink MV HV

Should you require any assistance with the selection or specification of cable joints or terminations please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thorne & Derrick Specialist Electrical Distributor

LV ♦ MV ♦ HV

T&D distribute the most extensive range of LV, MV & HV Cable Jointing, Terminating, Installation & Cable Pulling Equipment – we service UK and international clients working on underground cables, overhead lines, substations and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV transmission and distribution voltages.

• Key Products: MV-HV Cable Joints & Terminations, Cable Cleats, Cable Spikers, Duct Seals, Cable Transits, Underground Cable Protection, Cable Jointing Tools, Feeder Pillars, Cable Ducting, Earthing & Lightning Protection, Electrical Safety, Cable Glands, Arc Flash Protection & Fusegear.

• Distributors for: 3M, ABB, Alroc, Band-It, Catu, 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…

T&D’s Power Blog covers: LV MV HV & EHV Transmission & Distribution, Substations, Switchgear, Cable Jointing & Termination, Cable Fault & Repair, Underground Cables.

➡ Visit Power Blog

11kV Cable Joint – Mankind Beats Nature In Muddy Joint Hole

• Application: Jointing 11kV Cables Using Heat Shrink Cable Joints
• Product Type: 11kV Cable Joint
• Cable Jointer: Robert Coleman Director at Power Jointing Services Ltd

• by Chris Dodds T&D - estimated reading time 5 minutes  

Special thanks to Robert Coleman for his step by step explanation about the processes involved in this type of 11kV joint installation – with over 30 years cable jointing experience at 11/33kV Robert is qualified to explain the skills and techniques required to effectively work on medium/high voltage power cables in challenging workplace locations.

11kV Cable Joint

It was the morning after the day from Hell with 60mph gusting winds and rain lashing sideways from bleak skies – not the conditions for comfortable 11kV jointing. The bottom of the cable joint hole was 6 inches deep in slop so first job to do was to dig a small sump hole and bail out the excess water. Wooden blocks were used to elevate the cleaned down 11kV cables and keep them out of the mud bath.

The 11kV cable is the relatively new UKPN standard – aluminium wire screen 11kV Triplex with 300sqmm conductors and jointed using UKPN Issue Tyco SMOE 64541 heat shrink cable joints in an underground cable trench.

Alroc – Cable Tools (LV MV HV EHV Cable Jointers Tools)

11kV Jointing Tools

Using the correct cable jointing tools is critical – failure to achieve semicon screen cut perfection and excellent insulation removal will compromise life cycle of the cable accessory and ultimately cable circuit.

Alroc PG3 cable strippers were used for ringing off and stripping the outer MDPE cable sheath to the dimensions shown in the jointing instructions.

The Alroc semi con stripper is used on the fully bonded semicon screen layer to 40mm from the aluminium wire screen cut.

The Alroc insulation stripper is set at 60mm and used to remove cable core insulation to desired length of the mechanical shearbolt connector. A thorough clean of the XLPE insulation with PF impregnated cable cleaning wipes working from the insulation cut towards the semicon ensures all traces of the semicon have been removed.

A light blow over with a slack flame from a gas torch is required to dry residue from the cable wipe – then apply the yellow void filler at the screen cut to dimensions in the instructions. A stress control tube is then applied in line with the insulation cut and heat shrinked using a slack flame working toward the aluminium wire screen.

Aluminium screen wires are bent back and stripped so the semicon layer is exposed.

A build up of black tape is used and then the brass ring slid onto the cable and over the black tape for a snug fit – the wires are brought down onto ring and temporarily secured with black and red heat shrink tubes.

Once the heat shrink tubes are applied then the 11kV shearbolt connectors can be “snapped off” in sequence – use putty to fill voids in the cable connection then black void filling mastic is applied over the bolts and around the connector. Next slide black and red heat shrink tubes over the shearbolt connectors and heat shrink using a slack flame working from the centre and around the 11kV cable.

Once fully shrunk allow the 11kV joint to cool before the copper braid tape is applied half lap, side to side, of the cable joint and the copper braid secured down on both sides of the aluminium wire screen with Jubilee clips. Repeat this process on the other 11kV cores before finally wrapping the last copper braid tape around the whole cable joint, half lap and securing at the end with a half hitch.

Thorne & Derrick International

Should you require any assistance with the selection or specification of Prysmian cable joints please do not hesitate to contact us.

T&D distribute the most extensive range of MV & HV Cable Joints & Terminations, Cable Installation Accessories & Cable Pulling Equipment – we service UK and international clients working on underground cables, overhead lines, substation earthing and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV transmission and distribution voltages.

• Key Products: MV-HV Cable Joints & Terminations, Cable Cleats, Duct Seals, Cable Transits, Underground Cable Protection, Cable Spikers, Cable Jointing Tools, Feeder Pillars, Cable Ducting, Earth Tapes, Electrical Safety, Cable Glands, Arc Flash Protection & Fusegear.

• Distributors for: 3M, ABB, Alroc, Band-It, Catu, 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…

T&D’s Power Blog covers: LV MV HV & EHV Transmission & Distribution, Substations, Switchgear, Cable Jointing & Termination, Cable Fault & Repair, Underground Cables.

➡ Visit Power Blog.

11kV Cable Terminations – How To Perform Perfect Preparation Of The Semicon Cutback

Images: David Baldock (HV Cable Jointer)

• Application: 11kV Cable Terminations
• Cable Preparation : Semicon Cutback On 11kV XLPE Insulated Cables (Easy-Peel)
• Cable Jointer: David Baldock (HV Jointer)
• Product Category: MV HV Power Cable Terminations

• by Chris Dodds T&D - estimated reading time 2 minutes 

11kV Terminations

Prior to the installation of MV-HV cable accessories whether it be heat shrink, cold shrink or separable connectors, it is critical that careful and accurate semicon workmanship is achieved by the Jointer. The treatment and cut of the semicon screen by the 11kV jointer is essential to the stability and service of all joints, terminations and connectors on 11kV/33kV power systems.

The above cable preparation images clearly shows the straight and clean cut to the black semicon screen stepping down onto the 11kV cable insulation (XLPE) – here a constant force spring provides a straight edge for copper tape screen on the 11kV cable before installing the cable termination.

Semicon cutback has been enabled by the innovation and development of dedicated cable jointers tools which should provide precision engineered cable preparation.

However, jointers tools alone without the knowledge, expertise and skill of a Competent Jointer to use them are not worth diddly squat.

For instance the photograph below highlights the problem of unskilled labour, even if equipped with the correct cable jointing tools, inflicting catastrophic damage to MV-HV power systems through lack of training, experience and understanding of the criticality of semicon cutback.

Non-radial, rough and jagged semicon screens with protuding points at the cutback will cause cable termination or joint failure. Outage. Blackout.

Meet The Cable Jointer

David Baldock is an experienced LV-HV cable jointer up to and including 33kV specialising in electrical cable installation and repair to medium/high voltage power cables including XLPE, PILC, PILC/SWA, PICAS and EPR. Ranging in cable sizes from 25sqmm to 800sqmm and covering single cores to 3 cores with copper tape screen and wire screen.

Qualified and Competent to carry out all MV-HV cable terminations such as Tyco-Raychem, Nexans, Pfisterer, 3M, Euromold and ATEX Euromold cable terminations covering all heatshrink and cold shrink terminations.

➡ The Semicon Screen – A Most Critical Point In Any MV Cable Joint, Termination Or Connector – Read Blog

11kV Terminations, Joints & Connectors

Thorne & Derrick are national distributors of Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Safety Equipment MV HV – we service UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation earthing, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.

Joint | Terminate | Connect Medium & High Voltage Cables MV HV

Invitation

Thorne & Derrick invite you to join LinkedIn’s largest LV-HV Electrical Discussion Group : Low & High Voltage Power, Cabling, Jointing & Electricals. 

Discussion subjects include cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV. Network, engage and promote your profile, company or products with over 10,000 influencers.

33kV Cable Terminations – Raychem Heat Shrink Terminations (VSLP9 Switchgear)

• Application: 33kV Cable Terminations –  XLPE Cables Into VSLP9 Type Switchgear
• Cable Jointer: Craig Kilkenny – EHV Cable Jointer / Fitter
• Product Category: MV HV Power Cable Terminations

• by Chris Dodds T&D - estimated reading time 5 minutes   

33kV Cable Terminations Installation

Here, high voltage substation cables are shown connected and terminated into switchgear using 33kV cable terminations.

The copper earthing tapes are used to bond all of the cable glands together which are providing mechanical retention to the 33kV high voltage power cables.

The earth tapes are clamped and attached to the substation earthing system as they are insulated from the 33kV cable box and high voltage oil-filled switchgear. The whole bank of HV switchgear is insulated from the ground and has its own earth which runs through a Current Transformer (CT) for protection reasons – the separate ‘frame earth’ is painted green in the photograph below. The stand for the cable cleats was also bonded to the substation earth. As there is a steel sandwich plate fitted to the front of the wooden cable cleats the threaded bar used is stainless steel to avoid circulating currents.

Sealing Cable Ducts 33kV

Client specified expanding foam has been used to seal the substation cable ducts within the high voltage substation – outside the substation the 33kV cable ducts were effectively sealed using a specified system to provide certain protection against water ingress and gas migration using recognised systems such as the CSD RISE duct seal or Filoform Filoseal re-enterable cable seals.

The insulating oil is usually heated before the high voltage cable box is dismantled by venting it above and heating with halogen heaters.

Stripping & Terminating 33kV Cables

The 33kV cables were stripped using the correct cable jointing tools – the PVC cable sheath was thoroughly stripped from the high voltage power cable using the Boddingtons “plough” type sheath stripper. The cable jointer then removed the XLPE insulation cleanly and without damaging the cable using Alroc LH2 tool suitable for cable stripping HV cables up to 60mm.

Finally, Alroc CWB 18-60 tool was used to remove the bonded semicon from the cable – the “blue tool” manufactured by Alroc is preferred by jointers for working on medium/high voltage power cables where a clean square cut of the semicon without jagged finish is vital to the long term reliability of power cable performance.

Poor cable jointing skills with respect to MV-HV cable preparation can create future cable failure potential – it is critical a skilled jointer uses the correct cable tools to prepare MV-HV cables before installing joints, terminations or connectors up to 33kV.

Comments from fellow HV cable jointers:

Jimmy Nicklin: “Nice job Craig Kilkenny. I did a nine bank of these 15 years ago and is quite the breakdown and remake to do.”

Dean Wilson: “Nice neat work Craig Kilkenny and yes I agree Jimmy Nicklin it’s getting the old oil out that’s a job in itself!”

Andrew Brezovszky:  “Very neat 33kV cable terminations !”

Thorne & Derrick International

Should you require any assistance with the selection or specification of heat shrink terminations to suit 33kV high voltage power cables please do not hesitate to contatct us.

T&D distribute the most extensive range of MV & HV Cable Joints & Terminations, Cable Installation Accessories & Cable Pulling Equipment – we service UK and international clients working on underground cables, overhead lines, substation earthing and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV transmission and distribution voltages.

• Key Products: MV-HV Cable Joints & Terminations, Cable Cleats, Duct Seals, Cable Transits, Underground Cable Protection, Cable Spikers, Cable Jointing Tools, Feeder Pillars, Cable Ducting, Earth Tapes, Electrical Safety, Cable Glands, Arc Flash Protection & Fusegear.

• Distributors for: 3M, ABB, Alroc, Band-It, Catu, 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…

T&D’s Power Blog covers: LV MV HV & EHV Transmission & Distribution, Substations, Switchgear, Cable Jointing & Termination, Cable Fault & Repair, Underground Cables.

➡ Visit Power Blog.