What are Cable Terminations?

Cable terminations are used to safely finish (terminate) a power cable so it can be connected into electrical equipment such as switchgear, transformers, RMUs and substations. In medium and high voltage systems, a termination does more than “connect a cable” — it must manage the electric field at the end of the cable by providing stress control, restore insulation, and provide reliable sealing against moisture and contamination. Correct termination selection and installation helps reduce the risk of tracking, partial discharge, insulation breakdown and unplanned outages.

This page focuses on MV/HV cable terminations (typically 11kV–33kV, up to 42kV) — including indoor and outdoor applications and common UK/International cable constructions (XLPE/EPR and paper-insulated variants).

Key Parts of an MV Cable Termination

• Stress control component (controls electric field at the cable end and screen cutback)
• Insulation build-up / insulating tube (restores insulation and creepage performance)
• Anti-tracking outer protection (helps resist surface tracking/erosion in polluted or wet conditions)
• Sealing system (mastics/adhesives to prevent moisture ingress and contamination)
• Screen earthing / bonding parts (for copper tape or copper wire screens, depending on cable design)
• Mechanical connection (lugs and hardware for the conductor termination)
• Interface accessories (e.g., bushing boots for cable boxes, glands for armoured cables, earth kits)

Quick Selection Checklist (What We Need to Confirm Your Kit)

• System voltage (Um): 11kV / 24kV / 33kV (or other) and maximum system voltage requirement
• Application: indoor vs outdoor, and the equipment you’re terminating into (switchgear/transformer/RMU/cable box)
• Cable construction: single-core or 3-core, insulation type (XLPE/EPR or PILC/PICAS)
• Screen type: copper wire screen (CWS) or copper tape screen (CTS); armour type if applicable (SWA/AWA)
• Conductor size: cross-sectional area (mm²) and conductor material if relevant
• Key diameters: diameter over insulation and/or over screen (helps ensure the correct kit size range)
• Earthing/bonding requirement: single-point, solid bonding, or special DNO/project requirements (where applicable)

HEAT SHRINK CABLE TERMINATIONS | MEDIUM & HIGH VOLTAGE

Electrical Reliability • Stress Control • Moisture Sealing • Track Resistant

Energising Data Centres

The MONO range of cable terminations are approved and in widespread service throughout the data centre sector for 6/10kV, 12/20kV and 18/30kV connection of N2XS(F)2Y medium voltage cables.

Data centre power distribution demands high uptime, consistent insulation performance and repeatable installation quality. Nexans MONO terminations support reliable MV connections into switchgear and transformer interfaces, helping reduce the risk of partial discharge, tracking and moisture-related failures in critical infrastructure environments.

Nexans MONO | Cable Terminations (Indoor & Outdoor, up to 42kV)

One Piece Terminations

Nexans MONO is a range of MV terminations featuring an integrated heat shrink stress control field and anti-tracking insulating tube which can withstand humidity, extreme temperatures, UV radiation and heavy polluted environments.

The MONO indoor and outdoor cable terminations are designed for a maximum system voltage of 42kV – easy, quick to install, reducing installation time and errors. Terminations are Type Tested to DIN VDE 0278-629-1 (HD629.1 S2) – test voltages 3.6/6 (7.2kV) up to 20.8/36 (42kV).

11kV Triplex Terminations & BS7880

The MONO Triplex version is used extensively for UK DNO connections and features custom Triplex gland with integral sealing breakout and brass type mechanical lugs for bonding and termination of copper wire screens.

Cable Termination Installation Instructions (XLPE / EPR)

Installation Instructions:
11kV CTS
11kV CWS
33kV CTS
33kV CWS

Selection Table – MONO Medium Voltage Cable Terminations (Single Core)

Use the table below to select by voltage (Um) and conductor size. For copper tape vs copper wire screen variants and 3-core applications, contact us with your cable construction details.

Cable Termination Kit Accessories

For air insulated cable box applications, MONO can be combined with bushing boots and accessories to suit most busbar/switchgear arrangements. Ancillaries include SWA/AWA glands, solderless earth kits and cable lugs.

Cable Glands | Screen Earth Kits | Cable Lugs (Crimp Shearbolt) | Bushing Boots

♦ Solderless Earth Kit For Copper Tape Screened Cables

Nexans Order Code	6.6kV	11kV/12kV	17kV/24kV	33kV/36kV	Diameter Over Copper Tape Screen
SE1	16-50sqmm	16-50sqmm	–	–	12-18mm
SE2	70-150sqmm	70-150sqmm	25-70sqmm	25-35sqmm	19-24mm
SE3	185-300sqmm	185-240sqmm	95-150sqmm	50-70sqmm	25-30mm
SE4	400-630sqmm	300-630sqmm	185-500sqmm	95-300sqmm	31-44mm
SE5	800-1000sqmm	800-1000sqmm	630-1000sqmm	400-1000sqmm	41-65

♦ Cable Gland For SWA Steel Wire Armoured Cables

Nexans Order Code	Cable Cross Section & Conductor Size 3 Core Cables
HSGK1	11kV 3 Core Cable Gland – under armour diameter up to 63mm (16-95sqmm)
HSGK2	11kV 3 Core Cable Gland – under armour diameter up to 94mm (95sqmm-400sqmm)

♦ Bushing Boots For Switchgear/Transformer Cable Termination Box Insulation

Medium Voltage Technical & Training Support

Working with Nexans UK Jointer Training Centre, Thorne & Derrick can provide standard and tailored Competency Courses — covering cable construction, cable preparation, plus installation of heat shrink/cold shrink, push on terminations, Euromold separable connectors and joints.

→ Watch Video | Nexans MONO MV Cable Terminations

Cable Terminations FAQ (MV/HV 11kV–33kV)

1) What are cable terminations used for?

Cable terminations safely connect a power cable into electrical equipment (switchgear, transformers, RMUs and substations). In MV/HV systems they also provide stress control, insulation restoration and sealing to reduce the risk of tracking, moisture ingress and insulation failure.

2) Heat shrink vs cold shrink cable terminations — what’s the difference?

Heat shrink terminations are installed using controlled heat to recover components onto the cable. Cold shrink terminations typically use pre-expanded components that recover without heat. Selection depends on site preferences, access, tooling, environment and project specification.

3) What is stress control and why does it matter for MV cable terminations?

Stress control manages the electric field at the end of the cable where the screen is cut back. Correct stress control helps reduce partial discharge risk and supports long-term insulation integrity, especially in MV/HV networks.

4) Indoor vs outdoor cable terminations — what changes?

Outdoor terminations are selected for exposure to UV, moisture and pollution and typically provide enhanced sealing and surface performance. Indoor terminations are used inside equipment enclosures or protected installations such as cable boxes within substations or plant rooms.

5) What information do you need to select the correct termination kit?

We normally need the system voltage (Um), core count (single/3-core), insulation type (XLPE/EPR or paper), conductor size, screen type (copper wire or tape), and key diameters (over insulation/screen). Also confirm the interface (switchgear/transformer cable box) and indoor/outdoor environment.

6) Does copper tape screen vs copper wire screen affect the termination?

Yes — screen construction can affect the earthing/bonding method and the specific termination kit variant. Always confirm whether the cable is copper tape screened (CTS) or copper wire screened (CWS) when selecting MV cable terminations.

Related Products: JTS | Cable Joints

Improved Reliability & Advanced Safety at Reduced Cost

Nexans JTS is a new generation of MV Cable Joints for jointing of 11kV/24kV and medium/high voltage power cables up to 33kV/42kV — suitable for single or 3 core polymeric (XLPE/EPR) armoured or unarmoured cables with copper wire screen, copper or aluminium tape screen.

• Triplex Layer Tube — quick installation with reduced components and heat shrinking reducing scope for jointer error
• Compact — short and slim design provides space-saving installation
• Reliable — heavy wall heat tubing for excellent mechanical strength, sealing and impact resistance
• Mechanical Shearbolt Connectors — fast and efficient electrical connection without crimping tools

→ Download:
Nexans JTS | MV HV Joints | Heat Shrink Catalogue

→ Watch Video | Nexans JTS MV Cable Joints

Nexans JTS | Heat shrink cable joints — Triple Layer Tube (Stress Control | Insulation | Conductive)

The Nexans JTS cable jointing system provides a cost-competitive option to power contractors. Manufactured by Nexans and tested in accordance to CENELEC HD629.1.

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