33kV Cable Jointing Using 3M QS2000 Cold Shrink Joints On Rail Power Cables

By Chris Dodds on 28th September, 2015

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The following sequence of photo's detail the installation of 3 single core 3M QS2000 Cold Shrink Inline Cable Joints onto trackside rail power cable - the 33kV high voltage cables are XLPE insulated with a graphite coated sheath and stranded copper conductor (300sqmm).

Key stages of the cable jointing process are detailed including cable spiking, cable preparation and the installation of the Cold Shrink Joints. 

T&D are 3M UK's largest stockist of their range of Scotchcast and Cold Shrink cable joints, terminations and abandonment kits for industrial and hazardous area installations.

 
Images : Steve Amos (HV/MV Jointer & Supervisor) 

Company : RJ Power Ltd  

"My position within the company is Lead Cable Jointer/Jointing Supervisor. I am responsible for the running of HV cable feeder renewals from substation to substation. My skill set includes : sheath testing, cable fault finding, cable repairs, jointing HV and pilot cables, high voltage cable terminations, pressure testing and lead plumbing (capping, oil lines etc). My love lies with cable jointing through and through and I will strive to progress to be the best jointer I can be," Steve comments.

                                                                 

 

Blue Sky, Sunny Day - trackside cable identification underway on existing 33kV cables using a Lee Vaughan cable identifier and setting up of the Accles & Shelvoke spiking gun under a sanction for cable testing.

Cables Spiked - 33kV power cable is spiked to ensure worker safety by short circuiting the high voltage power and making the cable "dead". 

Cables Cut - cable jointing position is prepared and cables cut.

Cables Stripped - the cable sheath is cleaned using jointers cable wipes and stripped using appropriate cable jointing tools.

Cable Preparation Perfection - the copper screen wires are peeled back over the cable jacket and taped using PVC tape. Marker applied for semi-con.

Cables Stripped - 33kV semi-con screen removed.

More Cable Stripping - 33kV XLPE insulation removed using Alroc stripping tools.

Ready For Jointing - both 33kV cables are expertly prepared and ready to be jointed using 3M QS2000 Cold Shrink.

Cold Shrink Tubes Parked - 3M cable joint components slid onto the 33kV cables before cable can be jointed.

Conductors Jointed - Pfisterer Sicon bolted connectors installed to joint the 300sqmm stranded copper conductors without resort to crimping tools and die sets.

Cold Shrink Joint - once cables are cleaned and grease has been applied then the 3M cable splice body and tapes are installed. Grease is applied onto primary insulation, semi-conductive screen and connectors.

Earth Continuity - copper screen sleeve or stocking is then positioned and constant force springs applied.

Taping Time - electrical and mastic tapes applied to both sides of the cable joint. 

Almost Done - 3M Cold Shrink outer jacket is then applied and the cable joint is now complete. The cable joint body is shrink down by turning and pulling out the zip core in counter clockwise direction. 

Cable Joints Positioned -  red and blue phase both complete and in position

Jointing Done For One Day - all three 33kV phases are jointed and contained in the concrete cable trough route.

 

• Further reading

​33kV Cable Jointers Tools As Recommended By A 33kV Jointer

3M Silicone Wet Type Cable Terminations 115kV

11kV Tyco Coldshrink Triplex Cable Termination (WPD Specification) To G59 Bushings

 

Thorne & Derrick Specialist Electrical Distributor

Established since 1985, T&D distribute the most extensive range of LV, MV & HV Cable Jointing, Terminating, Pulling & Installation Equipment - contact us today for a competitive quotation.

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

Distributors for : 3M, Pfisterer, Nexans Euromold, Elastimold, Catu, Roxtec, Emtelle, Centriforce, Lucy Zodion, Alroc, Hivotec, Cembre, Prysmian, Ellis Patents, ABB & Furse.

 

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Category:  Cable Jointing - PhotoBlog

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