Indoor Terminations

Each cable insulation type has different dielectric properties, physical dimensions, and surface characteristics at the prepared cable end. The termination kit must be matched to the insulation type to ensure that the stress control system performs correctly at the screen cutback and that the heat-shrinkable components recover to the correct dimensions over the cable insulation. XLPE and EPR cables typically use a geometric stress control system; PILC cables — which have impregnated paper insulation — require additional oil/compound sealing at the preparation zone. Using a kit designed for one insulation type on a different cable will result in incorrect stress control and a non-compliant termination.

At the point where the cable screen is cut and folded back during termination preparation, the electrical field becomes concentrated at the screen edge — a condition that can cause partial discharge and progressive insulation degradation if uncontrolled. Stress control tubing, applied over this zone as part of the termination kit, redistributes the electrical field gradient along the screen cutback length — reducing the peak field concentration to a level the insulation can sustain in continuous service. For MV cable terminations, stress control is a mandatory component of the assembly. Omitting or incorrectly applying the stress control component will result in a termination that may fail in service under load and fault conditions.

Yes. Termination kits are available for both copper and aluminium conductor cables. For aluminium conductors, the primary consideration is the lug or connector used at the cable end — aluminium requires bi-metallic lugs or an appropriate anti-oxidant compound at the crimp interface to prevent galvanic corrosion and ensure a reliable electrical connection. The heat-shrinkable components of the termination kit are compatible with both conductor materials. Specify the conductor material when ordering to ensure the correct lug or connector type is supplied with the kit.

The primary installation tool is a hot air gun capable of sustaining the heat output required for consistent heat shrink recovery. For MV termination kits, a calibrated industrial hot air gun with a controlled temperature output is recommended over an open flame, to ensure uniform recovery of stress control and insulation components without overheating. Additional tools required include a cable preparation kit (cutting, stripping, and screen cutting tools), a torque-controlled crimping tool for the conductor lug, and cleaning and priming materials as specified in the installation instruction. Western Cablex can provide installation instruction documentation with each kit.

Indoor termination kits are designed for controlled indoor environments — defined as installations protected from direct rain, UV exposure, and sustained outdoor contamination. Damp or humid indoor environments such as cable cellars, basement switchrooms, and partially sheltered plant areas are generally within scope for indoor termination kits, provided the termination is not subject to direct water ingress or condensation accumulation on the termination body. For environments where sustained moisture exposure, condensation, or water ingress is a risk, outdoor termination kits — which incorporate additional weather sealing and shed systems — should be specified instead.

Termination kits are sized to a conductor cross-section range — for example, a single kit size may cover conductors from 95 mm² to 240 mm² for a given voltage class and cable type. The kit heat-shrinkable components are dimensioned to recover correctly over the cable insulation outer diameter within that conductor range. When specifying, provide the conductor size in mm², the cable insulation type, and the insulation outer diameter — our technical team will confirm the correct kit size and verify compatibility with the specific cable construction. A cable cross-section data sheet or drum label is useful to provide at the point of enquiry.