Why Cable Termination Kits Need XLPE for Electrical Insulation

Cable termination is an essential part of establishing a secure connection between the cable and other equipment. Used in medium to high voltage electrical networks, it minimizes the stress on the cable at the termination point, creating a sealed connection and protecting against environmental factors such as moisture and contaminants. Given its high significance and protective features, it needs robust electrical insulation. Therefore, XLPE (cross-linked polyethene) is used as the insulating layer over the cable termination. It provides a reliable electrical path between the cable and the connected device or equipment. Hence, XLPE Cable Termination Kits are mostly preferred for protecting against physical and electrical stressors.

Properties of XLPE


The properties of XLPE make it best suited for electrical insulation, especially in medium to high voltage connections. Here are some of the properties:

 

  • Excellent Dielectric Strength: The dielectric strength of XLPE is one of the highest among the standard insulating materials. Therefore, it provides dependable separation between high conductivity connectors and the surroundings. 
  • Incredible Moisture Resistance: The moisture is present everywhere, and it is hard to keep the air dry. Hence, XLPE stands against the moisture, not letting it penetrate the surface.
  • Thermal Stability: The XLPE is famous for its thermal stability even at high temperatures. When exposed to UV rays, it is unaffected. In the heat shrink method, where the temperature is too high, the insulating layer needs to withstand that temperature. 
  • Mechanically Strong: The hardness, stiffness and abrasion resistance of XLPE is too good. It provides reliable protection to the termination kit.
  • Allows No Flashover: There is no chance of flashover of current outside the conductors when XLPE is used as insulation.
  • Chemical Resistance: XLPE is highly resistant to chemicals like alkalis, solvents and acids.

 Function of XLPE Cable Termination Kits

 

The key function of XLPE cable termination kits is to ensure a secure electrical connection between the cable and other carriers of electricity. It uses the heat-shrink method to establish the connection. In this method, a tight moisture-proof shield covers the cable at the termination point. The component is heat-shrunk and cooled. The whole mechanism provides physical protection, as there may be stress at the point of connection, which gets negated by adding strength to the cable through this method.  Besides its protective features, it is an easy and reliable termination method. Applied on medium and high voltage scales, termination kits are used to connect cables to switchgear, transformers, cable boxes, and other equipment.

 

Conclusion


XLPE has great insulating properties. In heavy-duty applications like cable termination, it becomes even more crucial. Its thermal stability, chemical resistance, mechanical strength and wear resistance come in handy when applied in various industrial processes. XLPE is flexible and easy to work with, even at high temperatures, hence, it is the best choice for insulation for cable termination kits.

 

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