MV Cable Terminations

Westcan Power Services

What is “Medium Voltage”?

It is important to note that the newest version of the CEC-2021 no longer defines voltage classes by their operating voltage, however, these definitions are still largely used by industry for identification and clarification purposes when defining scope of work and operating systems.

The typical voltage levels found in your home or office will range from 120V to 600V. These systems are typically referred to as “low voltage” throughout the electrical industry and special termination kits or applications are typically not required for termination cables of these voltage ranges at their final destinations. It is usually the distribution systems that feed these systems that operate in the “medium voltage” range. The voltage in these systems ranges between (5KV to 36KV and in some systems it goes up to 110KV), which is altered and changed by using of transformers, this voltage level is mostly used for primary distribution lines.

Technical Requirements

Anyone installing a termination kit on a medium voltage cable must be qualified and properly trained to perform this task. Any small mistake in the process can lead to failure, extended downtime, and damage to both the cable itself, and the equipment that it feeds. Westcan Power Services technicians are all certified and qualified to perform medium voltage cable terminations.

Types of Cable Terminations

There are two common methods of performing medium voltage cable terminations. Cold and Hot. Heat Shrink terminations have multiple components and require the safe use of a high heat source to shrink the insulation into place. If not done properly this can cause damage to the cable itself. Cold Shrink terminations are usually quicker to install and do not require any additional heat source to install the insulation. Westcan Power Services technicians are trained to install either hot or cold termination kits.

Testing after installation

Westcan Power Services always proves the quality of our medium voltage cable terminations through standard acceptance testing procedures. There are different ways to perform insulation integrity and termination integrity tests on new cables, however, Westcan Power Services prefers to use the VLF Tan/Delta method.

What is the purpose of VLF testing?

Very Low Frequency testing for Medium Voltage and High Voltage cables is a precise and non-destructive method for verifying the integrity of the cable insulation. VLF testing is a withstand test usually carried out at a frequency of between 0.1 Hz and 0.01 Hz rather than 50/60 Hz.

Get ahead of the issue

What is Tan Delta testing?

Tan delta (Tan δ, TD) testing, also called dissipation factor or loss angle, is used for measuring the degree of deterioration of shielded MV/HV cable insulation. The results reveal how contaminated, damaged, or water tree strewn the insulation has become.

Westcan Power Service’s technicians are all trained and qualified to perform acceptance testing on medium voltage cables, new or existing.

24-hour emergency service

Westcan Power Services is Available to You 24/7

Did you know that Westcan Power Services offers 24-hour emergency service for your electrical problems? We are there when you need us, where you need us.

Give us a call at our toll-free number (877) 832-0697 for 24-hour support.