If you've spent any time terminating medium voltage cables, you've probably heard about cold shrink cable terminations. Maybe you've even used them. And if you haven't yet, you're going to.
These terminations have changed the game
for a lot of field crews. No heat guns, no torches, no worrying about whether
you heated that tube evenly enough. Just slide, pull, done.
What Are Cold Shrink Cable Terminations?
Cold shrink cable terminations are
accessories that seal and protect the end of a power cable where it connects to
equipment or overhead lines.
The rubber sleeve comes pre-expanded on a
removable plastic core. When you pull out that core, the rubber naturally
shrinks down onto your cable. No heat required. No tools beyond what you need
for cable prep.
You'll find these terminations on medium
voltage cables. They work with XLPE, EPR, and other modern cable insulations.
The rubber material is usually EPDM or
silicone. Both handle weather, UV exposure, and electrical stress really well.
How Do Cold Shrink Cable Terminations Work?
First, you prep your cable like you
normally would. Strip the outer jacket, shield, and insulation to the right
lengths. Clean everything thoroughly.
Next, you slide the cold shrink cable termination
onto the cable while it's still on its plastic core. Position it exactly where
it needs to be.
Then you pull the removal cord. The plastic
core spirals out, and the rubber sleeve shrinks down onto your cable. It
conforms to every contour, creating a tight seal.
The whole process takes minutes. You don't
need to carry torches or worry about fuel. You don't need a power source. You
just need the termination kit and your standard cable prep tools.
Where You'll Use Cold Shrink Cable Terminations
You'll see these terminations all over the
place in electrical distribution.
Utilities use them at pad-mounted
transformers, switchgear, and reclosers. Industrial facilities install them on
motor connections and substation feeds. Renewable energy projects rely on them
for solar inverters and wind turbine hookups.
Cold shrink cable terminations are perfect
for:
- Outdoor cable terminations exposed to weather
- Tight spaces where working with a torch is risky
- Remote locations without power for heat guns
- Fast-track projects with tight deadlines
- Situations where you need consistent quality across multiple
crews
Anywhere you're terminating medium voltage
cable and you want reliability without complexity, cold shrink cable
terminations make sense.
Final Thoughts
Cold
shrink cable terminations deliver exactly what they promise. Fast,
reliable, tool-free installations that hold up in the field for decades.
They're not always the cheapest option, but
they save you time and reduce installation errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cold shrink cable terminations be reused if I make a
mistake?
No, you can't reuse them. Once you pull the
removal cord and the rubber shrinks, it's permanent. If you positioned it
wrong, you'll need to cut it off and use a new termination.
How long do cold shrink cable terminations last?
When installed correctly, cold shrink cable
terminations last for a couple of decades or more. The EPDM or silicone rubber
resists UV, ozone, moisture, and temperature extremes.
What's the temperature range for using cold shrink cable
terminations?
Most cold shrink cable terminations install
best between 0°F and 120°F. Below freezing, the rubber becomes stiff and may
not shrink properly. Above 120°F isn't common in field conditions.
Do I need special training to install cold shrink cable
terminations?
You don't need extensive specialized
training. If you know proper cable preparation techniques, you can handle cold
shrink cable terminations. Most manufacturers provide installation guides and
videos. Practice on a scrap cable first to get comfortable with the process,
and you'll be confident on real installations.
