Simulation Study on Electric Field between the Insulation Piercing Clamp and Cable under Different Contact States

Having advantages of cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness and easy operation, the insulation piercing clamp is commonly used in electrical distribution systems. However, the "point contact" between piercing clamp and the cable conductor can result in poor contact, potentially leading to overheating and fire hazards. In order to investigate the specific causes of fire, the paper investigates the impact of the piercing clamp on the electric field around a YJV four-cores conductor. Using COMSOL Multiphysics software, a finite element simulation model of the piercing clamp is established. The electric field distribution at different distances between the clamp's conductive tip and the copper core are analyzed, comparing with the electric field distribution in a cable without the piercing wire clip, as well as in a cable with damaged insulation. The results show that poor contact between the piercing wire clip and the cable conductor can cause distortion of the electric field at the junction between the clip's tip and the conductor, thereby affecting the overall electric field distribution of the cable. These findings provide valuable theoretical insights into the potential causes of fires related to piercing wire clip.