Ensuring Reliability of MV Aluminum Cable Splicing regarding Joint Processing Procedures and Criteria

The causes of joint overheat problems are included in the mechanical splicing processes. In this paper, an analysis and examination of the cable joint process are conducted in comparison with typical types of connectors and various processing methods regarding water blocking substances inside the cable conductors. Because water blocking substances in the joint cause substantial thermal resistance and abnormal conditions and faults, the joint process is controlled to eliminate all problematic causes. Even though the conductor preparation and reassembling are especially difficult in rough working environments such as manholes, and the level of finishing and reliability are diverse depending on the proficiency of workers, this study expects that there is a point, wherein, both the recommended processing level of substance removal and the connection-thermal properties are simultaneously satisfied. Experimental results are conducted for types of the connection procedures, connectors, and testing current cycles. On stranded common aluminum cable connections, the suggested process ensures the thermal characteristics; nevertheless, the water blocking material is not completely removed as long as the procedure can maintain over 80% of the contact strands.