Electrical

3.1 INTRODUCTION Power Cables

A power cable is an assembly of two or more electrical conductors, usually held

together with an overall sheath. The assembly is used for transmission of
electrical power. Power cables may be installed as permanent wiring within
buildings, buried in the ground, run overhead, or exposed. Flexible power cables
are used for portable and mobile tools and machinery.

Power cables of adequate current carrying capacity and voltage rating are
provided at the substation. Power cables are used for 33 kV, 11 kV or LT system
to carry load current.

Applications of Cable

 Electrification of commercial and residential buildings.

 Power generating stations.

 Power transmission and distribution system.

House Shopping Complex

Industry Telecom

Figure 3.1 : Applications of Cable

 Objectives
After studying this unit, you should be able to

 know the different types of power cables,

 explain cable construction,

 describe the process of cable laying,

 identify different types of cable faults,

 explain the different types of cable jointing kits, and

 know the process of cable jointing and termination. 47

Overview of Power
Distribution
3.2 DIFFERENT TYPES OF CABLES
System
Different Types of Cables in use in power system are as follows :

(a) XLPE (Cross Linked Polyethylene Insulated Power Cable).

(b) PILC (Paper Insulated Cable).

(c) PVC (Polyvinyl-chloride Cable).

(d) Oil- Filled under pressure and Gas Pressure Cables.

(e) ABC (Aerial Bunched Cable).

(f) Rubber (Electromeric) Cables

XLPE (Cross Linked Polyethylene Insulated Power Cable)

Because of Excellent Thermal, Mechanical and Electrical Properties, XLPE

cables are being used extensively throughout the world in all Power Stations,
Industrial Plants, Chemical, Fertilizer and Heavy duty Industries.

Figure 3.2 : Typical XLPE (Cross Linked Polyethylene Insulated Power Cable)

Advantages of XLPE Insulation

(a) Higher current carrying capacity.

(b) Higher emergency and short circuit rating.

(c) XLPE is not prone to fatigue damage caused due to vibration

or heating cycles.

(d) XLPE cables are light in weight thus easy to handle during
manufacturing and Installation.

(e) Lower Dielectric losses.

(f) Better resistance to most chemicals, such as ordinary acid,

bases or oils.

(g) Jointing and termination are very easy.

(h) Better flexibility down up to – 40oC.

48
PILC – Paper Insulated Lead-Covered Electrical
Power Cables
The paper insulation in power cable is almost superseded. The paper insulation
is quite cheap and has a low capacitance and high dielectric strength. It’s
hydroscopic and its specific resistance is of the order of 109 ohm per cm3, but it
depends much upon its dryness; even a small amount of moisture lowers its
insulation resistance. So before using paper as insulation it is impregnated in
insulating oil.
o
The maximum safe temperature of paper insulated cable is 950 C approximate.
The ends of a paper insulated cable should never be left unsealed. At the very
least, its open end should temporarily be covered with wax or tar.

Copper Conductor
Conductor Shield
Impregnated
Paper Insulation

Insulation
Shield
Paper & Copper
Tape Core Binder

Lead Alloy
Sheath

PVC or PE
Outer Cover

Figure 3.3 : Typical PILC Cable

PVC (Polyvinyl-Chloride) Insulated Cables

It is a thermoplastic synthetic resin and is being widely used as insulation. It has

high electric resistivity, good dielectric strength and mechanical toughness over
a wide range of temperature. Moistures, acids and alkalis do not affect PVC.

Insulated cables are usually employed for medium and low voltage. It is mainly
used for domestic and industrial lights and power installations.

Figure 3.4 : PVC Cables

Oil Filled Cables

In such cables the conductor are stranded around a hollow cylindrical spiral of
plain narrow metal strip. 49
Overview of Power The Oil Filled Cables are of three types :
Distribution
System (a) Single core with an oil channel within conductor.

(b) Single core with sheath channel.

(c) Three core filler space channel.

The advantages of the Oil Filled Cables

(a) The thickness of the dielectric required decreases, which reduces the
overall size and weight of the cable.

(b) The thermal resistance of the cable decreases due to decrease in

dielectric thickness, which increases the current rating of the cable.

(c) Perfect impregnation can be used.

(d) Cables can be impregnated after sheathing.

Aerial Bunched Cable

With the growing need for long term economy, safety and reliability, overhead
conductors are now increasingly being replaced by Aerial Bunched Cables, both
in LT and HT distribution network with limited space for clearance.

Figure 3.5 : Aerial Bunched Cable

Applications

 Where space is limited; like that in densely populated area,

dense forests.

 Where existing over head distribution feeder capacity has to be

upgraded without raising the system voltage and with limited
budget.

 Temporary installation, or for those regions where building

plans have not yet been fully approved.

Advantages

 A safer system; because phase conductors are insulated, no

risk or danger of accidental touching of any live conductor.
50
  The danger of accidental short circuit is eliminated. Electrical
Power Cables
 Supply interruption minimized; thus the life of transformers
increases.

 Reduction in the pole height, elimination of insulators and

associated hardware, lowering total cost of system.

 It can be fixed on to poles, walls or trees; thus easy and

economical to install.

 Multiple circuits of power and telephone cables can be strung

on the same set of poles or any other support.

Rubber Insulated Cables

Rubber is widely used as insulation in cables. However, it absorbs moisture

slightly and maximum safe temperature is approx. 38oC, which is limitation. Pure
rubber cannot be used as insulation since it cannot withstand high temperature
and cannot be put to rough usage; being too soft. In most cases, rubber used as
insulation on wires, consist of 20 to 40% of India rubber, remaining being mineral
matter such as zinc oxide, red lead, etc. with a little bit of sulphur. Vulcanized
insulated rubber cables are useable in low voltage power systems, i.e. in
distribution only.

Figure 3.6 : Rubber Insulated Cables

Uses of Rubber Cables

 Rubber cables for power and lighting.

 Ship wiring cables and cables for submerged connections.

 Railway locomotives and coach wiring cables.

 For engineering and chemical industries.

 In mining industry; armoured and land line cables upto 11 kV.

 Cables for wind electric generators.

51
Overview of Power Cable Construction
Distribution
System A cable consists of a set of different materials, as part of its construction. These
are described hereunder.

Conductor

Stranded compacted circular conductors are composed of electrical

grade high conductivity aluminium wires in various sizes as per
Indian Standard 8 130/84. Cables with copper conductor are also on
offer.

Conductor Shield

Conductors for cables rated over 3300 volts are shielded with an
extruded, semi-conducting compound applied in tandem with and
firmly bonded to the insulation.

Insulation

The insulation is of natural, chemically cross-linked polyethylene

conforming to IS : 7098 (pt. II)/85 (or some other insulation material,
as stated above). The thickness of insulation will be as per the
relevant tables, included in the standard.

Insulation Shielding

Cables rated over 3300 volts will have a shield consisting of

non-metallic semi-conducting part, in combination with a metallic part
over the insulation.

The non-metallic part of the shield consists of either a semi-

conducting tape applied helically, or a layer of extruded semi-
conducting compound applied directly over the insulation. Over this
layer, a bare annealed copper tape is applied with an overlap.

Laying-Up

Insulated conductors of three core cables are cabled with plastic

fillers in the interstices. The phase identification of cores would be as
follows :

(a) By coloured stripes applied on the cores.

(b) By numerals (1, 2, and 3) either by applying numbered

52 stripes or by printing on the cores.

Inner Sheath Electrical
Power Cables
The cabled cores are surrounded by a wrapped, common covering of
plastic tapes, or by an extruded PVC sheath.

The thickness of the inner-sheath would be as indicated in the

relevant table of the standard.

Armouring

The armouring is applied over the core or inner-sheath, for the single
core cables; and over the inner-sheath, for the three core cables.

Single core cables have non-magnetic armouring. Three core cables

have armouring of either galvanized round steel wire or flat steel
strip.

The direction of lay of the armouring is opposite to that of the core.

Outer-Sheath

The Single- and the three-core cables are provided with an extruded
PVC outer-sheath. The thickness of the sheath should be as
indicated in the relevant Tables.

The PVC compound for the outer-sheath has to conform to Type

ST2 of IS : 5831 – 1984.

The colour of the outer-sheath is generally black.

Testing/Quality Control

All raw materials used in the manufacture of power cables are

inspected and tested for compliance with the requirements set down
by the relevant Indian Standards.

Cables are subject to inspection at all stages of manufacture to

ensure conformity with the requirements of relevant Indian
Standards. The cables go through stringent physical and dimensional
checks for conformity to the required standards. The cables are
subject to several electrical routine and type tests as per IS : 7098
(Part II)-85.

Packing

After inspection, the cable ends are usually sealed with

non-hygroscopic sealing materials. The cables are supplied in strong
wooden/steel drums of suitable barrel diameter, width and spindle
hole.
53
Overview of Power Details such as the cable length, description and the gross weight
Distribution
System are marked on the flanges of the drum. The direction in which the
drum should be rolled is also indicated.

Sizing of Cables

The sizing of cables depends on the following factors :

 Current Carrying Capacity

 Short Circuit Current

 Voltage Drop

 Losses

Selection of Cable

Selecting the correct type and size of cable for the desired
application is very important for any electrical project because the
performance of all equipment largely depends on the performance of
cables.

Apart from the technical suitability and conformance, the cost

effectiveness of every equipment has become another important
aspect. The designers and consultants are constantly focusing on
economically viable proposals in selecting the equipment.

Selecting the correct type and size of cable not only ensures the
trouble-free performance but also optimized the cost of equipment,
installation and the operation as well.

Supply System

(a) System Earthing : Solidly earthed OR non-effectively earthed.

(b) Voltage Grade : Rated and maximum system voltage.

Permissible voltage drop if to be considered.

(c) Current Rating : Type and magnitude of current.

(d) Fault Current : System fault level OR short circuit/Earth fault

current with duration in seconds.

(e) Type of Load : Cycle/normal.

54
 Constructional Details Electrical
Power Cables
(a) Conductor : Aluminium OR Copper, number of cores and size.

(b) Screen : Screened OR Unscreened (for 3.3 kV).

(c) Inner Sheath : Taped OR Extruded, Normal OR FR

(Fire Retardent)/FRLS (Fire Retardent, Low Sulphur)/PVC.

(d) Armour : Armoured OR Unarmoured. If armoured then flat

strips OR round wires.

(e) Outer Sheath : Normal ST-PVC OR FR/FRLS PVC.

(f) Drum Size : Any limitation on dimension/weight of Drum.

(g) Any other special construction specification.

Installation Details

Installation : In ground or in Air or in Duct. Whether exposed to

direct sun light.

Conditions : Type of soil and any other abnormal climatic conditions,

viz. chemical/Fire hazards. Route length and number of circuits.

 Check Your Progress 1

What is the advantage of an oil-filled cable?

3.3 LAYING OF UNDERGROUND CABLES

Laying of Underground Cables

Cables are delivered on wood or metal drums. The outer width of the drum is
covered with wooden planks or equivalent. These planks have to be removed to
expose the cable and to be able to unwind it.

After the planking has been removed, the cable should be examined for exterior
damage, if any. To avoid damage to the protective covering and insulation,
cables should not be pulled over hard and pointed obstacles nor should it be
bent too sharply. 55
Overview of Power The cable should always be pulled off the top of the drum. In doing so, the drum
Distribution
should be placed in such a way that the painted arrow points to the opposite
System
direction of the pulling. The drum has to be propped up high enough off the
ground for the plank used for braking not to become wedged in the underneath.
Heavy drums are propped up on hydraulic jacks.

Suitable provisions should be made to brake the drum, in order that in the case
of a sudden stop further rolling and consequent unfurling and buckling of the
cable is avoided. The kinks (nooses) are particularly dangerous and should be
avoided at all costs and under any condition. A simple plank can serve as the
drum brake. When pulling, the cable is turned by hand in order to avoid
excessive tensional stress, which may damage the cables, particularly in the
case of smaller unarmoured cables.

Under no circumstances should the windings be lifted off a coil or drum laying
flat, as this would causes the cable to be twisted and damaged.

There are three possible varieties of cable laying :

(a) Direct in the ground

(b) In a Duct or Pipe

(c) In a Trough

The choice of system depends upon the nature of external conditions, load, cost
and soil condition.

Direct in Ground Method

A trench of suitable depth is dug out along the route of cable. A bed
of about 15 cm thickness of clean sand or soft loose earth is made at
the trench base over which the U. G. Cable is laid as such. After
laying the cable another 15 cm layer of clean sand or soft earth and
covered by bricks is provided before filling the trench with loose earth
excavated and rammed properly.

Pipe or Duct Laying

A set of pipes or duct is laid in the ground. The material used may
vary from metal, to High Density Plastic, to cement concrete or even
stone-ware. The cable is then drawn or laid in the duct or pipe. This
method is suitable for short length cable routes because of easy
drawing and least bends, for example, in a work shop/ factory and
road crossing.

56
 Trough Laying Electrical
Power Cables
The trenches/channels are dug out in earth along the route in which
covered type wood/metal/clay/porcelain trough are laid. The free
space of the trough is then filled with bitumen compound and finally
covered by the top slabs or covers. After providing covers, loose
earth is filled in the trench and rammed.

 Check Your Progress 2

What may be the advantage of pulling a cable through a pipe or a
conduit?

3.4 CABLES FAULTS

Cable Faults

The most common faults are :

 A breakdown of the insulation of cable, which allows current to

flow from the core to earth or to the cable sheath, is called a
“ground fault”.

 A “cross-” or “short circuit fault” is one in which the insulation

between two cables or between two cores of a multi core cable
is faulty.

 An “open circuit fault” is one where the continuity of the

conductor is broken or a joint pulls out. The method for locating
an open circuit fault differs from those used in other two cases.

Detection of Fault

In the case of multi-core cables, the insulation resistance of each core to

ground and between the cores should be measured, if ground or earth fault
is suspected. This will enable the faulty core to be identified and the same
method is used in the case of a suspected short circuit, where the core,
which is involved, can be determined.

The fault may be of the following type :

(a) Phase to ground fault.

(b) Phase to phase fault.

57
Overview of Power If the resistance between a conductor and earth or shielding is low, it points to a
Distribution
Phase to Ground Fault. Similarly, if the resistance between two conductors is
System
found to be low, we conclude a Phase to Phase Fault.

These resistance values are originally recorded at the time of commissioning of

the new cable. After a fault is suspected, new values are taken and compared to
the pre-recorded value.

As we have noted, the cable is mostly laid in covered location (inside a conduit,
trench, etc.). Hence, visual inspection of the faulty location is not possible
without removing the cover. This makes it imperative to deduce the approximate
location of the fault, as thus only we can know where to remove the cover.

A cable fault locator is an equipment used to not only identify a cable fault, but
also to calculate the distance to the fault. This equipment is applied to the cable
end nearer to the suspected fault. The distance reading is used to locate fault.

 Check Your Progress 3

What is a cable fault locator?

3.5 HT/LT CABLE JOINTING KITS

As would be apparent, the cable length on a drum may not be the exact length
required along the cable path. If the drum length is more than the path length,
we may cut off the required length to lay a single un-jointed length over the
entire path. However, if the path length is more than the length of cable available
on a drum, we would need to add the extra length from a second drum. This
leads to having two pieces of cable, which need to be joined, to become the
conductor of electric power over the path.

Even in the case of a cable fault, the repair is usually carried out by cutting away
the faulty section of the cable and using another piece of similar cable as a
bridge, to join the two sections together, to have a repaired and functional cable.

In either case, jointing of the cables is required. Jointing kits are available for this

58 task. In this section, we shall take a look at some jointing kits.

Different Types of Cable Jointing Kits are as under Electrical
Power Cables

Heat Shrinkable XLPE and PILC

Push on Type XLPE
Resin Cast Type PILC
Tapex type XLPE

Cable Jointing Material

 Cable Lugs

 Jointing Sleeves

 Single Compression Brass Glands

 Impregnated Paper Tapes

 Tropoline Casting Resin System

 Tropoline Resin Based Sealing Putty

 Non-Magnetic Trefoil Clamps Type

Tools and Tool Boxes

 Composite Tool Box

 Compression Jointing Tools

 Scrapper Tool

 Check Your Progress 4

What are the necessary requirements for jointing the cables?

59
Overview of Power
Distribution 3.6 CABLE JOINTING AND TERMINATIONS
System
As compare to overhead lines, cables have the following advantages :

(a) The cable transmissions are not subjected to supply interruption

caused by lighting or thunderstorms, birds and severe weather
conditions.

(b) It reduces accident caused by the breaking of the conductors.

Cable Jointing

A joint connecting two length of cable such that the continuity of the
conductor, the insulation and the protective covering is maintained.

or

Cable Joint is creating continuity of a broken cable in field conditions

through a choice of certain means and tools. In many cases, the fixed
geometrical configuration of a cable is disrupted. The making of a cable
joint is to rebuilt the continuity of the conductor and the insulation system
to give electrical continuity.

Type of Jointing Method

Type of Jointing Method For type of Power Cables

Heat Shrinkable Straight through

11 kV, PILC
Joint

Heat Shrinkable Straight Through

11 kV, XLPE Aluminium Cable
Joint

Heat Shrinkable Straight Through

XLPE/PVC Cable
Joint

Heat Shrinkable Outdoor XLPE

Heat Shrinkable Transition Joint 11 kV Aluminium Cable

Heat Shrinkable Outdoors PILC Voltage 11 kV

Heat Shrinkable Indoor XLPE

60
Contents – Material Requirement Electrical
Power Cables
(a) H. S. Outer Jacketing Sleeve

 Main Sleeve

 Side Sleeve

(b) G.I. Wire Mesh

(c) H. S. Insulating Sleeve

(d) Earthing Material

(e) H.S. Adhesive Lined Breakout

(f) H.S. Oil Barrier Sleeve

(g) Glass Bedding Tape

(h) H.S. Stress Control Tubing

(i) H.S. Belting Oil barrier Sleeve

(j) Insulating Mastic

(k) Stress Control Mastic for Ferrule Region

(l) Crimping Type Inline Connector

(m) Mastic Sealing Tape

(n) Cable/Core Tie Wraps

(o) Mopping Cloth for Cleaning

(p) Core Cleaning Solvent

(q) Emery Sheet

Safety Instructions

To avoid accidents due to use of Cable Jointing Kits, or fatal injuries,

necessary instructions to be followed are given here.

To avoid risk of accidental fire or explosion when using gas torches,

always check all connection for leaks by igniting the torch and follow
manufacturer’s safety instructions.

To minimize any effect of fumes produced during jointing work, always

provide good ventilation of confined workspace.
61
Overview of Power Assembly of the Joint
Distribution
System The following jointing instructions are included as an example, for
information only. The actual jointing technique is to be learnt during the
workshop session, by the method of ‘Hands-on’ training. Each jointing kit
comes with a highly descriptive manual, giving step-by-step instructions.

The basic of cable jointing involves cutting the cable properly to produce
clean ends, cutting back the insulation to reveal the conductors and the
armour/screen, without allowing the conducting parts to come in contact.
First the individual conductor is joined electrically secure. Next, the
insulation on each conductor is extended over the joint. Thereafter, the
screen or the armour is extended over the joint. Last of all, the outer
sheath is completed.

This is true for all types of cable. However, the detailed instructions vary as
per the cable type and the jointing kit. The description given here is a
typical case.

Jointing Instruction

Degrease paper inner sheath next to the lead sheath and then wrap
glass bedding tape for a distance of 10 mm.

Put the heat shrinkable belting oil barrier on the glass bedding tape
already applied and shrink with help of blow lamp/torch. Avoid extra
beating.

Put the heat shrinkable stress control tube into position ensuring that
15 mm of the sleeve comes on the lead sheath and remaining on
belting oil barrier sleeve. Shrink with the help of a blow lamp/torch.

Slide the heat shrinkable oil barrier sleeve from the end of the cores
and place them at position ensuring that they go down into the crutch
of the cable as much as possible. Carefully shrink down barrier
sleeve from bottom to top ensuring that heat is uniformly applied
around each tube. Allow to cool.

Slide the breakout over the cores and pull well down into the Crutch
of the cables. Hold down out with a plier to avoid upward slippage.
Commence shrinking the boot at the centre working along them to
the top and shrink completely.

Insert the heat shrinkable insulating tubings Q1 and Q2 from the

each end of the core and slides up to where the jointing works will
not be disturbed.
62
Connection Conductor Electrical
Power Cables
Insert the cable conductor into the ferrule after cleaning and polishing the
conductor.

After ensuring that two conductors meet end to end at the centre of ferrule
compress the ferrule with compression die.

Compress in order from the Centre of the ferrule to the both ends of the
ferrule.

During the process of crimping, take care not to damage the insulation.

Smoothen the surface of inline connector (Ferrule) with the help of smooth
file or a sand paper.

Clean the surface of insulation and ferrule with the help of clean cloth
soaked with cleaning fluid supply with kit.

Apply stress control tape on conductor sleeves and on bare conductor on

both sides of conductor sleeves.

Apply insulation built up mastic tape on stress control tape.

Bring insulation tube Q1 in position so that it equally covers the core on

both sides of the cable and shrink with the help of torch/blow lamp.

Put the insulating tube Q2 on the insulating tube Q1 and shrink it with the
help of blow lamp/torch.

Fix the main earthing connection with the help of copper braided strip from
lead to lead. Use plumbing metal for sealing gap between the steel strip
armour and lead sheath.

The continuity between armour and lead sheath shall also be achieved.

Relay the course as far as possible. Wrap two layers of G.I. mesh around
the cores with a 50% overlap. Cover the joint area upto the exposed
armour. Bind the end of G.I. mesh with the help of cotton tape and PVC
tape provided in the kit. Fold back the excess earth braid/s over the
applied G.I. mesh and tighten it with armour clamp on both sides. Cover
armour clamps and all sharp edges with the help of cotton tape or PVC
tape.

Wrap mastic-sealing tape over the worm drive clamp. Slide the heat
shrinkable adhesive lined side sleeve on one side of the G.I. wire mesh
ensuring that about 200 mm of G.I. wire mesh is covered under this and
63
Overview of Power shrink completely. Slide the second sleeve to the other side of the G.I. wire
Distribution
mesh and position it at the prescribed position and shrunk completely.
System
Cable Ends are Terminated by Providing

 Stress control screens

 The earthing clamp lead

 Insulation

 Lug rain sheds

While making joints and terminations, it is essential to know the size and
type of the cable in order to select appropriate kits for joints and
terminations. The kits contain the accessories required along with
instruction sheets for step-by-step procedure for making joints and
terminations. The cable and end terminations should be prepared as per
the dimensional drawing and procedure given in the instruction sheet.

Types of Terminations

A joint is considered to be the weakest link in the system. But the overall
reliability of a distribution system depends on it. Therefore, jointing
accessories and techniques have an important and critical role despite
their comparative low value in the overall investment.

 Cast Iron Moulded

 Epoxy Resin Type

 Heat Shrinkable

 Cold Shrinkable

 ‘Push On’ Type

3.7 GUIDELINES FOR PACKING, TRANSPORT

AND STORAGE OF CABLES

The cable drums or coils, even if they are small and not heavy, should not be
dropped or thrown onto the ground from railway wagon or trucks during
unloading operations, as the cable is likely to get damaged.

A ramp or crane may be used for unloading cable drums. If neither of these is
available, a temporary ramp with inclination 1 : 3 to 1 : 4 approx. should be
constructed. The ramp must be strong enough to support the weight of the drum.
64 While rolling down the ramp, the drum should be guided by holding ropes with
the aid of winches or blocks. Additionally, a sand bed at the foot of the ramp may Electrical
Power Cables
be made to brake the rolling of cable drum.

The arrow painted on the flange of the drum indicates the direction in which the
drum should be rolled. The cable will unwind and become loose if the drum is
rolled in the opposite direction.

If the cable is not to be laid directly off the drum trailer it should be unloaded as
close as possible to where it is to be laid out later on. The drum should never be
rolled over longer distances.

The site chosen for storage of cable drums should be well-drained and should
preferably have a concrete surface/firm surface which will not cause the drums
to sink and lead to flange rot and extreme difficulty in moving the drums.

All drums should be stored in such a manner as to leave sufficient space

between them for air circulation. It is desirable for the drums to stand on the
battens placed directly under the flanges. During storage, the drums should be
rolled to an angle of 90° once every three months.

In no case should the drums be stored ‘on the flat’; that is, with flange horizontal.

Overhead covering is not essential unless the storage is for a very long period.
The cable should, however, be protected from direct rays of the sun by leaving
the battens on or by providing some form of shielding.

When for any reason, it is necessary to rewind a cable on to another drum, the
barrel of the drum should have a diameter not less than that of the original drum.

Normally cables are supplied in lengths upto 500 m on each drum. Greater
lengths make unrolling of the cable difficult. There is also the danger of the inner
end of the cable moving. If this occurs the laying will have to be stopped in order
to secure this end. The cable may kink at the transition points from one of the
layers to the next and the layers themselves may become jumbled up if this is
not done from time to time. Therefore it has to be considered whether the saving
in the jointing work will not be more than nullified by the additional work to be
carried out when installing excessive lengths.

3.8 SUMMARY

Let us summarise what we have learnt in this unit.

65
Overview of Power In this unit, we dealt with cables. We have learnt various things about electrical
Distribution
cables. You have been introduced to the construction of different types of cable.
System
We had also learnt the techniques of laying of cables.

Like any other item, even cables in use may fail sometimes. We have learnt
about the types of cable faults and how these are detected.

Once a fault is detected, the next step is to rectify it. This is done by creating a
cable joint. We learnt the need for joints and the method to make them. We also
learnt about some cable jointing kits.

And finally, we learnt the guidelines for proper transport/storage of cables on

drum.

3.9 TERMINAL QUESTIONS ?

(a) Under what conditions would cables be used in place of aerial
conductors?

(b) How is a cable laid underground protected from damage?

(c) Why would we advice against keeping the cable drum with
flange horizontal?

3.10 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS 

Check Your Progress 1

Refer to the advantages under Part 4 of Section 3.2 of this unit.

Check Your Progress 2

A cable enclosed in a pipe/conduit is not exposed to the elements. It is also

safe from accidental, or even deliberate damage. As an added advantage,
it poses hardly any danger to people or animals in the area.

Check Your Progress 3

It is an instrument to identify and locate a fault in a cable. Its terminals are

connected to the conductors and the screen of the cable at one end. It
displays information about the fault and its distance away from the point of
connection

66
Check Your Progress 4 Electrical
Power Cables
Refer to Section 3.5 of this unit.

3.11 ANSWERS TO TERMINAL QUESTIONS 

(a) The basic technical requirement to use a cable arises when there is
lack of sufficient safety clearance. Apart from this, some other
possible reasons could be the difficulty in stringing an aerial
conductor in the location, expansion possibility, power theft,
accidental or intentional damage possibility and aesthetics.

(b) The cable is laid some 30 cm to 100 cm below the surface, to avoid
accidental access. Often the cable is laid in a conduit or cemented
trench with brick topping. This prevents damage to the cable while
digging.

(c) In this condition, the weight of the total length of the cable on the
drum impinges on the part closer to ground. This may lead to
physical damage to a section of the cable. The possibility of
deformities in this section is also pretty high. Finally, due to its own
weight, the cable coils will tend to unwind and slacken; producing
further danger of bends and kinks.

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