Cable terminations – find manufacturers and suppliers

Cable terminations are electrotechnical components that securely seal, mechanically stabilize and electrically insulate the end of an electrical cable, especially medium and high-voltage cables.

They protect the exposed conductors from external influences and ensure an electrically flawless and mechanically stable connection between the cable and another part of the system (e.g. switchgear, transformer, overhead line).

Below you will find the functionality and types of cable terminations, areas of their use as well as their advantages and important notes on installation:

How cable terminations work:

The main function of cable terminations is the or the:

1. Electrical insulation of the exposed conductor ends.
2. Controlled electrical field distribution (voltage control) to prevent partial discharges.
3. Mechanical protection against environmental influences (moisture, dirt, mechanical stress)
4. Sealing against the ingress of water or other contaminants

A typical cable termination consists of the following components:

Structure (using the example of a medium-voltage cable, 10-30 kV).

1. Conductor connection - connects the conductor to the connection object (e.g. via screw or press connection)
2. Internal electrical field control - usually by stress control tubing or field control tapes
3. Insulation body - e.g. shrink tubing, silicone molded part or cast resin, ensures insulation
4. external field control - minimizes electrical field concentration at the exit point
5. Weather/mechanical protection - protects the ends from moisture, UV radiation, impact, etc.
6. Shielding - ensures safe potential equalization

Types of cable terminations:

According to installation method:

1. Heat-shrinkable - heat-shrink tubing is shrunk with hot air and fits tightly to the cable.
2. Cold-mountable - rubber parts with elastomer properties are mounted without heating.
3. Cast resin closures - especially in the low-voltage range, casting with two-component hard compound.

According to place of use:

1. Interior terminations
2. Outdoor terminations (with additional weather protection)
3. Outdoor terminations for overhead line connections (usually with porcelain or silicone insulators)

According to voltage level:

1. Low voltage (<1 kV)
2. Medium voltage (1 kV - 36 kV)
3. High voltage (up to 245 kV or higher) - often with oil or SF₆ insulation

Use of cable terminations:

1. Power distribution networks:
Termination of underground cables at transformer stations, switchgear or distribution cabinets.
Connection between underground medium-voltage cables and overhead lines.

2. Industrial plants:
Termination and connection of medium and low-voltage cables to machines, transformers, switch panels.
Use in potentially explosive areas with special protection design (e.g. EX protection).

3. Renewable energies:
In wind turbines for connecting the turbines to the medium-voltage cabling, usually using outdoor terminations.
In photovoltaic systems (PV) as a transition from underground cabling to the feed-in point.

4. Railroad and transportation technology:
Used in cable troughs and cable shafts, e.g. for signaling systems or traction power lines.
In tunnel systems and street lighting to protect against moisture, dirt and vibration.

5. Building technology & infrastructure:
Connection of high-performance power lines in emergency power systems, main distribution boards, etc.
Connections in bridges, tunnels, waterworks, sewage treatment plants, etc.

6. High-voltage systems:
Connection of high-voltage cables to circuit breakers, transformers or busbars.
Grid connections for large consumers such as data centers or large industrial parks.

Advantages of cable terminations when installed correctly:

• Long service life of the cable system
• High electrical operational safety
• Protection against short circuits and electric arcs
• Less maintenance required

Important notes on installing cable terminations:

• Only to be carried out by qualified personnel with appropriate protective equipment
• Exact compliance with the manufacturer's specifications (installation instructions, tools, ambient conditions)
• Incorrect installation can lead to dangerous partial discharges, breakdowns or cable fires

Cable terminations ensure that electrical energy is transmitted safely, reliably and permanently from the cable to the next component - even under high voltages and environmental influences.

Below you will find an overview of the most important criteria that you should pay attention to when purchasing cable terminations:

When purchasing cable terminations, there are a number of technical, qualitative and economic factors that must be carefully considered. A well-founded selection is crucial for the operational safety, service life and maintenance-free operation of electrical systems.

• First of all, the cable termination must be suitable for the voltage level of the system - whether low voltage, medium voltage (e.g. 12/20 kV) or high voltage (e.g. 110 kV or more).
• Make absolutely sure that the product has been tested and certified in accordance with the relevant standards, e.g: DIN VDE, IEC 60502-4 (for medium voltage), IEEE/ANSI standards for international projects
• Certificates from testing institutes e.g. KEMA, CESI, DEKRA confirm the quality of the cable terminations.
• The seal must be precisely matched to the cable type to be used:
• Conductor material: copper or aluminum
• Cable construction: single-core, multi-core, with or without screen
• Insulation material: XLPE, PE, EPR etc.
• Outer sheath: PVC, PE, LSOH etc.
• Conductor cross-section: Dimensioning must match the cable
• Safe installation and function can only be guaranteed if the closure matches these parameters
• Depending on where they are used, cable terminations must be able to withstand different environmental conditions:
• Indoors or outdoors - UV and weather protection required?
• Mechanical load - vibration resistance, strain relief?
• Temperature range - can it also be used in winter/hot climates?
• Damp environments - e.g. IP protection class or watertightness (e.g. for cast resin closures)
• Additional requirements apply in Ex zones or underground areas (tunnels, shafts).
• The installation system (cold or heat shrink) should be selected according to technical requirements and personnel qualifications:
• Heat-shrink systems are robust, but more complex to install. (hot air required)
• Cold-assembly systems (push-on or cold-shrink) are easy to install and therefore ideal for difficult environments or quick installations.
• Cast resin systems are preferably used in the low-voltage range.
• Depending on the availability of tools, installation time and environmental conditions, the choice of mounting method can be decisive.
• A complete scope of delivery is important. The following should be included:
• All required components (conductor connections, shrink parts, sealant, field control components), installation instructions.
• Optional: test protocols
• The termination must also be compatible with other system components (e.g. switchgear connections, connectors, insulators).
• Pay attention to the manufacturer's specifications regarding service life, thermal shock resistance, freedom from partial discharge and ageing resistance. A high-quality terminator should work fault-free for decades.
• For more complex systems or high voltages, it is advisable to contact a supplier who can provide technical advice on site:
• Offers technical advice on site.
• Provides product training or certification for your installation personnel.
• Guarantees fast availability of spare parts.
• After-sales service is often crucial, especially for grid operators and large-scale projects.
• In addition to quality, cost-effectiveness is also important:
• Consider long-term operating costs (TCO), not just the purchase price.
• What about availability? Are there delivery times?
• What packaging units are offered? This can be important for series assembly, for example.
• Rely on suppliers with a positive reputation for quality, innovation and customer support.

When purchasing cable terminations, it is crucial to carefully consider technical compatibility, standards compliance and environmental conditions to ensure a secure and long-lasting connection. Equally important is the quality of the manufacturer, a comprehensive scope of delivery and reliable technical support to minimize installation errors and the risk of failure.

Cable terminations can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Cable Terminations from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.