FAQ

FAQ

The primary methods for laying 33kV underground cables are direct burial and the draw-in system using ducts or conduits.

  • Direct Burial: This method involves laying cables directly into an excavated trench with a bedding of sand and then covering them with protective materials like bricks or concrete tiles before backfilling. It is cost-effective and provides good thermal dissipation.

  • Draw-in System: This method utilizes pre-installed ducts or pipes in the trench. The cables are then pulled through these ducts at a later stage. This approach is more expensive initially but offers greater protection, simplifies future modifications or repairs, and is ideal for areas with multiple underground utilities or road crossings.

Our range of cable laying equipment, including cable pulling winches, cable rollers, and cable pulling grips, is engineered to support both methods, ensuring efficient and safe installation.

The recommended trench dimensions and depths for 33kV cable installation are critical for safety, thermal management, and mechanical protection. While specific requirements can vary based on local standards and soil conditions, a common guideline is a minimum depth of approximately 1.05 meters (42 inches) for 33kV cables. The trench width and spacing are also crucial, especially when laying multiple circuits. A finely graded soft sand bedding is typically used to support the cables and facilitate heat dissipation. Protection tiles or warning tapes are installed above the cables to prevent damage from future excavations.

Our expertise in OHTL and underground cable laying equipment provides you with the right tools to meet these stringent trenching and installation specifications.

The formation of single-core cables is very important as it affects the circuit's electrical performance and heat dissipation. Trefoil formation is the preferred method for laying three single-core cables to create a three-phase circuit. It involves laying the cables in a triangular configuration with each cable touching the other two, and they are then bound together with non-metallic ties. This arrangement minimizes electromagnetic interference and ensures balanced current distribution.

Using the correct cable installation tools, such as our specialized cable rollers and securing ties, is vital to maintain the trefoil formation throughout the laying process, which is essential for the longevity and performance of the cable network.

For 66kV underground power cables, the two most common installation methods are direct burial and laying in ducts. Direct burial involves placing the cables directly into a prepared trench with specific bedding and backfill materials. Laying in ducts involves pulling cables through pre-installed pipes or conduits. The choice between these methods depends on factors such as soil conditions, thermal properties, and future maintenance requirements. Our equipment supports both methods, with specialized tools for each to ensure a safe and efficient installation.

A successful 33kV underground cable laying project requires a comprehensive set of specialized tools and equipment to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance with technical standards. Essential equipment includes:

  • Cable Pulling Winches: For smoothly and safely pulling heavy cables over long distances.

  • Cable Drums Stands & Jacks: To manage and unwind large cable drums.

  • Cable Rollers: To support and guide the cable during pulling, reducing friction and preventing damage to the sheath.

  • Cable Grips/Socks: For securely attaching the pulling rope to the cable end.

  • Duct Rods & Brushes: For clearing and proving the integrity of ducts before cable pulling.

  • Warning Tapes and Cable Protection Tiles: For marking and protecting the installed cables.

As a leading manufacturer, Ningbo Changshi offers a full suite of high-quality equipment for your entire project lifecycle, from cable unwinding and pulling to protection and maintenance.

A successful 66kV cable laying project requires a range of specialized tools and equipment to handle the large and heavy cables while minimizing the risk of damage. Essential equipment includes:

  • Cable Drum Trailers and Jacks: Used for safely transporting and supporting heavy cable drums.

  • Cable Pulling Winches: Hydraulic or capstan winches are used to provide the necessary pulling force for long cable runs. Winches with tension control and recording features are crucial for preventing over-tensioning.

  • Cable Rollers: These are placed in the trench to support the cable and reduce friction during the pulling process.

  • Cable Socks (Grips) and Swivel Links: These connect the cable to the winch wire rope, distributing the pulling force evenly and allowing the cable to rotate freely to prevent twisting and kinking.

  • Duct Rods and Brushes: Used to clean and prove the integrity of ducts before pulling the cable through them.

Our company, Ningbo Changshi, manufactures and exports all this equipment, designed to meet the rigorous demands of high-voltage cable installation projects worldwide.

The design of a 66kV cable trench is vital for the long-term reliability and safety of the installation. Key factors include:

  • Trench Dimensions: The width and depth must be adequate to accommodate the cables and ensure proper clearances, preventing thermal interference and mechanical stress.

  • Cable Bedding and Backfill: The material surrounding the cable must have a low thermal resistivity to effectively dissipate heat generated by the cable. Materials like crushed limestone or granite dust are commonly used for this purpose.

  • Cable Protection: Warning tapes, concrete slabs, or bricks are installed above the cable to prevent accidental damage during future excavation work.

  • Clearance from Other Utilities: Strict separation distances must be maintained from other services like gas, water, and telecommunications to comply with safety standards.

The installation of 66kV cables presents several challenges that require careful planning and execution. The primary challenges are preventing mechanical damage to the cable sheath and managing thermal performance. Excessive pulling tension, tight bends, or abrasive surfaces can cause microfractures in the cable sheath, leading to insulation failure.

To address these challenges, the following safety precautions are essential:

  • Use of Proper Equipment: Always use calibrated winches with real-time tension monitoring to stay within the manufacturer's specified pulling force limits.

  • Adhering to Bending Radius: The minimum bending radius of the cable must be strictly followed to avoid damaging the insulation and conductors.

  • Professional Supervision: A qualified and experienced supervising engineer must oversee the entire process to ensure all standards and procedures are followed.

  • Site Preparation: The cable route must be thoroughly inspected for any obstructions or sharp objects that could damage the cable.

66kV cable laying is governed by a range of international and regional standards to ensure the safety and reliability of the electrical network. Key international standards include:

  • IEC 60502-2: This standard outlines the requirements for power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages from 6 kV up to 30 kV.

  • IEC 60840: This standard specifies the test requirements for power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages above 30 kV up to 150 kV.

Our equipment is designed and manufactured to help our clients meet these stringent international standards, ensuring a high-quality and compliant installation every time.

Answer: We offer a comprehensive range of cable laying equipment to suit various project requirements. Our inventory includes hydraulic cable pullers, diesel-powered cable pulling winches, and underground cable conveyors. Each machine is engineered for specific applications, whether it's for overhead transmission lines, underground cable laying, or substation construction. We provide both standard and customized solutions to meet your unique project needs.
Answer: The price of a cable laying machine varies significantly based on its type, capacity, and power source. For example, smaller, manual-type machines are more affordable, while heavy-duty, high-tonnage machines for large-scale projects, such as horizontal directional drilling (HDD) rigs, represent a larger investment. Our goal is to provide the most cost-effective and reliable equipment, and we encourage you to contact our sales team for a detailed quote based on your project specifications.
Answer: Selecting the right cable drum trailer is critical for safe and efficient cable transport and unwinding. The key factors to consider are the maximum drum diameter, weight capacity, and spindle size. Our product line includes single and double-axle drum trailers with hydraulic lifting systems, suitable for various drum sizes and weights. We also offer trailers with integrated braking and lighting systems for highway compliance and off-road use. Our experts can assist you in selecting the ideal model to match your specific needs.

The installation of 66kV high-voltage cables must adhere to strict international and local standards to ensure safety, reliability, and long-term performance. The primary international standard governing the design, manufacture, and testing of 66kV cables is IEC 60840. This standard specifies requirements for cables with extruded insulation and their accessories. During the laying process, key specifications to follow include:

  • Pulling Tension: The maximum allowable pulling tension must be carefully calculated and monitored to prevent damage to the cable. This is typically based on the conductor's cross-sectional area and material (e.g., copper or aluminum), with a safety factor applied. Our specialized hydraulic cable pulling winches are equipped with a line tension indicator to ensure the pulling force remains within safe limits.

  • Bending Radius: The cable's minimum bending radius must be maintained during both installation and its final operating position to avoid stress on the insulation and conductor. For 66kV cables, the minimum dynamic bending radius is generally specified to be 20 times the cable's outer diameter, and for static operation, it is typically 15 times the outer diameter.

  • Trench Dimensions: The size of the trench and the type of backfill material are critical for the cable's thermal performance and long-term health. The trench must be wide and deep enough to ensure proper spacing between cables and to maintain the correct depth of cover.

A successful 66kV cable laying project requires a full suite of specialized tools and equipment to handle the heavy, large-diameter cables safely. As a leading manufacturer, Ningbo Changshi provides a comprehensive range of solutions for this purpose. Essential equipment includes:

  • Hydraulic Cable Pulling Winch: This is the core piece of equipment for pulling long lengths of heavy cable through trenches, ducts, or conduits. It must have precise tension control and a load-limiting device to protect the cable from over-stressing.

  • Cable Drum Stands & Trailers: Used to safely support and unwind the heavy cable drums. Our hydraulic drum stands are designed for robust and stable operation, allowing for smooth cable deployment.

  • Cable Rollers: A variety of rollers, including straight line rollers, corner rollers, and manhole rollers, are indispensable for guiding the cable and minimizing friction and sheath abrasion during the pulling process.

  • Conductor Pulling Tools: This includes specialized cable pulling socks or pulling eyes that securely attach to the cable's conductor or sheath. A swivel link is used to connect the pulling eye to the winch rope, allowing rotation and preventing cable twisting.

  • Cable Trenching & Duct Laying Tools: Tools for preparing the trench, such as shoring and trench shields, as well as equipment for laying and sealing ducts, are also vital for a compliant and secure installation.

Using the right equipment not only ensures the integrity of the cable but also significantly improves project efficiency and worker safety.

To ensure a safe and efficient cable pulling and laying operation, several key tools and equipment are necessary. These tools are designed to manage cable tension, protect the cable sheath, and simplify the installation process.

  • Cable Winches: A mechanical device used for controlled pulling or letting out of cables. Winches provide the pulling force necessary for long runs, ensuring smooth and consistent tension.

  • Cable Rollers: Used in trenches and conduits to support the cable and reduce friction during pulling. There are different types, such as straight rollers for straight sections and corner rollers for bends, which prevent damage to the cable's outer sheath.

  • Cable Drum Trailers/Stands: Used to transport and stabilize heavy cable drums, ensuring the cable can be unspooled smoothly and without kinking.

  • Cable Socks/Grips: These are attached to the end of the cable and connected to the winch wire rope. They distribute the pulling tension evenly along the cable, preventing damage to the conductor.

  • Swivel Links: Placed between the cable grip and the winch rope, a swivel link allows the cable to rotate freely, preventing twisting and kinking during the pull.

  • Lubricants: Specialized lubricants compatible with the cable jacket are used to reduce friction and decrease the pulling tension required, especially in conduits.

A cable pulling tension calculator is a tool or software used to estimate the maximum force required to pull a cable through a conduit or duct run. This calculation is critically important for preventing damage to the cable during installation. The maximum allowable pulling tension is determined by the cable's construction and is specified by the manufacturer. Exceeding this tension can lead to sheath fracture, conductor deformation, and insulation damage, which can cause premature failure.

Calculating tension is important because it helps to:

  • Prevent Cable Damage: Ensures that the pulling force remains below the manufacturer's specified limit.

  • Select the Right Equipment: Determines the capacity needed for the cable winch and other pulling tools.

  • Optimize the Pulling Path: Helps identify potential problem areas in the cable run, such as tight bends or long sections, where tension could become excessive.

  • Ensure Safety: Reduces the risk of equipment failure or a sudden snap of the pulling rope, which could endanger workers.

Professional Answer: Pulling high-voltage (HV) cables in substations presents unique challenges due to limited space, critical infrastructure, and stringent safety requirements. Key issues include maintaining the cable's minimum bending radius, managing sidewall pressure at turns, and controlling maximum pulling tension to prevent damage to the cable's insulation and shielding. Overcoming these requires meticulous pre-planning, including route design, proper cable reel handling, and the use of specialized equipment. Our hydraulic pullers and tensioners provide precise control over pulling force, while our a wide variety of cable rollers and sheaves ensure the cable's integrity is maintained, particularly at bends and transitions.
  • Professional Answer: The reliability of underground cable systems depends heavily on the quality of the ducting installation. Best practices include:

    • Proper trench preparation: Ensuring a stable, level base free of sharp rocks.

    • Use of high-quality ducting: Selecting materials like HDPE or PVC with appropriate compression strength for the application (e.g., Twinwall HDPE for areas under roads).

    • Correct sizing: Ensuring the duct is adequately sized for the cable and future expansion.

    • Watertight joints: Sealing all joints and ends to prevent water ingress.

    • Draw ropes and spacers: Using draw ropes to facilitate cable installation and spacers to maintain correct separation in multi-duct banks.

    • Color coding: Following local or national standards for color-coded ducting to identify the service type (e.g., power, telecom) and prevent accidental damage during future excavations.

Our range of underground cable laying equipment, from duct rods to cable drum trailers, is designed to support these best practices, ensuring a robust and durable installation.

  • Professional Answer: For fiber optic cables, two primary installation methods are used: blowing and pulling.

    • Blowing: This method uses compressed air to propel the cable through the duct. It is highly efficient for long distances and routes with multiple bends, as the air helps "float" the cable, significantly reducing friction and cable stress. This method is faster and minimizes the risk of damage to the delicate fibers.

    • Pulling: Traditional pulling uses a rope and winch to physically pull the cable through the conduit. While effective for shorter, straighter runs, it can induce significant tension and friction over long distances, potentially damaging the cable's integrity.

Choosing the right method depends on project specifics, but for long-distance installations, especially in congested conduits, the blowing method is often the preferred choice to ensure the longevity and performance of the fiber optic network. Our tools include specialized equipment for both methods, allowing you to select the best approach for your project.

Answer: At Ningbo Changshi, we are committed to providing equipment that aligns with the latest industry innovations. A key trend in underground cable laying is the increasing adoption of trenchless technologies like Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD). This method minimizes surface disruption, reduces environmental impact, and is ideal for urban areas or sensitive landscapes. Additionally, the industry is moving towards greater automation and efficiency, with equipment that features integrated monitoring systems and remote controls to improve performance and worker safety. Our company offers advanced equipment that supports these modern techniques, ensuring efficient and responsible cable laying projects.
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