FAQ

FAQ

Answer: As a prominent China manufacturer and exporter specializing in power line equipment, we understand the complexities of 220kV underground cable projects. The primary challenges are the cables' substantial weight and stiffness, the precision required for laying in trenches, and the critical need for proper jointing and termination to ensure long-term reliability.

The best practices we recommend and support with our equipment include:

  • Detailed Planning and Surveying: Comprehensive route planning and sub-surface utility detection are paramount to avoid obstacles and ensure trench integrity.

  • Use of Specialized Equipment: Given the cable's weight, it's essential to use professional-grade tension stringing equipment. This includes powerful pulling winches, durable cable rollers, and anti-twist devices to maintain the cable's structural integrity during installation.

  • Controlled Pulling Process: The tension and speed of the cable pull must be carefully controlled to prevent mechanical damage to the cable sheath and insulation. Our equipment is designed to provide precise control, minimizing stress on the cable.

  • Trefoil Formation and Ventilation: For optimal performance, 220kV cables are often laid in a trefoil formation within naturally ventilated trenches. Ensuring proper spacing and ventilation is key to effective heat dissipation and preventing long-term thermal issues.

Answer: The jointing and termination of 220kV cables are a crucial and highly technical phase of any project, requiring specialized accessories and skilled execution. This is where the cable connects to the substation or another cable section, and any fault here can lead to system failure.

Common methods and equipment include:

  • Pre-molded Jointing Kits: These kits use silicone rubber components that are factory-tested and ready for installation. This method offers high reliability and a reduced installation time, as the parts are pre-engineered to fit the cable precisely.

  • Heat Shrink and Cold Shrink Terminations: These technologies provide a robust seal and stress control for the cable's termination point. Heat shrink requires a controlled heat source, while cold shrink uses a removable core that allows the material to shrink onto the cable, making it ideal for hazardous environments.

  • Link Boxes and SVLs: For long cable runs, link boxes and Sheath Voltage Limiters (SVLs) are essential. They manage induced sheath voltages and provide a point for cross-bonding, which minimizes losses and prevents dangerous overvoltages, especially during lightning strikes or fault conditions.

At Ningbo Changshi, we provide a complete range of overhead and underground tools, including the necessary equipment for the precise installation of these advanced jointing and termination accessories.

The 33kV underground cable laying procedure is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and specialized equipment. It typically includes:

  1. Route Selection and Surveying: Identifying the optimal path for the cable, considering existing infrastructure, soil conditions, and potential environmental impacts.

  2. Trench Excavation: Digging trenches to the required depth, usually between 0.8 to 1.2 meters, in accordance with local standards and regulations.

  3. Cable Laying: Using specialized equipment such as cable pulling winches, cable drum lifting jacks, and cable rollers to safely pull the cable from the drum into the trench or duct without kinks or damage.

  4. Jointing and Termination: Connecting different cable sections and terminating the cable ends using modern technologies like cold shrink or heat shrink kits.

  5. Backfilling and Protection: Covering the cable with a bedding of sand, laying warning tapes and protection tiles, and then backfilling the trench.

  6. Testing and Commissioning: Conducting pre-commissioning tests, such as insulation resistance and sheath integrity tests, to ensure the cable system is safe and functional before energization.

The successful installation of a 33kV cable relies on a comprehensive range of high-quality tools and equipment. Our company specializes in providing a one-stop supply for all these needs, including:

  • Cable Pulling Equipment: Cable drum stands, hydraulic cable pulling winches, cable rollers, and pulling grips.

  • Cable Laying and Handling: Cable drum jacks, drum trailers, and cable pulling lubricants.

  • Cable Preparation and Jointing Tools: Tools for stripping the outer sheath and insulation, crimping tools for lugs, and cutting tools.

  • Safety and Protection Gear: Warning tapes, cable protection covers, and safety signage.

  • Testing Equipment: Tools for insulation resistance and fault location.

Installing 33kV underground cables can present several challenges that require careful management to ensure safety and reliability. Some of the most common challenges include:

  • Logistical Challenges: Handling and transporting heavy cable drums, especially in difficult terrain.

  • Environmental Obstacles: Encountering existing underground utilities, water pipes, or unstable soil during excavation.

  • Thermal Management: Ensuring proper heat dissipation as underground cables are not exposed to open air. This is a critical factor in cable spacing and backfilling material selection.

  • Cable Damage: The risk of mechanical damage to the cable during the pulling, handling, and backfilling stages. This can be mitigated with appropriate tension control equipment and careful handling.

  • Fault Location: Locating and repairing faults in underground cables can be a time-consuming and complex process.

  • Relative Keywords: 33kV cable types, XLPE cable, PILC cable, 33kV cable standards, IEC 60038, BS 6622, BS 7835, armored vs. unarmored 33kV cable.

  • Professional Answer: 33kV cables are primarily classified by their insulation material. The most common type today is XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene), which offers excellent electrical properties, moisture resistance, and a longer lifespan compared to older technologies like PILC (Paper Insulated Lead Covered) cables. These cables are manufactured according to rigorous international and regional standards, such as IEC 60038 and British Standards like BS 6622 and BS 7835, to ensure safety and performance. Our inventory includes a variety of XLPE cables with options for copper or aluminum conductors, different cross-sectional areas, and armoring (like SWA or AWA) for enhanced mechanical protection, suitable for direct burial and duct installations.

  • The installation of 11kV underground cables requires a range of specialized tools and accessories to ensure a safe and reliable connection. Key accessories include:

    • Cable Joints: To connect two cables together, often using heat-shrink or cold-shrink technology.

    • Cable Terminations: To connect the cable ends to equipment like switchgear and transformers.

    • Cable Pulling Equipment: Winches and rollers to guide the cable smoothly into trenches or ducts, minimizing mechanical stress.

    • Specialized Cable Tools: Tools for stripping the outer sheath, insulation, and semiconducting layers without damaging the underlying components. These tools are crucial for a clean and precise cable preparation.

    At Ningbo Changshi, we supply a complete range of these tools and equipment for efficient and secure installations.

    Yes, international standards address fire performance, especially in applications where public safety is a concern. Cables meeting Low Smoke, Zero Halogen (LSZH) specifications are increasingly required. These cables are designed to produce minimal smoke and no toxic, corrosive gases when exposed to fire. This is particularly important for installations in confined spaces, public buildings, and tunnels. Our product range includes cables and accessories that comply with these rigorous fire performance standards to meet the demands of modern electrical infrastructure projects.

    • Relative Keywords: 33kV cable testing, hi-pot test, insulation resistance test, partial discharge test, tan delta test, cable commissioning, post-installation testing.

    • Professional Answer: The reliability of a 33kV cable network depends heavily on comprehensive testing. Before installation, factory acceptance tests are performed to verify the cable's specifications. After installation, a series of pre-commissioning tests are conducted to ensure the cable system's integrity. Key tests include:

      • Insulation Resistance Test: Measures the effectiveness of the insulation to prevent leakage current.

      • High Potential (Hi-Pot) Test: A voltage withstand test to check the cable's ability to handle overvoltage conditions.

      • Partial Discharge (PD) Test: Detects microscopic voids or defects in the insulation that could lead to premature failure.

      • Tan Delta Measurement: Assesses the quality of the insulation material.

      • DC Voltage Test of the Outer Sheath: Ensures the integrity of the protective sheath.

    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.
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