
What are the key challenges of pulling high-voltage 132kV cables?
2025-08-16Pulling high-voltage (HV) 132kV cables presents a unique set of challenges due to the cable's size, weight, and the immense stress involved. Unlike lower-voltage cables, a single misstep during installation can lead to a catastrophic failure.
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Extreme Weight and Size: 132kV cables are significantly heavier and have a larger diameter. This increases the total pulling tension, requiring robust, high-capacity equipment and careful handling to prevent damage.
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Insulation Integrity: The insulation of an HV cable is its most critical component. Any compromise, such as a kink, stretch, or abrasion during the pull, can create a weak point that will eventually lead to an electrical breakdown.
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Bending Radius: The minimum bending radius for 132kV cable is large and must be strictly adhered to. Bending the cable too tightly can cause the internal screen layers to separate, leading to partial discharge and eventual failure.
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Side Wall Pressure: When a cable is pulled around a bend, the tension creates significant side wall pressure against the conduit or trench wall. This pressure must be calculated and managed to avoid crushing the cable's insulation.