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Condition of incoming cable

Will Elec
Hi there, first post on here after losing my old login when the forum migrated!


I have a project where the meter is being moved by western power from in a kitchen to outside in a meter box. As well as relocation to make space in the kitchen the current cut out is leaking pitch (I believe this is because the feed cable comes downhill into the cutout) and needs replacing. Today we have exposed the main cable outside ready for a new piece to be jointed by western power.


The cable was apparently installed back in 1970 and seems in a very poor state (see attached photos), it comes from a pole mounted transformer around 70m away through a wooded area (a slight concern as it doesn't seem to be buried very deep!)


I just wanted some opinions on if it is likely that this cable will have to be replaced in its entirety in the not too distant future, it has a pitch/hessian type wrapping over the armouring (which I believe is the earth and neutral conductor for the installation) and the armouring appears to be quite heavily corroded and breaking down.


I have little experience when it comes to jointing but it seems like it could be a challenge to joint into a cable in this state?


Anyway just looking for some advice in preparation for the arrival of western power,


Thanks in advance,


Will

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  • 0
    Others here will know more than me about the DNO side, but it looks like PILC to me - I would have thought it would be older than the 1970s but perhaps they were still using it then in places. If it is indeed PILC then I would have thought it likely that it should have an internal copper core for N and then a lead sheath below the wire armour for PE. Decay of the hessian is normal - even regarded as a benefit in some ways as it then allows the cable to act as a very effective electrode (ideal for conversion to a PME system). Corrosion of the armour probably isn't ideal, but as long as the underlying lead sheath remains intact the inside of the cable should remain serviceable.


    WPD's problem in any event.


       - Andy.
  • 0
    Thanks Andy, much appreciated! I've read that PILC can be tricky to joint to new XPLE and quite delicate if moved but as you say the is Western Power's problem!
  • 0
    I'd say fairly typical of its type/age.  PILC STA was used well into the 70s in some areas for non PME supplies on LV networks.  Sometimes all that is left is the lead sheath (and cores) and a stain in the soil.

    Should joint up just fine though I expect you will get a PME supply for the new location.
  • 0
    That looks in quite good condition actually - no cracks where oil is leaking, no exposed paper core, no squashed or sharply kinked sections, I think they will have no issues to join on to that, and if the rest is the same, as long as the tree roots or other earth works  do not get it, it could well be perfectly good for another 50 years more than the 50 it has already done.


    The partial loss of the outer steel armour and the hessian is quite normal, but the lead remains, and  by then the sharp stones have done their settling so the over layers are no longer so critical .


    Page 6 of the Jointers handbook chapter 2 (can be downloaded from here - but it is a big doc) has a very good set of typical pictures if you want to see how they do this sort of joint.

    regards

    Mike



  • 0
    Excellent, thanks for that and thanks for the link! I had visions of a large trench being needed to replace the cable so I'm pleased to here that it looks good to be jointed!

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