This discussion has been locked.
You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

Condition of incoming cable

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

IMG_9496.JPG

IMG_9495.JPG
Parents
  • 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



Reply
  • 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



Children
No Data