In Line Cold Splice for a #16 Cable

Question:  I love using the GHFC.  It is incredibly fast, easy and reliable.  Do you have a GHFC size that will work with #16 cable?

Answer:  Unfortunately, the #16 wire is just barely outside of the use range for the GHFC-1-90.  The GHFC-1-90 is approved for use on a #14 cable (.0641" diameter) and a #16 cable has a diameter of .0508".  This is obviously incredibly close with a difference of only 13 thousands of an inch, but still - it just can't be sanctioned.  The simplest solution in a case like this would be to purchase some additional GelTek tape.  Even a single wrap around the wire would get its diameter on par with the #14 (or greater) and the GHFC could then be used.  One extra step, but now you can go back to using the simple and easy GHFC inline splice.

CFTS Heat Shrink Cabinet Feed Through

     How do you size CFTS?

     CFTS (stands for heat shrink cabinet feed through seal) is available in 5 different sizes.  Simply enough; these are CFTS-1, CFTS-2, CFTS-3, CFTS-4 and CFTS-5.  They are generally sized by the minimum and maximum cable diameter that can be used with them.

CFTS-1 :  Min: .2"    Max:  .4"

CFTS-2 :  Min: ..25"    Max:  ..65"

CFTS-3 :  Min: .55"    Max:  1.0"

CFTS-4 :  Min: .80"    Max:  1.45"

CFTS-5 :  Min: 1.45"    Max:  2.40"

HVT Selection - Post 3

     So you've been through HVT Selection guide steps 1 and 2.

     We've already touched on the importance of knowing whether your cable is shielded or not.  We've also touched on the importance of knowing how many volts will be running through your cable.  Now we need to look at shielding types for the HVT and conductor size for the HVT-50.

     If you already know your cable is SHIELDED and you know the voltage; you are ready to look at shielding type.  Below is a list of the different shielding options and how that option is conveyed on the HVT nomenclature.

    Copper tape is indicated by a G or SG
    Wire shield, Lead sheath and Unishield are also indicated by a G or SG
    URD is indicated by a J or SJ
    Jacketed concentric neutral (JCN) is indicated as a J / SJ (as is concentric neutral and LC shield)

     If you already know that your cable is non-shielded (and you know the voltage is going to be less than 5000 volts; then you are comfortable on the HVT-50 heat shrink splice kit path.  Next up you need to know the conductor size.  The Raychem heat shrink sleeve splices are what actually seal up and protect the cable.  In order to be certain the proper seal will be attained; it is imperative that we know the dimensions of your cable and your conductors.

     Up next - step 4 in the HVT selection guide.

Shielded vs Non-Shielded Cable - High Voltage Termination

How to determine which Raychem components you need to complete your high voltage termination (greater than 1000 volts).  (Step 1 was here).

Step 2a:  Ok, your cable is shielded.  What is the voltage requirement?  

If it is 5 kV; you will be looking at the HVT-8 series

If it is 8 kV; you will be looking at the HVT-8 series

If it is 15 kV; you will be looking at the HVT-15 series

If it is 25 kV; you will be looking at the HVT-25 series

If it is 35 kV; you will be looking at the HVT-35 series

If it is 46 kV; you will be looking at the HVT-460 series

If it is 69 kV; you will be looking at the HVT-690 series

Step 2b:  Ok, your cable is non-shielded.  What is the voltage requirement?

If it is <1000 volts; you are going to be using a WCSM heat shrink sleeve

If it 1000 volts - 5000 volts; you are going to be looking at the HVT-50 family.

Up tomorrow:

Step 3a and 3b

High Voltage Terminations: Shielded vs Non-Shielded in Raychem Heat Shrink Sleeves

     When using Raychem high voltage terminations (meaning great than 1000 volts for the sake of this discussion) it is vital that we pair the correct Raychem termination kits so that it matches the cable type it is to be used with.  There are a few "tricks of the trade" that I will be discussing over the course of the next few weeks.

     Step 1:  We ask the customer, "is the cable shielded or non-shielded?"

     If the answer is 'shielded' - that tells us we will be following a line of questioning that will help us determine specifically which HVT product is correct for their application.

     If the answer is 'non-shielded' that tells us that our subsequent questions will help us determine specifically which of the HVT-50 series heat shrink sleeve terminations we will require.

Shielded = HVT
Non-Shielded = HVT-50

Stay tuned tomorrow for "Step 2"

Flame Retardant Heat Shrink Sleeve (FCSM)

Question:  Does Raychem have a flame retardant product?

Answer:  Absolutely.  The most commonly sold flame retardant heat shrink tubing is Raychem's FCSM product. It is very, very similar to the WCSM product; but flame retardant.  It is rated for use at 2000 volts.  FCSM is available either coated (with a sealant) or un-coated (no sealant).  

Available in 1200mm sticks (4 feet) FCSM and having a 3:1 shrink ration; FCSM is a very versatile product; capable of serving multiple duties. 

Raychem Sleeves -S vs -U. What do they mean?

Question:  I'm looking at some of the Raychem / Tyco Electronics part numbers.  How do I determine if I need the -S or the -U part?


Answer:  That part of the shrink sleeve nomenclature lets you know whether the part you are buying is internally coated with an adhesive sealant or not.  Uncoated shrink tubing would offer electrical insulation and physical protection; but would not offer a true seal (in the sense that it could be underground or underwater as examples). 

Coated tubing on the other hand is used far more often than uncoated tubing.  It provides a true seal; provides stress relief; provides physical protection and it provides electrical insulation.

If you do happen to have an application that will require no sealant, there is a decent chance (on a select group of products) that you might be able to get an uncoated version.  If that is the case; you could likely save a little bit on cost.  Check with us to find out!

What is TECK Cable?

     Question:  What is TECK Cable?

Answer:  It is a flexible armored cable.  It utilizes a design of flexible armor

along with two layers of PVC jacketing.  It was originally used in mining

but has since taken on a wide range of different electrical applications.  

At first glance, splicing a TECK cable might seem complicated; but it really isn't.

That is, as long as you've got a Raychem TECK splice kit handy.  The TECK kit

utilizes multiple different Raychem shrink sleeves (WCSM and CRSM) in order

to recreate the same strength, thickness and electrical properties as the original cable had.  

TECK splices can be used on cable ranging from 1000 volts to 15kV.