TE / Raychem Newsletter

TE / Raychem Newsletter April 17, 2017

	Products that Power People With a portfolio of globally-recognized product lines,  TE Connectivity (TE) delivers world-class performance for any project. We pioneered the use of heat shrink technology with the introduction of our Raychem product line over 60 years ago, and were the first to use silicone materials for hollow core insulators. Today, our engineers use new materials with enhanced properties to support ever-changing energy demands. As the force behind some of the largest product lines for substation connectivity, including Bowthorpe EMP, SIMEL and AXICOM, TE has established a reputation for superior reliability and quality. We’re always on the forefront of technology and innovation, creating lighter, smaller environmentally-friendly solutions for a full range of low, medium and high voltage applications.  From renewable raw material resins to products that are resistant to thermal aging and UV light, TE brings an expertise in materials science to life with a variety of innovative, real-world applications.  See how TE’s solutions can power your next project at te.com/energy.		Engineering a Greener Tomorrow
			As part of our commitment to energy efficiency, we’ve started using new, environmentally-friendly materials. One of our most recent developments in Europe is the GUROFLEX-N lead-free casting material made from renewable raw materials. This solvent-free product is water and corrosion resistant and is an excellent insulating material. Connect directly with a TE expert.

BPTM Busbar Insulation

BPTM Tubing

BPTM 15/6-A/U (50 ft roll)

    Raychem / TE Connectivity's medium wall, heat shrinkable BPTM tubing provides insulation enhancement and protection against flash over and accidentally induced discharge. 

     Particularly useful in confined spaces, BPTM tubing can be used on both circular and rectangular copper or aluminum busbars. On application of heat, the BPTM tubing shrinks snugly over the busbar profile ensuring that the required minimum wall thickness is obtained.  Raychem BPTM tubing can be installed easily during large scale production using an oven or in the field using a gas torch or hot air.  Raychem BPTM tubing is manufactured from a non-halogen based polymer which has excellent performance in high voltage environments and greatly reduces the noxious and corrosive effects in fire situations. 

    The use of TE's Raychem BPTM tubing allows equipment designers the freedom to reduce air spacing between busbars, such as in the manufacture of switchgear cabinets where space is at a premium.  Raychem BPTM tubing provides flashover protection up to 25kV. 

 Key Features:

• Exceptional insulation and long term reliability even at high continuous operating temperatures.
• Extremely durable, resists damage from solvents, ultraviolet light, weathering, mechanical impact and general wear and tear.
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
• Excellent anti-tracking properties.
• Can be stored indefinitely at temperatures up to 50C without loss of performance.

BPTM is available in the following sizes:

• BPTM 15/6
• BPTM 30/12
• BPTM 50/20
• BPTM 75/30
• BPTM 100/40
• BPTM 120/50
• BPTM 175/70
• BPTM 205/110
• BPTM 235/130

Motor Connection Kits

MCK and MCK5

Raychem / Tyco MCK

Raychem / Tyco MCK-5

     MCK is available in a number of different variations.  Which one do you need?  That all depends on what you're working with. 

     Type V: The type V kit is designed to splice the stub or butt configuration that is commonly used where there is insufficient room to make in line connections.
     Type L:  The type L kit is used where space permits to splice in line connections.

     MCK-5 is rated to the general electrical requirements of the IEEE-48 withstand tests.

    For use as an in line or stub splice between 1/C poly feeder cable and motor leads.  Tyco Electronics (formerly Raychem) motor connection kit provides excellent insulation sealing and resistance to abrasion in motor connections.

MCK Stub Installation

Common standard sizes are:

MCK-1V

MCK-2V

MCK-3V

MCK-4V

MCK-1L

MCK-2L

MCK-5-1V

MCK-5-2V

MCK-5-3V

MCK-5-1L

MCK-5-2L

GelCap Splice Covers

GelCap Splice Covers

Raychem GelCap splice cover kits quickly and conveniently insulate, seal, and protect stub splice connections up to 1000 volts.  GelCap Splice Covers are water resistant.  The GelCap's compact design was engineered to handle the harsh environments of motor connections.  GelCap splice cover kits are equally well suited for many other connection applications including street light connections.  The specially formulated material provides excellent abrasion resistance and insulation value for GelCaps. 

Each GelCap size is designed to fit a wide range of cable sizes.  The expandable design keeps the GelCap as small as possible and allows it to expand only as much as needed to fit on large cable.

GelCap splice cover kits provide the fastest installation.  Simply push the cover down over the connection and snap the clamp closed.  No extra materials or greases are required.  The PowerGel sealant is already in the cap.  Removal of the GelCap is just as quick and easy as installation.  For wire sizes #16-500kcmil.

Key Features of GelCap Splice Covers:

• PowerGel sealing gel filling, operates in SF6 and insulating liquids
• Fast and easy installation
• Easy re-entry

 Common Uses for GelCap Splice Covers:

• Motor connections
• Street Lighting
• Over wire nuts for sealing
• Irrigation systems
• HVAC
• Outdoor lighting 

ShrinkMark Heat-Shrinkable Sleeves

SHRINKMARK HEAT-SHRINKABLE SLEEVES

 

Raychem ShrinkMark sleeves are suitable for a wide variety of applications. ShrinkMark Heat-shrinkable sleeves provide legible identification for all types of cables used by electrical contractors and instrumentation control manufacturers.  Because ShrinkMark sleeves are extruded from Raychem tubing, they have a low installed profile with no edges to snag. The crosslinked polyolefin construction makes ShrinkMark sleeves resistant to abrasion, aggressive cleaning solvents, and industrial fluids. ShrinkMark sleeves are ideal for tough industrial environments, including switch gear, motor control centers, and terminal boxes. They shrink faster than conventional thermoplastic tags

 

• Shrink ratio of 3:1

• Expanded sleeve diameters from .125" (3.125 mm) to 1.50" (38 mm)

• Sleeves come in 2.00" (50 mm) lengths

• Flame retardant. Sleeves meet UL 224

• Print performance to military requirements

• ShrinkMark sleeves can be supplied pre-scored for a more economical use of material

• Several packaging options to choose from: 250, 1,000 or 2,500 pieces per box

• Standard colors are white and yellow

• Elliptical shape leaves un-shrunk sleeves in place

• Temperature range is -30°C to 105°C

Common Product Selection

Shrinkmark-18-2-9

Shrinkmark-12-2-9

Shrinkmark-10-2-9

Shrinkmark-2-2-9

Shrinkmark-250-2-9

Shrinkmark-1000-2-9

Recommended printers:
IDP-T208M-PRINTER
IDP-T312M-PRINTER
IEDP-TE3112-PRINTER

MRS Repair Sleeves



MRS Repair Sleeves

   MRS Repair Sleeves are heat-shrink wraparound flame-retardant sleeve which is rated to 2kV.  The MRS wraparound mining repair sleeve provides an efficient method of repairing insulation on flexible cables.  The MRS Repair Sleeve also repairs jacket damage on high-voltage cable where a splice is not required.  MRS Repair Sleeves are a specially formulated, flame retardant, flexible wraparound sleeve which installs with a low profile quickly and easily which means the cable can be returned to service in minutes.  The MRS Repair Sleeve is ideal for use on trailing cable as well as flexible-construction cables and conduits. 

Kits contain a wraparound MRS Repair Sleeve and stainless steel channel closure.  MRS Repair Sleeves are precoated with adhesive. 

MSHA approved.

Gel In-Line Splice Kit (GILS)



Gel In-Line Splices (GILS)

The Gel In-Line Splice Kit (GILS) is a water resistant splice kit for power cable rated to 1000V.  Gel In-Line Splice (GILS) kits offer a state-of the-art sealed splice for both underground, buried and overhead applications.  Gel In-Line Splice (GILS) closures offer a fast and simple method for splicing, insulating, and environmentally sealing low-volage cable splices. 

The Gel In-Line Splice (GILS) closure, with PowerGel sealant, covers and seals the splice quickly and easily, saving both time and effort.  PowerGel sealant is rated to 95°C.  The Gel In-Line Splice (GILS) closure is simple to re-enter because the PowerGel sealant pulls away leaving a clean connection.  The only tools required to install the Gel In-Line Splice (GILS) closure in the field are a 5/16" allen wrench or a torque wrench and a knife. 

Small housings allow for installation of the Gel In-Line Splice (GILS) to be installed in cramped location and is water tight for use in all locations.  The connector provided with the Gel In-Line Splice (GILS) accomodates copper and/or aluminum cables. Also, Gel In-Line Splices (GILS) are UV resistant and qualified for temperatures from -40°C to 90°C.

The Gel In-Line Splice (GILS) is supplied in two sizes.

 Gel In-Line Splice - GILS-4/0 for conductor size #2-4/0

Gel In-Line Splice -GILS- 350 for conductor size #1/0-350



Gel In-Line Splice Kit (GILS) diagram



GelWrap Splice Closures

 

Gelwrap Splice

 

GelWrap Splice Closures is a cold-applied water resistant wraparound splice closure.  The GelWrap Splice Closure quickly insulates and seals buried electrical connections rated up to 1000 volts.  GelWrap Splice Closures are designed to handle harsh environments of direct burial and manhole applications and is also suitable for insulation and jacket repair. 

GelWrap Splice Closures are simple to install with a factory cured PowerGel silicone sealant in the Gelwrap Splice Closure which encapsulates the connection.  The gel is easily stretched and very sticky which forms around the cable, connector and itself which blocks moisture from entering the splice. 

Other common uses for GelWrap Splice Closures: LV cable repair splices, MV cable repair, MV splice rejacketing, Elbow sealing sleeve, 

Commonly used GelWrap Splice Closure sizes: 

GelWrap-18/4-100

GelWrap-18/4-150

GelWrap-18/4 -200

GelWrap-18/4-250

GelWrap-18/4-300

GelWrap-33/10-150

GelWrap-33/10-200

GelWrap-33/10-250

GelWrap-33/10-300

GelWrap-33/10-350

GelWrap-50/20-200

GelWrap-50/20-250

GelWrap-50/20-300

GelWrap-50/20-350

GelWrap-50/20-400

UL Listed GelWrap Splice Closure Sizes

 (which includes stainless steel cable tie wraps):

GelWrap-18/4-150UL

GelWrap-18/4 -200UL

GelWrap-18/4-250UL

GelWrap-18/4-300UL

GelWrap-18/4-350UL

GelWrap-18/4-400UL

GelWrap-18/4-450UL

GelWrap-18/4-500UL

GelWrap-18/4-550UL

GelWrap-18/4-600UL

Easy Installation Instructions for GelWrap Splice Closures (no tools required):

   


Center GelWrap Splice Closure sleeve over connector.



Wrap GelWrap Splice Closure around connector and shut
snap locks over entire length of sleeve.



Install cable ties at outermost notches of snap lock. 
GelWrap Splice is now complete.



Easiest Way to Seal a Cable Splice?

     Look no further than the GHFC!  This product is rated to 1000 volts and utilizes Raychem's patented Gel-Tek technology to assure a long lasting, water proof seal.  The GHFC can be used of low voltage cable taps or splices.  GHFC is also approved for underground splicing (to ANSI C119.1); for overhead cables and is ideally made for street lighting applications.

     Once the cable is crimped and prepared; the GHFC literally takes two seconds to install.  It is just as easy as snapping your fingers!

Available in four sizes:

GHFC-1-90 

GHFC-2-90

GHFC-2.5-90

GHFC 3-90

Contact us so that we can help you select the proper size.

See an installation video and product information HERE.

What is the Fastest and Easiest Way to Splice a Low Voltage Cable?

Question:  What is the fastest and easiest way to splice low voltage cable?

Answer:  No question.  Utilize Raychem's Gel technology.  It is available in multiple forms for multiple applications.  It is incredibly fast.  It is incredibly simple.  It is very economical.  

Why would you use anything else?

This technology is used in GILS (Gel Inline Splice), Gelwrap, Gelcap SL Covers for street lights, GHFC, Gelcap Splice Covers, Gtap Splice and Gelport.  

Watch this video to see just how simple using this product is.

How Do I Repair a Cable?

Question:  I have a damaged cable, how do I repair it?

Answer:  The first thing you're doing to need to do is get yourself a properly sized CRSM wrap around repair system for power cable oversheaths.  

Step 1:  Clean the damaged area on the cable and the adjacent (undamaged) PE jacket.  

Lightly abrading the PE will assure the strongest possible bond. 

Step 2:  Remove the release paper from the CRSM shrink sleeve

Step 3:  Wrap the CRSM sleeve in place

Step 4:  Secure the rail and channel closure system in order to hold the CRSM in the shape 

of a tube during the shrink process.

Step 5:  Fire up your propane torch or industrial hot air gun and begin shrinking the sleeve; starting in the middle and moving your heat source circumstantially around the shrink sleeve.

Step 6:  Continue shrink the CRSM sleeve; working your way to one edge; 

then back to the middle; then out to the other edge.

Step 7:  Check to see that you have adhesive flow on both ends of the shrink sleeve (along the cable).  This is your seal.  If that adhesive is there; and the CRSM sleeve is conformed to the cable;

 you are finished.  Simple and easy!

How Do I Shrink a Raychem (Tyco Electronics) Heat Shrink Sleeve?

Question:  How do I shrink a Raychem heat shrink sleeve?

Answer:  You've got a couple of options.  First and foremost it is important to know that the backing of the sleeve will begin to shrink once it reaches a temperature in the vicinity of 267F (there is a generalization as some Raychem sleeve backings do shrink at higher or lower temperatures than this).

In any case; the question now becomes; how do I get the backing to reach that 267F temperature?  This can be done easily with a small propane (or other) torch.  You want to make sure that you have a torch that puts out a 'bushy', broad flame.  Acetylene or welding torches will not work well in this role.

Bernzomatic torches do an excellent job of shrinking our Raychem heat shrink sleeves.

An industrial hot air gun can also be used to excellent results.

 Otherwise, you also have the option of using a hot air gun of some kind to do the job.  It could possibly take a bit longer (depending on the air gun) but ultimately you will achieve the same exact result.

WCSM Sizing Change

     WCSM Heavy Wall Sealant Coated Tubing has recently gone through a sizing adjustment.  In almost every case, this is an incredibly minor change as the tubing has simply been expanded a little bit more and re-named.  In every case the tubing recovers down to the very same dimension.

What used to be WCSM 9/3-1200-S is now WCSM 12/3-1200-S 

This simply means that the WCSM shrink sleeve used to be supplied with a 9mm ID (.354")

but is now supplied with an ID of 12MM (.47").  

This change has effectively modified this WCSM (and all WCSM sizes) to cover 

a larger range of wire and connector sizes.

What used to be WCSM 13/4-1200-S is now WCSM 16/4-1200-S 

This simply means that the WCSM shrink sleeve used to be supplied with a 13 mm ID (.51") but is now supplied with an ID of 16 mm (.629")

 What used to be WCSM 20/6-1200-S is now WCSM 24/6-1200-S 

This simply means that the WCSM shrink sleeve used to be supplied with a 20 mm ID (.787") but is now supplied with an ID of 24 mm (.94")

What used to be WCSM 33/8-1200-S is now WCSM 34/8-1200-S

This simply means that the WCSM shrink sleeve used to be supplied with a 33 mm ID (1.299") but is now supplied with an ID of 34 mm (1.338")

What used to be WCSM 43/12-1200-S is now WCSM 48/12-1200-S 

This simply means that the WCSM shrink sleeve used to be supplied with a 43 mm ID (1.692") but is now supplied with an ID of 48 mm (1.889")

 What used to be WCSM 51/16-1200-S is now WCSM 56/16-1200-S 

This simply means that the WCSM shrink sleeve used to be supplied with a 51 mm ID (2.00") but is now supplied with an ID of 56 mm (2.20")

What used to be WCSM 70/21-1200-S is now WCSM 70/20-1200-S 

In this case, the change means that the WCSM 70/20, when fully recovered 

is 1 mm smaller at .787" instead of .826"

What used to be WCSM 105/30-1200-S is now WCSM 110/30-1200-S 

This simply means that the WCSM shrink sleeve used to be supplied with a 105 mm ID (4.13") but is now supplied with an ID of 110 mm (4.33")

What used to be WCSM 130/36-1200-S is now WCSM 130/35-1200-S

In this case, the change means that the WCSM 130/35, when fully recovered 

is 1 mm smaller at 1.377" instead of 1.417"

WCSM Stock

It seems to come up an awful lot:  What stock do you have on WCSM?

Here is what we have at this exact moment: July 1, 2013
(does not include orders in process or in transit from the plant)

300 each WCSM 12/3-1200-S
450 each WCSM 16/4-1200-S
1850 each WCSM 20/6-1200-S
250 each WCSM 34/8-1200-S
200 each WCSM 48/12-1200-S
100 each WCSM 56/16-1200-S
75 each WCSM 70/20-1200-S

Call us today for pricing!  We accept Visa or Mastercard (in many cases) and offer Net 30 once we've gone through your standard credit application form.

How do I Splice a Medium Voltage Cable?

     How Do I Splice a Medium Voltage Cable?

     Boy, you would really think this was a simple question to answer.  It's not.  The first problem is that there are a number of different types of 'medium voltage' cable; and each can have different components (and thus different splicing requirements).  Let's look through a few of those.

1. Cable can be 'jacketed' or 'non-jacketed' (explanation here).
2. Cable can be 1/C or 3/C (explanation here).
3. Cable can be Armored (or not - explanation here).
4. Cable can contain 'concentric neutral cables' or 'copper tape shield' (explanation here).
5. Cable can be designed for anything between 5kV and 35kV.

     There may even be other different cable configurations.  The key though, is that when making a cable splice, the goal is to recreate the structure of the cable in the splice.  So, if your cable is 3/C Armored - then you need to be sure you are purchasing a splice kit which will be able to splice three conductors and be armored.

     As an example here in this post, I will look at the installation steps for splicing a 1/C, jacketed, concentric neutral cable at 25 kV. 

1. Make sure the HVS Medium Voltage Splice Kit you've purchased is correctly sized for your cable!
2. Remove the cable jacket to the dimensions shown on the installation sheet.
3. Fold back the neutral wires on 'side 1' and trim the neutral wires on the other side.
4. Use a tie wrap to keep unneeded concentric wires out of the way (to avoid damaging them)
5. Abrade insulation (abrading the PE improves the bond of the HVS)
6. Place heat shrink tube over cable and then install connector.
7. Apply SRM at semi conductor cutback (Stress Relief Material)
8. Apply SRM over connector
9. Apply Silicone Grease (SG)
10. Put black stress control tube in place and shrink with a gas torch.
11. Apply red sealant butted up against the black stress control tube on the semi-con.
12. Position black/red triple layer tube in place and shrink.  Begin shrinking in the middle and move toward one end of tube.  Then come back to middle and work toward other end.
13. Connect and splice neutral wires and bend them to splice.
14. Install shielding mesh by spiral wrapping.
15. Position the wrap around shrink sleeve and secure the channel (to hold it in place).
16. Shrink the sleeve.
17. Congratulations, you've done it! 

MCK - Motor Connection Kit

     So, you want to buy a Motor Connection Kit?  The first thing you need to know is whether you will have a 'stub configuration' or an 'in-line configuration':

An in-line motor connection kit configuration (Type L)

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A stub motor connection kit configuration (Type V)

     Once you've got that figured out, you need to know the motor feeder size, the bolt length and the connection length.  In addition, it is important to note that stub type (V) motor connection kits are typically sold in standard box quantities of five pieces.

Motor Connection Kit Sizing Information

MCK-1V (stub)

Motor Feeder Size:  #14-#10

Bolt Length (Max): .625"

Connection Length (Max):  2.0"

Heat Shrink Cap Length (inches):  2.5"

MCK-2V (stub)

Motor Feeder Size:  #12-#4

Bolt Length (Max):  .75"

Connection Length (Max):  2.5"

Heat Shrink Cap Length (inches):  3.4"

MCK-3V (stub)

Motor Feeder Size:  #2-4/0

Bolt Length (Max): 1"

Connection Length (Max):  3.5"

Heat Shrink Cap Length (inches):  4.5"

MCK-4V (stub)

Motor Feeder Size:  250-500

Bolt Length (Max):  1.5"

Connection Length (Max):  4.5"

Heat Shrink Cap Length (inches):  6.5"

MCK-1L (in-line)

Motor Feeder Size:  #8-4/0

Bolt Length (Max):  1.25"

Connection Length (Max):  5.0"

Heat Shrink Sleeve Length (inches):  9.0"

MCK-2L (in-line)

Motor Feeder Size:  250-1000

Bolt Length (Max):  1.25"

Connection Length (Max):  8.0"

Heat Shrink Sleeve Length (inches):  12.0"

* Shielded cable must be terminated before installing MCK.

* These products are designed for single hole connectors and include caps and sealant strips for three connections.  Connectors are not included in kits.