Prysmian Cables and Systems has launched a range of medium voltage joint and termination kits which it says combine easy-to-use Heatshrink technology with high levels of performance and reliability.
The new Bitherm range is supplied in a variety of kit combinations so that everything contractors need is included in one kit.
“All products are designed to meet and exceed the higher test levels of the new European HD 629 test standard for both paper, polymeric and transition variants. The Bitherm range uses heat-activated sealant to provide watertight seals and each product has been tested to meet BS7888 requirements,” Prysmian said.
Julie Mould, Prysmian marketing manager, said: “Because Prysmian is the only manufacturer to offer a range of cables and accessories under one brand, it guarantees a ‘best fit’ solution for the installer. This eliminates problems of poor alignment and products that don’t fit together. By offering accurate technical support Prysmian also helps to eliminate any potential sizing issues which ultimately helps contractors to save time.”
Bitherm 11kV joints use Prysmian’s new isocyanate-free JEM resin replaces traditional polyurethane resins; which due to new legislative changes now have to be labelled as a potential carcinogen. It’s one of the safest jointing resins available and outperforms traditional polyurethanes.
Bitherm Heatshrink joint kits contain three connectors, a hazard-free resin, Heatshrink tubes and an external shell. They contain a centralised Bicon connector, which eliminates problems with poor alignment. The joints also have a split connector, which consists of a jigsaw connecting profile to give extra tensile strength.
Bitherm Heatshrink kits are available for both polymeric and paper insulated three-core cables. They have UV resistant non-tracking outer tubes with abrasion resistant outer coverings.
In other Prysmian-related news, its chief executive Valerio Battista said in an interview with an Italian newspaper that the company might increase the production of cables capacity for the energy industry to meet demand from offshore wind plants, which was particularly strong in the UK and Germany. Orders for energy cables have completely saturated the company’s production capacity for 2008 and a great part of the capacity for 2009, he said.
Prysmian announced recently it won a 10-million-euro order to supply high technology cables for oil and gas activities in Kazakhstan and a similarly priced order for high-tension electric cables.
