Outdoor Termination for Cables - Measures for Improving Connection
Outdoor terminations for paper insulated or PILCA cables were generally used without much of a problem. With the advent of PVC cables, outdoor termination kits were no longer required. However, with the introduction of XLPE cables the same practice was continued. But the XLPE cables do not have ultraviolet stability like the PVC cables, a fact that is often overlooked. This results in cracking and pitting/pilling of insulation and can cause breakdowns and even fires.
Hence, connections between overhead and underground systems, particularly where XLPE cables are used, must be made inside specially designed termination units that protect the cables or the exposed XLPE insulation to sunlight. Care needs to be taken at the junction boxes as loose terminations can result in energy loss.