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Technical insight

33kV Terminations: Common Failure Points and How to Avoid Them

33kV terminations are higher consequence, less forgiving, and typically run inside stricter controls. Failures usually trace back to preparation errors, contamination, incorrect stress control, moisture ingress, or poor interface condition at the termination point.

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Where termination failures start

  • Insulation damage during semicon removal
  • Contamination trapped under control layers
  • Incorrect stress control positioning or build-up
  • Moisture ingress due to wet environments or poor protection
  • Interface issues at bushings, lugs, connectors, or separable interfaces

What good looks like on a 33kV termination job

  • Correct cable data confirmed early, including construction, screen type and sizes
  • Correct kit specification on site before work commences
  • Controlled work area to reduce contamination and moisture exposure
  • Clean preparation with correct strip lengths and smooth transitions
  • Mechanical integrity at connectors and interfaces
  • Coordination with commissioning so handover is clean and on time

Indoor vs outdoor considerations

Indoor terminations generally allow better control, but still require cleanliness and correct interface alignment. Outdoor terminations introduce extra risk from moisture and weather, so protection and preparation discipline becomes even more critical.

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