METHOD OF JOINTING AND TERMINATING ELECTRIC CABLES

摘要

In a method of jointing or terminating an electric cable having at least one conductor in the form of a hollow strand through the bore and the interstices of which liquid impregnant for the cable dielectric can pass the stranded conductor is bonded to a terminal or to another conductor by application in the molten state of an adherent body of metal to substantially the whole of the cut end face of the stranded conductor or between the cut end face of the stranded conductor and the end of the terminal or of the other conductor. During the process a mandrel is inserted in the end of the bore of the conductor and passage of impregnant from the bore to an end portion of the strand is inhibited, by said mandrel or otherwise, a heat sink is formed so as to surround the end of the stranded conductor and liquid impregnant is removed from the interstices between the wires of the stranded conductor in the end portion thereof by applying vacuum thereto. The bonding process is preferably an MIG (metal/inert gas) or other welding process. Preferably oil flows through radial passages formed in the wall of the strand. In the case of a joint, these radial passages are preferably interconnected by longitudinal passages formed in a ferrule.