Heat Shrink Jointing Kit
for PILC Cable
Straight-through PILC-to-PILC and XLPE-to-PILC transition cable joint kits from 3.3kV to 33kV. Seals exposed paper insulation, restores screen continuity and provides hermetic moisture protection. IS 13573 and IEC 60502 compliant.
PILC Cable Jointing Kits — Overview
Paper insulated lead covered (PILC) cables remain in service across a significant portion of India's medium voltage distribution networks, particularly in older urban areas and legacy industrial installations. Jointing PILC cables presents unique challenges compared to XLPE: the paper insulation is hygroscopic and must be kept dry, the lead sheath requires special screen continuity restoration, and the irregular outer profile of PILC constructions demands void-filling at the joint transitions.
VIKCHEM's heat shrink jointing kits for PILC cables address all these challenges with a purpose-engineered component set. The kits cover two joint configurations — PILC-to-PILC straight-through joints for repairing or extending existing PILC networks, and XLPE-to-PILC transition joints for connecting modern XLPE cables into legacy PILC infrastructure during grid modernisation projects. All kits comply with IS 13573 and IEC 60502 and are accepted by DISCOMs, PGCIL and railway authorities.
Voltage Range & Conductor Sizes
| Voltage | Conductor Range | Joint Type |
|---|---|---|
| 3.3kV | 35mm² – 185mm² | Straight-through (PILC–PILC) |
| 6.6kV | 35mm² – 240mm² | Straight-through (PILC–PILC) |
| 11kV | 50mm² – 300mm² | Straight-through / XLPE Transition |
| 22kV | 95mm² – 300mm² | Straight-through / XLPE Transition |
| 33kV (36kV) | 150mm² – 300mm² | Straight-through / XLPE Transition |
Kit Components
Lead Sleeve / Aluminium Foil
Provides screen continuity over the PILC cable lead sheath at the joint, restoring the earthed metallic shielding layer.
Paper Drying & Impregnation
Special dry-out tape or resin-impregnated paper to seal exposed paper insulation from moisture ingress before heat shrink components are applied.
Stress Control Tube
Semi-conductive tube for joints above 6.6kV — redistributes the electric field at the screen cutback edge to prevent partial discharge.
Insulation Tubes (3 off)
One per core — radiation cross-linked polyolefin insulation tube restoring full dielectric strength over the exposed conductor ferrule.
Outer Protection Tube
Mechanical and environmental protection sleeve enclosing the complete joint with hermetic moisture seal.
Self-Amalgamating Mastic Tape
Moisture-proof void-filling at irregular PILC jacket contours and screen transitions.
Earth Braid
Re-establishes earthing continuity across the joint for the lead sheath and armour of the PILC cable.
Key Features
- Compatible with both PILC-to-PILC and XLPE-to-PILC transition joints in one range
- Addresses paper insulation dryout — kit includes components to seal exposed paper before encapsulation
- Hermetic seal prevents water ingress into hygroscopic paper insulation after jointing
- Faster than traditional wiped lead sleeve joints — no plumbing or open flame required
- IS 13573 and IEC 60502 compliant — accepted for DISCOM, PGCIL and railway tenders
- Maintains performance of existing PILC network during grid modernisation
- Available for belted and screened PILC cable constructions
- No special tools — standard heat gun and crimp tool only
Specifications
Applications
Legacy PILC Network Repair
Extending or repairing damaged sections of existing 11kV–33kV PILC underground distribution networks without full cable replacement.
Grid Modernisation Transition
XLPE-to-PILC transition joints where new XLPE cables connect to legacy PILC network sections during phased network upgrades.
DISCOM Distribution Networks
State electricity board networks where older PILC infrastructure is still in service and requires jointing for maintenance or extension.
Industrial Plant Maintenance
Factories and industrial facilities with installed PILC MV cable requiring repair joints to restore supply quickly.
Railway Electrification
Jointing of PILC traction feeder cables in railway electrification schemes where existing infrastructure must be retained.
Municipal Infrastructure
Urban underground cable systems with in-service PILC cables requiring extension or fault repair in congested duct routes.