Heat Shrink Termination Kit
for PILC Cable
Specially formulated heat shrink termination kits for paper insulated lead covered (PILC) cables from 3.3kV to 33kV. Indoor and outdoor configurations with lead sheath sealing compound. IS 13573 compliant.
What is a PILC Cable Termination Kit?
PILC (Paper Insulated Lead Covered) cables were the dominant cable technology in India from the 1960s to the 1990s and remain in service in a very large number of utility distribution networks, railway substations and older industrial facilities. Terminating PILC cables correctly is critical because the paper insulation is extremely hygroscopic — any moisture ingress causes rapid insulation degradation and eventual cable failure.
VIKCHEM's heat shrink termination kits for PILC cables include a specially formulated lead seal compound that encapsulates the cut lead sheath end, preventing moisture from tracking into the paper insulation. The kit provides a complete system — from lead sealing at the cable entry to stress control, insulation and outdoor weathershedding — in a single, matched assembly tested per IS 13573.
PILC vs XLPE Termination Kits
| Aspect | PILC Kit | XLPE Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation Type | Impregnated paper | Cross-linked polyethylene |
| Outer Sheath | Lead sheath + PVC or jute | PVC or HDPE |
| Moisture Sealing | Critical — lead sheath seal required | Mastic tape seal sufficient |
| Kit Complexity | Higher — compound filling needed | Simpler — shrink only |
| Voltage Range | 3.3kV – 33kV | 1.1kV – 36kV |
| Common Use | Legacy/heritage networks | New installations |
Kit Components
Lead Seal Compound
Special compound for sealing the cut lead sheath — prevents paper insulation from absorbing moisture.
Stress Control Tube
Semi-conductive tube for electric field grading at the paper insulation screen cutback point.
Insulating Tubes (3 off)
One per core — heat shrink insulation tubes with defined dielectric strength for each conductor.
Outdoor Weather Sheds
For outdoor kits — increases creepage distance for reliable performance in polluted environments.
Phase ID Sleeves
Red, yellow and blue identification for 3-core cables during termination and maintenance.
Mastic Tape
Self-amalgamating tape for moisture-proof sealing at the cable jacket / lead sheath interface.
Specifications
Applications
Utility Legacy Networks
Extending, repairing or upgrading existing PILC cable infrastructure in DISCOM distribution networks.
Railway Electrification
Terminating PILC cables still in service at traction substations and EMUs on Indian Railways.
Heritage Buildings
Industrial heritage sites and older commercial buildings with existing PILC cable systems.
Oil Refineries & Plants
Chemical plants and oil refineries where old PILC cables feed switchgear still in operation.
DISCOM Network Upgrades
Transition terminations where new XLPE cables connect to existing PILC network sections.
Defence & PSU Facilities
Military and government facilities maintaining older cabled infrastructure.