Complete guide to touch proof termination kits (screened separable elbow connectors) for 11kV, 22kV and 36kV switchgear — covering design, IS 13573 compliance, RMU applications and why they are mandatory for safe indoor substation construction in India.
What Is a Touch Proof Termination Kit?
A touch proof termination kit — also called a screened separable connector or elbow connector — is a pre-moulded insulated cable termination for 11kV to 36kV medium voltage switchgear applications. Unlike conventional heat shrink terminations, touch proof kits provide complete insulation right to the switchgear interface, eliminating any exposed live conductors at the cable-to-equipment connection point.
VIKCHEM manufactures touch proof termination kits rated for 11kV, 22kV and 36kV — certified to IS 13573 and IEC 60502. These are supplied to panel manufacturers, distribution companies and EPC contractors across India.
Why Touch Proof Technology Is Now Standard
In conventional cable terminations at switchgear, live conductors are exposed at the connection bushing. This creates a serious safety hazard for maintenance personnel working in energised switchrooms — even a momentary accidental contact can be fatal at medium voltage.
Touch proof connectors solve this by enclosing every live metal part in moulded insulation. The result:
- ●Zero exposed live conductors at the cable-to-switchgear interface
- ●Safe working in proximity to energised equipment
- ●Significant reduction in arc flash risk during panel maintenance
- ●Compliance with modern IEC 61936 and IS 5571 substation safety standards
- ●IS 13573:2011 — Indian Standard for joints and terminations for polymeric insulated cables
- ●IEC 60502-4 — Power cables with extruded insulation — accessories for cables rated 6kV to 30kV
- ●HD 629.1 — European harmonised standard for cable accessories
- ●Operating temperature: −55°C to +120°C (continuous)
- ●Short-circuit withstand: Per cable conductor rating
- ●Impulse withstand voltage (BIL): As per IEC 60502-4
- ●Power frequency withstand: As per IS 13573
- ●Service life: Equal to cable service life — no scheduled maintenance required
Modern switchgear designs — particularly ring main units (RMU) and compact secondary substations — are specifically designed for touch proof cable connections. Specifying a conventional termination on a touch proof switchgear bushing is no longer acceptable.
Construction and Design
Touch proof kits consist of:
Pre-Moulded EPDM/Silicone Elbow Body The main insulating body is a pre-moulded elastomeric component shaped for 90° cable entry into the switchgear bushing. The material provides excellent dielectric strength, flexibility over a wide temperature range and long-term stability.
Semiconductive Screen Layer An outer semiconductive layer provides uniform field distribution and allows earthing of the connector screen — essential for personnel safety.
Integrated Connector Interface The standardised mating interface (typically 400A or 630A) is compatible with all major switchgear manufacturer bushings.
Locking Mechanism A positive locking ring prevents accidental withdrawal of the connector from the bushing.
Voltage Ratings Available from VIKCHEM
| System Voltage | Kit Rating | Applications |
| 11kV (12kV) | 12/24kV class | Distribution RMUs, compact substations |
| 22kV (24kV) | 24/36kV class | Sub-transmission switchgear |
| 33kV (36kV) | 36kV class | Grid-connected substations |
| Feature | Touch Proof Kit | Conventional Heat Shrink |
| Live conductor exposure | Zero — fully insulated | Exposed at connection |
| Safety near energised equipment | Safe to work near | Hazardous — exclusion zone required |
| Compatible with RMU | Yes — designed for RMU | No — incompatible with modern RMU bushings |
| Installation time | ~45 minutes | ~60 minutes |
| Maintenance required | None | Periodic visual inspection |
| IS 13573 compliance | Yes | Yes |
Why VIKCHEM vs Imported Elbow Connectors
VIKCHEM's touch proof kits deliver the same electrical performance as imported brands (3M, Cellpack, etc.) at a significantly lower cost — with IS 13573 certification, faster delivery from India and full technical support in Hindi and English.
Our kits are used by DHBVN, UHBVN, APEPDCL, KEI Industries and major panel manufacturers across India — proven in tens of thousands of installations.
Related Products
See also: Heat Shrink Cable Termination Kits for conventional indoor/outdoor terminations, and Heat Shrink Cable Jointing Kits for underground cable joints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are VIKCHEM touch proof kits compatible with ABB, Schneider and Siemens RMUs? VIKCHEM touch proof connectors are designed to the standard IEC interface dimensions compatible with all major RMU manufacturers. Contact our technical team with your switchgear model to confirm compatibility.
Q: What cable conductor sizes are covered? VIKCHEM touch proof kits cover XLPE single-core cables from 35mm² to 630mm² conductor cross-section.
Q: Can touch proof kits be used on PILC cables? PILC cables require an adapter sleeve. Contact VIKCHEM's technical team for PILC-compatible solutions.