Everything Indian engineers need to know about heat shrink cable jointing kits — straight-through joints, XLPE-to-PILC transition joints, IS 13573 standards, selection steps and why VIKCHEM's jointing kits are the first choice for underground cable networks across India.
Why the Cable Joint Is the Most Critical Weak Point in Your Cable System
India's underground cable networks contain millions of cable joints. Each joint is a point where two cable ends are connected — and where, if the joint fails, the entire circuit goes out.
The failure rate of cable accessories is disproportionately higher than cable failures. Most power outages attributed to "cable faults" are actually joint or termination failures. The reason is simple: poorly made or improperly selected jointing kits fail prematurely, while well-made joints using quality materials last the cable's full service life.
VIKCHEM has manufactured heat shrink cable jointing kits since 1988. Our kits are IS 13573 and IEC 60502 certified, and are supplied to state DISCOMs, EPC contractors and industrial clients for underground networks from 1.1kV to 36kV.
Types of Cable Jointing Kits Available in India
Heat Shrink Straight-Through Joint Kits
The most common cable joint in India — connects two sections of the same cable type and voltage rating. Available for:- ●XLPE to XLPE (the dominant technology for new cable networks)
- ●PILC to PILC (for legacy cable network maintenance)
- ●PVC to PVC (for LV applications)
- ●Different screen types (copper wire screen on XLPE vs lead sheath on PILC)
- ●Different insulation materials with different dielectric properties
- ●Different thermal expansion coefficients
- ●Is it XLPE, PILC or PVC? (Check cable markings or as-built drawings)
- ●Are you joining same type (XLPE-to-XLPE) or different types (XLPE-to-PILC transition)?
- ●Confirm the system voltage: 1.1kV, 11kV, 22kV or 33kV
- ●Select a kit rated for your system voltage with appropriate margin (e.g. 36kV kit for 33kV system)
- ●Single-core or three-core? Each requires different kit geometry
- ●3.5-core cables (used in LV distribution) require specific kits
- ●Measure conductor cross-section in mm² (typically stamped on cable drum)
- ●Kits cover ranges, e.g. 95–300mm² or 240–630mm²
- ●Match conductor size to kit conductor range
- ●Is the joint in a water-logged area? Specify enhanced sealing
- ●Is it in a duct where restricted access makes re-entry difficult? Higher-reliability kit recommended
- ●International project? Verify IEC 60502 compliance
- ●State electricity board tenders (DISCOM contracts)
- ●Indian Railways civil and traction works
- ●CPWD and government infrastructure projects
- ●PSU procurement (NTPC, BHEL, SAIL)
- ●Voltage range: 1.1kV to 36kV
- ●Cable types: XLPE, PILC, PVC (single and multi-core)
- ●Standards: IS 13573, IEC 60502-4
- ●Certifications: ISO 9001:2015, ZeD Gold
- ●Installation time: 60–90 minutes (standard 3-core 11kV joint)
- ●Conductor range: 35mm² to 630mm²
VIKCHEM's straight-through joint kits are available for 1.1kV, 11kV, 22kV and 33kV in single-core and multi-core configurations.
Heat Shrink Transition Joint Kits (XLPE to PILC)
India has millions of kilometres of ageing PILC (paper insulated lead covered) cables installed before the widespread adoption of XLPE. As utilities progressively replace sections with XLPE, they need transition joints at the interface point.XLPE-to-PILC transition joints are technically demanding because they must accommodate:
VIKCHEM's transition jointing kits are specifically engineered for the XLPE-PILC interface, with proper stress grading and screen continuity design.
Cold Shrink Jointing Kits
Pre-expanded joints that slide onto the cable and are released to shrink without heat. Useful for locations with fire hazard restrictions, gas-filled ducts or areas where a heat gun cannot be used safely. VIKCHEM supplies cold shrink kits for medium voltage XLPE cables.Why Heat Shrink Technology Replaced Resin Joints
Older jointing technology used cast resin poured around the joint components. Heat shrink has completely replaced resin for new joints in India because:
| Factor | Heat Shrink | Traditional Resin |
| Installation time | 60–90 minutes | 3–4 hours (plus curing) |
| Curing wait | Zero — immediate backfill | 4–8 hours curing before backfill |
| Weight | Compact and light | Heavy resin mass |
| Consistency | Factory-controlled materials | Field mixing — variable quality |
| Second attempt | Possible in some cases | Irreversible once resin poured |
| Training required | Moderate | High |
Step-by-Step Selection Guide
Step 1: Identify Cable Type
Step 2: Determine System Voltage
Step 3: Cable Core Configuration
Step 4: Conductor Cross-Section
Step 5: Ambient Conditions
IS 13573 Compliance — Why It Is Non-Negotiable
For all Indian government utility tenders — state DISCOMs, Indian Railways, PSUs, CPWD projects — IS 13573 certification is mandatory. Imported jointing kits that meet only IEC 60502 or European standards may not satisfy IS 13573 requirements, potentially disqualifying them from Indian government contracts.
VIKCHEM's jointing kits are fully type-tested to IS 13573, with test certificates available on request. This makes VIKCHEM the preferred choice for:
Common Installation Errors and How to Avoid Them
Error 1: Inadequate cable preparation Symptom: Joint failure within 1–5 years due to moisture ingress at cable end Prevention: Follow manufacturer strip dimensions precisely; clean conductor surface
Error 2: Missing or misaligned stress control Symptom: Partial discharge-induced failure at cable screen cut-back within 2–10 years Prevention: Install stress control tube correctly; ensure it bridges cable insulation and screen
Error 3: Uneven heat application Symptom: Air trapped under heat shrink — local moisture accumulation Prevention: Apply heat gun in slow circular motion; work from centre outward; heat until sealant flows
Error 4: Incorrect conductor ferrule size Symptom: High resistance connection; overheating at conductor splice Prevention: Match ferrule bore to conductor cross-section; use correct compression die
VIKCHEM Cable Jointing Kits: Key Specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can VIKCHEM supply jointing kits for 33kV XLPE-to-PILC transition in an existing DISCOM network? Yes. VIKCHEM's transition joint kits are specifically designed for this application. We have supplied thousands of XLPE-to-PILC transition joints for state DISCOM network upgrades. Contact us with cable specifications.
Q: What warranty does VIKCHEM provide on cable jointing kits? VIKCHEM jointing kits are manufactured to IS 13573 and IEC 60502 standards and carry performance warranty. Contact our sales team for full warranty terms.
Q: Do VIKCHEM jointing kits come with installation instructions in Hindi? Yes. All VIKCHEM product packaging includes installation instructions in both English and Hindi.