A Brief on Cable End Caps

Cable accessories are one of the vital components of any power distribution system. When looking for cable accessories, it is always essential to go in for high quality products as that will ensure smooth and stable operation of the entire network.

In view of their importance in cable jointing systems, the number of manufacturers offering good quality stuff at cost-effective prices has increased. Various components come under the group of cable accessories and cable end sealing caps are one of them.End caps, as the name suggests, are used to seal different categories of pipes. They are available in various forms to suit the different applications for which they are used. For example, if the ends of pre-insulated pipes have to be sealed then insulated pipe end cap is the most suitable type. Heat shrink end caps are used for insulating the exposed cut ends of insulated cables and wires. They come in various shrink ratios so as to suit the requirements of varying cable diameters. Heat shrink tubes are also another component of cable accessories which have wound their way in several electrical applications. The most common application wherein heat shrink finds its way is insulation projects; however, non-soldered joints can use heat shrink tubes which are equipped with a conductive lining.

Cable end sealing caps are made from cross-linked polyolefin which is thermally stabilized and are lined with adhesive to offer a robust and enduring environmental seal to all kinds of cable sheaths. Application of chemical additives to the raw material provides added protection against ozone, oxidation, UV radiation etc.In certain specific cases, the end caps are manufactured from non-tracking high voltage or semi-conducting materials. A coating of butyl rubber based mastic is given to the non-tracking high voltage end caps and this makes it water-proof, non-tracking and insulating. For the semi-con end caps, a coating of hot melt adhesive which is poly-amide based or semi-conductive mastic is given or an appropriate combination of the two may also be given. End caps which have film form coating are used for pressurized telecommunications cables whereas the spiral form coating is suitable for unpressurized telecommunications cables.

Cable end sealing caps provide a number of benefits and they are:

  • Offer long lasting protection to cables from moisture, weathering and dust contamination
  • Offer a reliable and everlasting environmental seal
  • Economical solution to sealing regular telecommunication and power cable types
  • Offer insulation to those ends of electrical cables which are unused but connected to supply
  • Ease of installation even in confined spaces
  • Compatible with all cable jacket types

The end caps provide optimum performance under high electrical, thermal and environmental stress. It is essential to buy them from a reputed manufacturer or dealer as his products undergo strict quality controls. For obtaining end caps made from special materials, a dealer who is engaged in the production of special range of these cable accessories has to be approached. A list of reputed dealers of cable accessories can be easily obtained from the online directory.