115-kV Cable Crossings of Puget Sound

Two 115-kV submarine cable crossings were recently completed by Puget Sound Power and Light Company under deep channels of Puget Sound. One was 14 100 feet long with a maximum depth of 720 feet. The other was 6400 feet long with a maximum depth of 388 feet. Laying directly from the factory reels proved satisfactory for the shorter crossing, but trouble was experienced with the cables of the deeper crossing. Here, there was kinking on a steep downhill slope. This was discovered at a depth of 350 feet, by means of a submersible television. The cables were raised and repaired by making up a flexible splice capable of laying tensions and passage over drum and sheave. They have been in continuous successful operation since November 1962.