Performance of aluminum distribution-cable splices under accelerated aging

A series of accelerated aging experiments was carried out on two generic types of cable splice (heat-shrinkable and premolded) for underground distribution systems. Each accelerated aging experiment consisted of a daily heat cycle and a selected stress voltage. Testing was performed until sample failure and the time-to-failure were recorded to assess the performance of the splice under test. The results demonstrate that aging experiments are an effective means to bring out design weaknesses in both heat-shrinkable and premolded splices. Thermal instabilities at the splice connector were found to be the principal cause of failure in both types of splice when operated at high temperatures. In addition, workmanship can greatly influence the expected performance of the heat-shrinkable splice in its present design. By comparison, the premolded splice tested is more susceptible to mechanical stresses