Splice of life

A new splice from 3M allows power utilities and industrial contractors to more easily make a wye/branch splice configuration on electrical power cables rated up to 15 kV.

The 3M cold shrink branch splice QS-2001B is a silicone rubber splice based on 3M cold shrink technology. 3M says it allows fast installation of the wye/branch configuration without the force needed to install push-on modular splices or the time required for tape splices or heat shrink.

The 3M branch splice QS-2001B accepts all conductor sizes from #2 AWG through 500 kcmil. It is rated for 15 kV cable systems and accommodates main feeder cable runs and taps of 350-500 kcmil conductors.

The splice also accommodates conductor sizes from #2 AWG through 250 kcmil with an adapter applied to increase the OD of the cable. The connector supplied with the splice is a set screw connector that guarantees the correct connection. The connector is designed to have bolt heads shear off at the correct torque.