Terminating SWA

[revjames]

errr how many times have you cut all the way through the cable before realising you were supposed to be just ringing the armours!

 

[sellers]

or forgotten to put on the shroud!

 

[revjames]

the shroud regret comes after you connect it up and put the cover on!

 

[apprentice87]

Hi all, I had a look at the makers charts giving the size of the cable that the particular gland fits, and they gave the diameter of the armour wire too. As it happens "my" wire was right on the top limit [i measured it] so what i did is i filed down the knurled tapered part of the gland and now all fits lovely!!

I do the "tape around as a guide" bit and it does make things a lot simpler!! The bit i hate the most is the "junior hacksaw to nick the wires" bit. I always worry that if i do not cut them deep enough they will not snap off cleanly when i wiggle them, and that if i cut too deep i will cut the bedding... Kewtech do a gizmo for doing this....Anyone got one, what they like??

john..

 

[Andy™]

nothing wrong with a junior hacksaw

 

[Sidewinder]

I have the Kew stripper thing and have used it and do use it, it is easier to keep in my box than a jnr!

It is OK but not excellent, though that could be because it has a blunt blade.

I'll get someone else to try it with a new blade on the next swa we do together and he can post his thoughts, I am obviously going to defend it as I spent my money on it!

I also use a jnr or full size hacksaw depending on the size of the armour, it is very easy to do with a jnr, though I was looking for a quicker way hence the Kew thing.

 

[Zeespark]

I have the SWA cutter, I find it alot easier and quicker than using a junior, I did 4 cuts in 6 minutes just to see how fast it was once, on a new blade.

AndyGuinness

 

[Sidewinder]

Ahh, perhaps it is my tight waddedness that means I need a new blade in it then that's why it ain't so good any more!

 

[Zeespark]

LOL, they are pretty good they go up to about a 30mm cable diameter iirc.

AndyGuinness

 

[M107]

or forgotten to put on the shroud!

Did that today

 

[Andy™]

i usually put the shroud on as soon as the gland pack is opened. but still been a few times ive missed it

 

[revjames]

[quote name='Andy

 

[Evans Electric]

Hi all, I had a look at the makers charts giving the size of the cable that the particular gland fits, and they gave the diameter of the armour wire too. As it happens "my" wire was right on the top limit [i measured it] so what i did is i filed down the knurled tapered part of the gland and now all fits lovely!!I do the "tape around as a guide" bit and it does make things a lot simpler!! The bit i hate the most is the "junior hacksaw to nick the wires" bit. I always worry that if i do not cut them deep enough they will not snap off cleanly when i wiggle them, and that if i cut too deep i will cut the bedding... Kewtech do a gizmo for doing this....Anyone got one, what they like??

john..

Keep trying with hacksaw , you'll get used to it , do the Gizmo,s work on bigger cables ??

 

[steptoe]

hacksaw for me too, usually just the 12" cos I cant be bothered digging the junior out, :|

4 cuts in 6mins Zee,

I'd like to think it doesnt take me any longer with a hacksaw TBH,

but Ive never timed myself.

it certainly doesnt seem like it takes a minute to rip round with a saw and then slice the sheath off....... deceiving perhaps...

 

[apprentice87]

Hi Sidewinder, Yes, there might be a difference in the two cable types. On the packet of glands it said they were for cable to "BS6346" but the cable itself said BS 4 blah blah blah something or other. [Not sure what as i have not got any left!! This difference my well be it. Got it all sorted in the end though!!

john..

 

[Sidewinder]

I suspect then App that this is the "issue" the XLPE & PVC cables have different sizes & different BS no.'s!

 

[apprentice87]

Hi again, Got to be fair, i learnt a lot from all your answers!! I like the locknut spanners!! Must get some of them, bit skint a mo though!! It is a good idea to get any bends done first as has been mentioned, or your nice neat straight row of armour wires will go all cockeyed when you bend the cable!! Still, i know for the future now, at least try the gland on the cable before bolting the gland into the enclosure!!

john..

 

[Sidewinder]

I like the locknut spanners!! Must get some of them,

Got me thinking too, I do like my task aids! :slap :Blushing

 

[apprentice87]

They do look well smart!! Too skint now though, just been giving all my money to "Megger Mark" !!!!!

john...

 

[Sidewinder]

I'm just gonna place a BIG order with him!

Stupid money really, but I hope it is gonna bring in work for me, without the kit I can't do the work!

Diversification.