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3M™ Cold Shrink Medium Voltage Cable Accessories

The Cold Shrink Revolution

For over 60 years, professional electrical workers have trusted 3M for innovative solutions that enhance safety and productivity. That’s why we invented Cold Shrink technology: a revolutionary alternative to traditional heat shrink cable joints and terminations that can be installed in a fraction of the time, without the need for special equipment or permits.

With faster, easier installation, and the long-term reliability provided by superior environmental sealing, 3M™ Cold Shrink Medium Voltage Cable Accessories can help you achieve improved efficiency and performance, as well as significant cost savings.

Read on to learn more about the proven benefits of Cold Shrink technology from the people who invented it.

Cold Shrink Products

Learn more about 3M™ Cold Shrink Cable Accessories for medium and high voltage.

Cable terminations aren't made equal.

Watch this step-by-step application video on how to install a 3M™ Cold Shrink QT-III Silicone Rubber Skirted Termination

How to install 3M Cold Shrink QT-III Silicone Rubber Skirted Termination

Capacitive stress control vs. geometric stress cone: what's the difference?

As part of our study, we looked at the performance difference between two common types of cable terminations.

Geometric stress cone: This is an electrical stress control method aimed at reducing stress at the shield discontinuity. It works by extending the shield and gradually increasing the the thickness of insulation under it.
Capacitive stress control: This is a high dielectric constant (Hi-K) stress control method that controls the stress at the end of the insulation shield. It lowers the electrical stress at the point of shield discontinuity by diverting the electrical stress along the cable insulation interface.

After putting both methods through several tests in the 3M lab, the results yielded three key benefits. Download our whitepaper to learn more.

Geometric vs. Capacitive Stress Control

DOWNLOAD WHITE PAPER (PDF , 8.81 MB)

Learn more about our Heat Shrink alternative

Join the future. Discover what Cold Shrink can do for you. From easier installation to improved environmental sealing, these videos break it down.

The cool science of cold shrink technology

Fast and easy one-step installation

Enables installation in 1/3 of the time or less compared to heat shrink

No special tools or work permits required

Easier to install in tight spaces or inclement weather

Easy to learn and train

Long-term reliability

Dynamic ‘living seal’ expands and contracts with variations in temperature and load on the cable

Designed to last the life of the cable while ensuring excellent electrical performance

Low failure rates*:
- 0.067% for Cold Shrink Molded Joints/Splices
- 0.022% for Cold Shrink Terminations

Why heat shrink may not be your best choice

More complex installation

Performance highly dependent on installer skill

Requires torch and hot work permit

Increases required time and potentially costs

Installation may require shut-down for facilities containing combustible gasses

Reliability concerns

Non-integrated design does not allow for factory testing for Medium Voltage Splices

Creates a static seal that does not expand or contract with the cable, potentially leading to the creation of voids between the cable accessory and the cable, which may potentially lead to failure

*Data based upon U.S. failure data of U.S. manufactured 3M Cold Shrink Medium Voltage Cable Accessories between 2009 and 2012.

A ‘living seal’ – for long term performance and protection.

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3M Cold Shrink products contain elastomeric bonds, giving them elasticity similar to rubber bands. When stretched and then allowed to shrink onto a cable, they exert a strong inward force that produces a constant squeezing effect on the cable – providing excellent electrical performance, and superior environmental sealing compared to heat shrink cable accessories.

It’s a dramatic difference you can immediately see in this demonstration video!

Testimonials

“As seasoned Medium Voltage Technicians, we have been installing 3M Cold Shrink Splices and Terminations for over 30 years with excellent results.”

Ralph Patterson, Power Products & Solution

Dec 1, 1901
“3M is without question the leader in Cold Shrink Splicing and Terminating. We have installed thousands of them on our projects, always with excellent results!”

Thomas Fox, Hunt Electric Corporation

Dec 1, 1901
“3M has always provided excellent customer service, and of the thousands of terminations made; 3M stands the test of time.”

Alan Hege, Salem Electric Co Inc.

Dec 1, 1901
"Site teams found the new termination kits easy to install, reliable and not time consuming. Moreover it does not require the use of Naked Flame (hazard).”

Mohamed Rafic Ali, DID

Dec 1, 1901

Cold shrink technology: building on 40+ years of 3M innovation

Since inventing Cold Shrink more than 40 years ago, we have continuously improved our technology to offer cable accessories that are reliable, safe, and easy to install, with excellent performance.

Standards approvals
3M™ Cold Shrink technology meets or exceeds the standards set by:

IEEE

IEC

CENELEC

GB

JCAA
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Gloved hand using 3M Cold Shrink product

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