Kerite FAQs

A: Kerite cable is manufactured in Seymour, CT and has been since 1854.

A: Kerite does not have an office in Canada.  However, we have done projects in Canada.  Please contact Kerite with details regarding the specific installation you are referring to, and we will gladly discuss the project in more detail.

A: Our typical lead time is 10 – 12 weeks.  However, depending on the type of cable, we may have something in stock that could substantially shorten the lead time.

A: We can construct reduced diameter cables for special projects.  Please contact Kerite to discuss your specific project.

A: Kerite manufactures 750 MCM 138kV cable and there is 3400’ on a reel.

A: Kerite uses an optional copper tape underneath the jacket. 

A: Kerite usually delivers on steel drums.  However for shorter lengths or smaller cables, we have used wood.

A: Kerite produces to ICEA Standards and have not done formal testing to IEC standards.

A: Cable length is a function of conductor size, operating voltage, and ampacity.  Please contact Kerite to discuss the specific application.

A: You are correct.  Eliminating lead is also an environmental plus.  However, Kerite does not believe that the bending radius is affected by the lead.  The cable diameter determines the bending radius.  If you need additional detail, I can have one of our engineers reach out to you.

A: Kerite manufactures MV cable for 5kV to 46kV and it is a covered conductor.

A: Kerite High Voltage Underground Transmission cable is manufactured from 69kV up to 138 kV.  Our specialty cables (like subsea) goes up to 35 kV.

A: Yes we do!  We have done many projects replacing PILC with standard Kerite cable.

A: Yes

A: We make portable HV cables. Contact Kerite to discuss specifics or to get a quote if you’re working on a particular project.

A: No special treatment is required.

A: Customer preference dictates which termination or splice manufacturer we use.

A: No, Kerite does not manufacture our own splices and terminations.  We have several manufacturer partners who do this.

A: The terminations are pre-molded.

A: We use Polywater lubricants for our cable pulls.  EPR cable withstands high pulling tensions and no software has been necessary for our installation pulls. 

A: We do both, but the majority of installations are done in underground duct banks.

A: We do recommend single point grounding when we perform an installation.

A: Pulling force is a function of conductor size, bank diameter, and number of bends.  Please contact Kerite to discuss your specific project in further detail.

A: We utilize local subcontractors for civil work, and do the termination and installation ourselves. We completed a wind farm project in Canada last year.

A: Since our cable is underground, we do not experience theft.  We have had utilities that painted their above ground copper wire blue in substations to prevent theft.

A: We do not conduct OHL installations and do not feel qualified to answer this question.

A: Yes we do.

A: Yes - we do international installations.  Please contact Kerite to discuss the project in more detail.

A: If you outsource the civil, you get the exact outcome you require, which results in a much more efficient project.

A: Yes – regular underground cable can be used for shallow water installation.  A layer of armor wire is frequently added for physical protection.  35 kV cable is often used in these applications.  Please contact to discuss the project.

A: Each cable is in its own conduit.

A: Some utilities have a policy to pull a fourth as a spare.  Some do not. We accommodate both types of requests.

A: We prefer to use G&W terminations. Final decisions regarding termination types are made by the utility.

A: Kerite maximum voltage is 138kV.

A: 138 kV

A: The conductor shield reduces stress on the insulation layer.

A: We can only comment on our own product.  Kerite HV cable has a minimum bending radius that should not be less than 12 times the outer diameter of the cable.

A: Kerite cable can operate up to 90 degrees Celsius. 35 degrees should not be an issue.

A: Kerite cable is designed to operate at 90 degrees Celsius with higher temperatures for specific periods of time. Please contact Kerite with specifics on the application.

A: Please click the link to read the “Five Reasons” document that will explain the advantages of EPR.

A: Kerite EPR is discharge resistant vs. discharge free, delivers superior transient attenuation, and has the longest service life in the cable industry.

A: Please refer to this link on our website:
http://www.kerite.com/High-Voltage-Specialty-Cable

A: The major difference is the material makeup.  We feel that EPR is superior because of its wet performance, flexibility, and long service life.

A: Technically, no.  Jackets are designed to prevent physical damage to the cable and its components. Kerite’s EPR insulation does provide superior water protection.

A: Both EPR and XLPE should only be run at their maximum rated temperatures.  If you have a specific application, please contact Kerite to discuss your specific application.

A: There are no maintenance costs for EPR cables.

A: It is an inherent property of the EPR insulation itself.

A: EPR Cable has been tested to operate up to 105 degrees Celsius. The accessories have not been certified by their manufacturers to operate at that temperature.

A: We do recommend this test upon initial installation.

A: Many of our clients prefer the 24 hour nominal voltage test.  We generally let them specify how they would like the cable tested.

A: We recommend temperature monitoring.

A: We conduct a DC-HIPOT test at installation.

A: We do not recommend this type of testing. Kerite HV cable has not experienced a need for field testing.

A: Yes, it can.

A: Kerite is unaware of any field failures, so we have no logged statistics about cable failure.

A: We don’t conduct Low Frequency AC testing.  If you would like to discuss this further, I can have an engineer contact you. Please provide a contact number.

A: Kerite does several post installation tests to verify that the installation is correct.  Please let me know if you have additional questions regarding a specific installation.

A: A  de-rating does not apply to subsea cable because of the thermal transfer produced by water.

A: It means that Kerite will warranty its HV cable for as long as the circuit is energized – the life of the installation. If you have a situation where you believe a Kerite cable has failed, we would perform tests to determine the cause of the failure. Historically, we have never experienced a High voltage cable failure that was actually caused by the cable (the termination was done incorrectly, or the cable was not grounded correctly, for example).

A: Kerite cable is guaranteed for the lifetime of the installation.

A: We can only answer for Kerite, and we do require our own installers for the installation for our cable. Our cable is warrantied for the life of the installation.