FAQ

As long as only the cable sheath (outer plastic layer) is damaged, the insulating tape is suitable as a temporary protective measure. However, it does not provide a seal against moisture. If the primary insulation is also damaged, simple insulating tape is no longer sufficient. In such cases, the use of a gel, casting resin, or heat-shrink joint is recommended. The same applies to damage to the conductor.

BBC Cellpack has different approvals and the list changes regularly, so please ask for more information regarding the existing approvals.

At the present time, there is no approval for use in hazardous areas.

Water in swimming pools contains a certain concentration of chlorine. This point falls under the term "resistant to chemical influences". This means that tests with the actual chlorine content or the composition of the water (e.g. thermal water) are necessary. Of course, it must be assumed that the prescribed components are properly assembled and that the prescribed components are used.

We hereby inform you that our products containing the SVHC substance lead (CAS 7439-92-1) in concentrations above 0.1% are registered in the SCIP database with ECHA (European Chemicals Agency). The products contain aluminum and/or copper alloys in our connection technology and were mentioned in the current REACH compliance declaration according to Directive EC/1907/2006 dated 28.02.2022. They may continue to be sold and are not subject to a sales ban. The SCIP database number is protected by data privacy regulations and is not listed here.
The reason for the introduction of the SCIP database is described in Directive (EU) 2018/851, paragraph 38: “When products, materials, and substances become waste, the presence of hazardous substances may render this waste unsuitable for recycling or for the production of high-quality secondary raw materials. Therefore, in line with the Seventh Environmental Action Programme, which provides for the development of non-toxic material cycles, measures must be promoted to reduce the content of hazardous substances in materials and products, including recycled materials, and to ensure that sufficient information on the presence of hazardous substances, particularly substances of very high concern, is provided throughout the life cycle of products and materials. To achieve these objectives, Union law on waste, chemicals, and products must be better aligned, and the European Chemicals Agency must be involved to ensure that information on the presence of substances of very high concern is available throughout the life cycle of products and materials, including the waste phase.”

Our casting resins consist of two essential components, a resin and a hardener component. The hardener of PUR casting resins contains so-called isocyanates (isocyanates are the essential starting materials for the production of polyurethanes). Because this poses health risks that can be minimized if used correctly, an EU restriction was enforced. This restriction applies to all PUR casting resins (EG, FG, GG, UG, UWR, WG, AMX) from BBC Cellpack. Excerpt from a safety data sheet: By restricting the use of diisocyanates as Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/1149 of 3 August 2022 amending Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006: From 24 August 2023, adequate training must be provided prior to industrial or commercial use. Without training, there is a ban on use from this point on. There are some providers who also offer these training courses online and issue a verified certificate directly afterwards. Which training modules are necessary depends on the use of the products, further information is available from the training providers, among others: FSK – Foam Plastics and Polyurethanes Association ISOPA - European Association of Manufacturers of Aromatic Diisocyanates and Polyols Important note: Through-reacted polyurethanes (= hardened casting resin) no longer contain isocyanates and therefore do not pose any health risks from isocyanates. Other potting materials such as CG or silicone gels do not contain diisocyanates and are therefore not affected by the restriction/training.

Casting resin and heat-shrink systems are generally suitable for use in seawater. However, they are not directly tested according to common testing standards.

There is no drinking water approval for the sets from BBC Cellpack.

End joints and branch joints for medium voltage are not included in the BBC Cellpack range.

The manufacturer does not specify any maintenance intervals. However, considering local contamination and expected precipitation (which has a cleaning effect), it is recommended that the accessories be regularly inspected and assessed by the operator/responsible party and cleaned of any deposits (such as sand, salts, or other contaminants) if necessary.

The following has been observed during the preparation of mass-impregnated cables: When flaming off the bitumen layer, gases and vapors are released that contain harmful substances classified under categories 2 and 3 (according to Directive 67/548/EEC), and categories 1B and 2 (according to the CLP Regulation), including carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reproductive toxicants (CMR substances). When breaking the oxide layer of the lead sheath, lead dust is generated. Lead is also classified as a CMR substance in category 1 (Directive 67/548/EEC) and category 1A (CLP Regulation) and is highly toxic to reproduction. When cutting the jute and lead sheath, a knife with a fixed blade must be used due to the risk of cuts. Based on an internal risk assessment conducted in a workshop, the above critical assembly steps were identified and evaluated with corresponding measures. Wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) is mandatory when preparing the mass-impregnated cable side. The use of PPE should be based on a prior risk assessment tailored to the local situation.

EN 50393 is a comprehensive standard that ensures the safety and reliability of low-voltage cable joints and terminations. It includes a series of tests—electrical, thermal, mechanical, and environmental—to verify that products can withstand real-world conditions and ensure long-term reliability and safety. Compliance with this standard helps maintain the integrity of electrical systems and prevents failures that could lead to safety hazards or operational disruptions. IP68 is part of the ingress protection classification system defined by IEC standard 60529. It determines the degree of protection provided by enclosures against the intrusion of solid objects and liquids. Comparison: Focus Area: IP68: Focuses on protection against solid particles and water ingress for a wide range of devices and enclosures. EN 50393: Focuses on performance, safety, and reliability of low-voltage cable joints and terminations under various electrical, thermal, mechanical, and environmental conditions. Test Methods: IP68: Primarily tests for dust ingress and immersion in water. EN 50393: Includes numerous tests such as electrical insulation properties, temperature cycling, mechanical strength, and environmental resistance. Application Area: IP68: Broadly applicable across many industries, including consumer electronics, industrial installations, and outdoor assemblies. EN 50393: Specifically applicable to low-voltage cable joints and terminations in electrical installations. Difference between IP68 and EN 50393: Both IP68 and EN 50393 address the protection and performance of electrical components, but they serve different purposes and industries. IP68 is a universal classification system for water and dust ingress protection, applicable to various devices and enclosures. EN 50393, on the other hand, is a specific standard for low-voltage cable joints and terminations, ensuring their reliability and safety through comprehensive testing under diverse conditions.

The designation FE180 refers to insulation maintenance for 180 minutes according to a corresponding electrotechnical test standard. The designation E90 means functional integrity for 90 minutes of a complete system. These abbreviations stand for special behaviour of the cable system in the event of a fire.

Differences between CENELEC HD 629.1 S3:2019 and IEC 60502-4:2010 Type Testing

BBC Cellpack Electrical Products has been selling cable accessories for low-voltage and medium-voltage applications for more than 40 years. Based on the feedback from our customers and through their records, as well as the very low number of complaints, it can be said that safe operation of our cable accessories for low-voltage and medium-voltage applications is achievable for a period of more than thirty years. Important note on warranty: BBC Cellpack Electrical Products only supplies components (= kit) and assembly instructions that describe their correct assembly. The installation and manufacture of the cable accessories themselves is not carried out by BBC Cellpack, but by the customer or an installation company commissioned by the customer. In general, BBC Cellpack Electrical Products can only assume a warranty for the delivered components (kit) in accordance with the legal requirements, but not for the assembled cable accessories, as BBC Cellpack Electrical Products cannot have the necessary influence on the quality of cable preparation, accessories assembly and their operation in the network. The components for cable accessories are free of material defects if they are suitable for the use required by the contract at the time of handover to the customer. The indication of the expected service life does not constitute a guarantee, assurance, quality agreement or other promise binding on the seller beyond the warranty within the statutory periods, nor does it constitute an extension of the warranty period. Description of various factors influencing the service life of a cable accessory: There are various factors that can negatively affect the service life of a cable accessory. In our experience, this usually and not exclusively includes cable preparation and assembly, mains operation or the mains conditions themselves, as well as the storage of the kit or the temperature at which the installation is carried out. Due to the many possible influencing factors, this list does not claim to be complete. A legally binding general statement on the service life of BBC Cellpack Electrical Products is therefore not possible and is not given by us. Influence of cable preparation and assembly on the service life of cable accessories: The basic prerequisites for a long service life are careful and clean cable preparation in accordance with the state of the art, but also the careful and conscientious adherence to the work steps specified in Cellpack's assembly instructions. In addition to this requirement, only components that have been supplied with the kit by the manufacturer or have been recommended or approved by the manufacturer of the cable accessories may be used for proper installation and function of the product, such as connectors qualified according to IEC61238. For proper installation as a prerequisite for a long service life, user training is recommended for new products or technically complex solutions. Influence of network operation or network conditions on the service life of cable accessories: The service life of a product always depends on the conditions of the energy supply network acting on the product. BBC Cellpack Electrical Products cable accessories are type-tested in the low-voltage range in accordance with or in accordance with the EN50393 standard, and in the medium-voltage range in accordance with or in accordance with the HD629 standard. Electrical, mechanical or thermal loads beyond the requirements of these standards can have a significant impact, i.e. lead to a reduction in the service life of the cable accessories. This means that no estimate of the possible or remaining service life can be made if, for example, the effects of short circuits or transient voltage increases have occurred as a result of switching operations or lightning surge voltages. The application of the aforementioned standards is not legally mandatory. Even if all standards are applied, however, this does not conclusively cover all influencing factors that can affect the service life of cable accessories. Influence of the storage conditions of the delivered product as well as the temperature during installation on the service life of cable accessories: When it comes to the question of proper storage conditions, a distinction must be made according to the technology used: Components and products that use cast resin, gel or cold shrink technology or other cold-applicable products may be subject to storage time restrictions, storage conditions restrictions or assembly conditions recommendations. Corresponding information on the maximum permitted storage time, the recommended storage conditions and the recommended temperature range of assembly can be found in the product documentation and is also listed in short form on the label/label of the product.

See our applicable warning and safety instructions here.

Resistance to chemical influences must always refer to a specific substance and a specific property and its change. Generally, “good chemical resistance” implies broad compatibility. Tests with acids (e.g., 10% hydrochloric acid), bases (e.g., 10% NaOH), polar solvents (e.g., isopropanol/water), and non-polar solvents (e.g., transformer oil) are typically required.

The term “alkaline earths” generalizes the concept of alkaline earth metals such as magnesium or calcium, which form chemical solutions with water. These solutions can trigger chemical reactions. Depending on the concentration of a substance, different reactions may occur. Fundamentally, such a solution can be categorized under chemical resistance.

Instructions for transport and storage: 1. Storage Temperature range 0...+40°C Deviations from these conditions during storage can lead to restrictions in the function of individual components and, in individual cases, make assembly difficult or impossible. 2. Instructions for assembly: Assembly instructions are supplied with each product (it is part of the kit). Temperature range for assembly/installation on these products: 0 to +40°C. 3. Operation: Operating temperature range (always depending on the criteria of the cable): SMH4 - Heat Shrink Joints for LV Cables - Operating Temperature Range of the Heat Shrink Tubing of the Kits -40°C to +120°C SKH – Shrink End Caps -40°C to +100°C SEH - Shrink Expansion Caps -40°C to +100°C SRH3 - Heat Shrink Tubing with Thick Walls -40°C to +120°C SRMAHV - Heat Shrink Tubing for Repair -40°C to +120°C For more information on the individual product features, please refer to the product data sheet.

Our joints differ fundamentally, except for the connection technology: • Shrink sleeves have inner sleeves made of heat shrink tubing that replicate the core insulation. A larger shrink tube serves as a cable jacket. • Cast resin sleeves use a polyurethane 2-component casting resin, which is poured into a molded shell to provide electrical insulation and mechanical protection. • Gel sleeves insulate the connector using gel displacement. Mechanical protection is provided by the shaping shell.

Common crimping tools available on the market should be used. Please consult the manufacturer of your choice.

Since this involves a flexible cable, special accessories are required. Due to the wide range of applications, product assignment cannot be generalized. BBC Cellpack offers several solutions. Please contact us for more information.

Due to the large number of cleaning agents, it cannot be ruled out that some of them contain ingredients that have a lasting effect on the properties of our components. Therefore, it is recommended to use only the cleaning cloth RT, the Universal Cleaner 121 or possibly other isopropanol cleaning agents (propane-2-ol). Furthermore, a maximum concentration of 10% aliphatic hydrocarbons (C6-C8) in the formulation of the cleaning agent must be observed

To make the two tools easier to handle, a lubricant can be applied to the desired area or conductive layer. For this purpose, we recommend our silicone grease (item no.: 124055). Lubricant residues should be removed with a cleaning cloth or other suitable cleaning agent, e.g. Universal Cleaner 121. The use of product-specific lubricants such as GM1, GM2 or GM3 is not recommended because the enclosed quantities are tailored to the installation of the respective product.

What is the system voltage? AC or DC? What type of accessory is needed, and for what application? (e.g., a termination at a switchgear or in a motor terminal box?) Check cable data and compare with the description of the selected accessory In what environment will it be installed? (e.g., explosion-proof areas, mining applications, fire protection, water depths, etc.) Under what environmental conditions (temperature, sand, dirt, etc.) will it be installed? Choose the preferred connection technology Select the product according to voltage (system and cable) and current Choose the appropriate cable cross-section What standards and approvals are relevant? If specific customization is required, please contact your representative

For the selection of a CTKSA surge arrester, special calculations and the consideration of all data on all relevant influencing factors in the grid are necessary. You can find more information in this brochure.

In the low voltage, the base insulation and the sheath must be reproduced by means of a sleeve or termination. Casting resins, silicone gels or shrink tubing can be used for this purpose. In medium voltage, the insulation parameters are significantly higher. In addition, the electric field must be treated. For this purpose, field controls are used as well as a special geometry of the system components.

The CE marking is affixed to products intended for the internal market of the European Union. By applying it, manufacturers declare that the marked electrical devices comply with the applicable health, safety, and environmental protection requirements for products within the European Economic Area (EEA). The CE marking is in accordance with Directive 93/68/EEC and is intended for use within certain voltage limits. Furthermore, according to EU Regulation 765/2008, a product may only bear the CE marking if the product requirements are defined in at least one relevant EU directive. Examples of such directives include: Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU) Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU) For low-voltage products, the CE declarations of conformity are freely available in the download section of our online product catalog. If none of the directives apply, the CE marking is not affixed to the product, in accordance with applicable laws. In such cases, no CE declaration of conformity is issued. The following BBC Cellpack medium-voltage accessories are not subject to EU directives requiring CE marking: CHE… , CHM… , CAE… , CAM… , CGS… , CTS… , CWS… Regardless, BBC Cellpack medium-voltage accessories are developed in accordance with applicable international standards and undergo numerous inspections and tests during development and production to ensure safe and reliable operation, e.g.: CENELEC HD 629.1, CENELEC HD 629.2, or IEC 60502-4.

There are different options here: 1) If it is a DIN cable lug, a suitable crimping device according to DIN is necessary. The crimp insert to be used is based on the outer diameter. 2) If it is a manufacturer-specific cable lug, the cross-section specification usually serves as the crimp insert. In both cases, the compression is done from the centric hole hole (according to the markings) towards the cable. The pressing makes the connector a little longer. For this reason, a press allowance of 5mm (Cu) or 10mm (Al) is taken into account during cable preparation.

There are different options here: 1) If it is a DIN connector, a suitable press device according to DIN is required. The crimp insert to be used is based on the outer diameter. 2) If it is a manufacturer-specific connector, the cross-section specification usually serves as the press insert. In both cases, the pressure is from the center of the connector (according to the markings) towards the cable. The pressing makes the press connector a little longer. For this reason, a press allowance of 5mm (Cu) or 10mm (Al) is taken into account during cable preparation.

For screw connectors with shear-off screws, all screws must be tightened one after the other during installation. If there are two screws per cable side, the screw closest to the cable is sheared off first, followed by the screw toward the center of the connector. For connectors with only one screw per side, it must be tightened evenly until it shears off.