Indoor / Outdoor Cold Shrink Cable Terminations reliably insulate, seal and protect cable ends across medium- and high-voltage electrical systems. Using pre-expanded elastomeric materials and a removable support core, Cold Shrink Termination Kits contract around the prepared cable without the need for heat or open flames. This proven technology supports a wide range of electrical infrastructure, including distribution networks, substations, renewable energy projects, data centres, industrial facilities and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). In this guide, we explore how 3M™ Cold Shrink Technology works, its application across MV and HV cable systems, and the key factors to consider when selecting a Cold Shrink Termination Kit.
Understanding Cold Shrink Cable Terminations
Cold Shrink Cable Terminations provide insulation, electrical stress control and environmental sealing at the end of a cable. Manufacturers like 3M supply the termination in a pre-expanded state and hold it on a removable core. Once the installer correctly positions the termination over the prepared cable, they remove the core, allowing the elastomeric material to contract and form a tight, consistent interface. Unlike heat-applied cable accessories, Cold Shrink Termination Kits require no torch, burner or other heat source. This makes them particularly useful for installations where hot works are restricted or where open flames are impractical.
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3M™ Cold Shrink Technology: Over 50 Years of Innovation
3M pioneered Cold Shrink Technology in 1968, developing the removable-core concept that remains fundamental to the technology today.
Since then, 3M has continued to develop cold shrink cable accessories for increasingly demanding applications, from early low-voltage products through to medium- and high-voltage terminations.
3M introduced its first medium-voltage termination in 1972, followed by further developments including the QT-II and QT-III termination ranges. The technology later expanded into high-voltage applications, including 72.5kV terminations.
Today, 3M Cold Shrink Terminations support power utilities, renewable energy, industrial infrastructure and other electrical applications where reliable cable connections are essential.
How Does Cold Shrink Technology Work?
Pre-Expanded Elastomeric Materials
Manufacturers make cold shrink components from highly elastic materials such as silicone rubber or EPDM. During production, they expand the material and install it onto a supporting core. When the installer removes the core, the elastomeric material contracts towards its original dimensions, allowing the termination to form a tight interface around the cable without applying heat.
The Removable Core
- Prepare the cable
- Position the termination
- Remove the inner core and allow the termination to shrink onto the cable
Continuous Pressure and the ‘Living Seal’
One of the defining characteristics of 3M Cold Shrink Technology is its ability to maintain continuous inward pressure after installation. The elastomeric materials behave like rubber, contracting around the cable and applying a constant squeezing force. This pressure helps maintain reliable electrical performance and environmental sealing over the life of the termination.
Cables can expand and contract as their operating temperature and electrical load change. Because cold shrink materials remain flexible, the termination can accommodate this movement while maintaining contact with the cable. This flexible, continuously sealed interface is sometimes described as a ‘living seal’.
Capacitive Stress Control
Cable terminations must control electrical stress where the cable insulation shield ends. 3M Cold Shrink Terminations use high dielectric constant (Hi-K) capacitive stress control to distribute electrical stress more uniformly across the termination.
Compared with a traditional geometric stress cone, Hi-K stress control helps reduce electrical stress at the shield discontinuity and across the insulation interface. This supports reliable electrical performance and helps reduce the risk of surface discharge. Hi-K stress control also allows 3M to produce shorter termination designs. This is particularly useful in tight spaces, such as inside switchgear, where installation space is limited.
Why Use 3M Cold Shrink for MV & HV Cable Terminations?
Cold shrink technology combines the electrical performance required from a cable termination with a practical installation process.
Consistent Installation
Cold Shrink Termination Kits come pre-engineered and pre-expanded, reducing the number of installation steps required. Once the installer correctly prepares the cable, removing the supporting core allows the termination to contract around the cable. Installers can achieve a repeatable installation process by following the manufacturer’s instructions, all without relying on heat.
Moisture and contamination can compromise cable insulation and accessories. However, the contracting elastomeric material creates a tight interface around the cable, helping protect the termination from environmental influences. 3M’s cold shrink technology uses continuous radial pressure to maintain the interface between the termination and cable.
Accommodation of Thermal Movement
Changes in electrical load and environmental conditions can cause cables to expand and contract during operation. The flexibility of cold shrink materials allows the termination to accommodate this movement while maintaining pressure around the cable.
Heat-Free Installation
Cold shrink termination kits require no open flame or heat source. This makes them particularly valuable at substations, BESS facilities, data centres and other operational or confined environments where hot works may be restricted. By eliminating the need for heat, cold shrink technology can also simplify site procedures and reduce the risks associated with using burners.
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MV Cable Terminations for Medium Voltage Systems
MV Cable Terminations support electrical distribution networks and infrastructure. They connect medium-voltage cables to equipment while providing insulation, stress control and environmental protection. An MV Cable Termination Kit must be compatible with the cable’s construction and dimensions as well as the requirements of the electrical equipment. 3M’s medium-voltage cold shrink termination range covers a broad range of voltage classes, with products designed for different cable constructions and installation requirements.
12kV Cable Terminations
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3M™ QTIII 92-EP Cold Shrink MV Cable Termination Kit (Single Core | 12kV)A high-performance solution for Single-Core Indoor Cable Terminations, rated up to 12kV. Designed for polymeric insulated cables, this 3M Medium Voltage Termination Kit delivers reliable sealing, insulation and electrical performance across a broad conductor range. |
24kV Cable Terminations
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3M™ QTIII 92-EP Cold Shrink MV Cable Termination Kit (Three Core | 12kV)A reliable solution for three-core polymeric insulated cable terminations rated up to 12kV. Designed to support cable cross sections from 35 mm² to 300 mm², this Cold Shrink MV 3-Core system simplifies installation without compromising long-term electrical and mechanical performance. |
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3M™ QTIII 93-EP Cold Shrink MV Cable Termination Kit (Single Core | 24kV)A trusted solution for polymeric insulated Single-Core cable terminations rated up to 24kV. Designed for indoor and outdoor applications, this Cold Shrink Single-Core system supports cable cross sections from 25 mm² to 400 mm². |
36kV Cable Terminations
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3M™ QTIII 94-EP Cold Shrink MV Cable Termination Kit (Single Core | 36kV)A high-performance solution for polymeric insulated single-core cable terminations rated up to 36kV. Designed to accommodate cable cross sections from 25 mm² to 800 mm², this QTIII MV Termination Kit delivers fast, flame-free installation while maintaining long-term reliability. |
52kV Cable Terminations
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3M™ QTII 95-EB Cold Shrink MV Cable Termination Kit (Single Core | 52kV)A high-reliability solution for single-core indoor and outdoor terminations, rated up to 52kV. It’s designed for copper wire-screened polymeric cables. This 3M Medium Voltage Termination Kit installs easily with a tool-free cold shrink system and meets all IEC 60840 requirements. |
HV Cable Terminations
HV Cable Terminations support higher-voltage transmission and distribution applications where electrical insulation, stress control and environmental sealing remain critical. As voltage levels increase, installers must pay greater attention to termination selection and cable preparation. They must consider factors such as voltage rating, conductor size, insulation diameter, screen construction and the installation environment. Nowadays, 3M has extended its cold shrink technology into high-voltage applications, including 72.5kV termination solutions.
72.5kV Cable Terminations
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3M™ QTEN 96-EP Cold Shrink HV Cable Termination Kit (Single Core | 72.5kV)A high-performance solution for Single-Core Indoor Cable Terminations, rated up to 72.5kV. Designed for copper wire-screened cables with cross sections from 120 mm² to 1600 mm², this 3M Cold Shrink Kit simplifies installation while delivering proven electrical and mechanical reliability. |
Indoor and Outdoor Cable Terminations
Cold Shrink Termination Kits support both indoor and outdoor installations. Please note, you should always select the appropriate solution based on the environmental conditions, cable construction and equipment requirements.
Indoor Terminations
These terminations are suitable for indoor installation or use within electrical equipment protected from direct weather exposure. Applications include:
Outdoor Terminations
These terminations withstand greater exposure to moisture, UV radiation and changing temperatures. Some typical applications include:
RMU and Transformer Cable Terminations
Cold Shrink Cable Terminations can connect medium-voltage cables to equipment such as Ring Main Units (RMU), transformers and switchgear when installers correctly specify the termination for the cable and equipment interface.
RMU Cable Terminations
Ring Main Units play an important role in medium-voltage distribution networks by controlling, protecting and isolating sections of the electrical system. Installers must therefore ensure that the cable termination matches both the RMU interface and the cable they install.
Transformer Cable Terminations
Transformers connect different voltage levels within electrical distribution systems, making reliable cable connections essential. Cold shrink termination kits can provide a practical heat-free method of terminating cables connected to transformer equipment.
How to Select a Cold Shrink Termination Kit
Selecting the correct MV Cable Termination Kit or HV solution requires more than simply matching the system voltage.
1. System Voltage
Ensure the termination is suitable for the operating voltage of the cable system. Applications may include 12kV, 24kV and higher-voltage networks.
2. Cable Construction and Dimensions
Check the cable type, insulation material, screen arrangement, conductor size and insulation diameter. Cold shrink products are designed for specific cable diameter ranges.
3. Indoor or Outdoor Installation
Consider the environment in which the termination will operate and select an appropriate indoor or outdoor termination.
4. Connected Equipment
Where the cable connects to an RMU, transformer or switchgear, ensure the termination is compatible with the relevant interface and configuration.
5. Installation Environment
Consider the practical requirements of the installation site, particularly where site teams restrict hot works or open flames. Selecting the correct product ensures that the termination suits the electrical system, cable and physical installation environment.
Where Are Cold Shrink Cable Terminations Used?
Cold Shrink Cable Terminations suit a wide range of applications and industries, providing a practical solution wherever reliable cable termination and heat-free installation matter. Typical applications include:
- Electrical Utilities and Substations – MV and HV distribution networks
- Solar Power – Renewable energy installations and grid connections
- Wind Power – Onshore and offshore electrical infrastructure
- Battery Energy Storage Systems – Cable connections where heat-free installation can be beneficial
- Data Centres – Electrical distribution in operational environments
- Industrial Facilities – MV electrical systems and equipment connections
- Infrastructure Projects – Electrical distribution and cable networks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cold Shrink Cable Termination?
A cold shrink cable termination is a pre-expanded elastomeric cable accessory that contracts around a prepared cable when its supporting core is removed. It provides insulation, electrical stress control and environmental sealing without requiring heat.
How does a Cold Shrink Termination Kit work?
The termination is supplied expanded over a removable core. After being positioned correctly over the prepared cable, the core is removed, allowing the elastomeric material to contract around the cable and create a tight interface.
Can Cold Shrink Terminations be used indoors and outdoors?
Yes. Cold shrink termination kits are available for both indoor and outdoor applications. The correct product should be selected according to the installation environment, cable and connected equipment.
Can Cold Shrink Terminations be used with RMUs and transformers?
Yes. Cold shrink cable terminations can be used with RMUs, transformers, switchgear and other electrical equipment where the termination is correctly specified for the cable and equipment interface.
How do I choose the correct Cold Shrink Termination Kit?
Consider the system voltage, cable construction, conductor size, insulation diameter, installation environment and connected equipment. The termination must be compatible with the complete cable and equipment configuration.
Where can I find 3M’s Cold Shrink solutions and Cable Terminations?
E-Tech Components is an Authorised Stockist and Distributor for 3M in the UK and worldwide, supplying 3M Cold Shrink solutions and cable terminations for MV and HV applications. Call +44 (0)1744 762 929 or email sales@etechcomponents.com for help selecting the right solution.
Conclusion
Cold Shrink Cable Terminations are a proven solution for insulating, sealing and protecting cables across MV and HV electrical systems. With no heat required, 3M™’s Cold Shrink Technology combines pre-expanded elastomeric materials with a removable-core to provide continuous pressure and a flexible interface around the cable. As an Authorised Stockist and Distributor for 3M in the UK and worldwide, E-Tech Components supplies a comprehensive range of 3M Cold Shrink Termination Kits for applications from 12kV and 24kV distribution systems to higher-voltage networks. Our dedicated technical and customer service team can help you select the right Indoor/Outdoor MV-HV Cable Termination Kit for your requirements. Explore the 3M Cold Shrink Cable Terminations range from E-Tech or contact our team for expert product and application support.
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