Safe installation of high voltage cables 07 Jun 2018

Pulling high-tension cables through tunnels, boreholes or ducts, rather than hanging them on pylons, allows several kilometres to be covered with each installation and protects the cables from external damage due to rock falls, extreme weather and temperature. Installation of the high voltage cables is a specialised process that requires skilled technicians and protective systems.

Rockroller in section

The LOS Group of Norway and Beele Engineering of The Netherlands have developed a new system for safe, cost effective and low environmental impact installation of a bundle of three high voltage cables over long distances. The RockRoller is a clamping system that holds the cables together and provides a more stable operating condition for pulling the cables through the conduits or underground boreholes.

A special clamping strip made from a Nofirno rubber based sealant and supplied by Beele, is placed in the clamp parts to hold the high-tension cables together securely during pulling. The shape and hardness of the clamping strips is designed to hold the cables without causing them any distortion or damage.

The metal clamps of the system, comprising three sections that are triangular when assembled, have metal wheels on the outside to enable the clamps and cables to be pulled along the tunnel or conduit. To allow cables to be pulled over long distances, a RockRoller clamp is fitted every 50cm to 200cm, depending on the distance being installed.

The RockRoller is currently being used in Norway to install cables underground as an effective alternative to high-tension pylons.

In marking its 40-year anniversary in business, Beele Engineering opened a new research centre for sealing technology in Aalten, The Netherlands.