In a detailed technical demonstration, Jim Dukart of T&D How Videos walks viewers through a real-world installation of a shunt reactor termination at a Kansas City Power and Light (KCP&L) substation. The video offers a close-up look at the field work and technical precision required in modern utility infrastructure projects.
What Is a Shunt Reactor Termination?
A shunt reactor is a vital piece of equipment in high-voltage electrical systems, helping regulate voltage and improve power system efficiency. The termination process involves physically connecting the reactor's cabling to the substation's bus bar, ensuring safe and reliable power flow.
Step-by-Step Termination Process
The video begins with a lineman preparing a power cable that will carry current to and from the substation's bus bar. This includes:
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Sizing and Stripping the Cable: The lineman uses a heat source to soften the cable jacket, then removes it to expose the concentric neutral wires — copper strands wrapped around the inner cable.
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Managing the Neutrals: These copper neutrals are bent back and tamped securely along the cable's outer jacket.
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Removing the Semicon Layer: With needle-nose pliers, the lineman peels away the semiconductive layer of insulation to prepare for termination.
Next comes the installation of a NEMA four-point connector, commonly called a lug. This component connects the stripped cable to the substation bus bar. The process includes:
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Measuring and Cutting Insulation: The lineman ensures the cable length fits precisely into the lug, removing insulation as needed.
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Applying Cold Shrink Termination: A cold shrink sleeve is applied, which contracts over the cable to form a tight, insulating seal once the inner plastic support is removed.
Making the Final Connection
After reinstalling the lug:
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Crimping the Connector: A specialized crimper secures the electrical connection between the conductor and the lug.
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Sealing and Cleaning: Water-seal tape is applied, and both the lug and bus bar are cleaned to ensure a low-resistance, corrosion-free connection.
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Applying Deox Agent: A deoxidizing compound is used to further protect the connection.
Neutral Bus Bar Assembly
The concentric neutral wires, now gathered and trimmed, are connected to a copper neutral bus bar using split-bolt connectors. This step ensures a continuous and grounded neutral path between terminations.
Final Steps
A cable ID tag is attached to label the connection for future reference. The video concludes with a look at the completed shunt reactor termination — clean, labeled, and ready for service.
