AWP-003 - LV Service Cables
AWP-003 - LV Service Cables
1 General Requirements
Subject of Approved Written Procedure:
This Approved Written Procedure details generalised procedures to be followed when Live Low Voltage
service cable jointing is to be carried out. The procedures apply the principles established by the Safety
Rules and in Safety Instruction-18, ‘Low Voltage Cables’, to achieve Safety from the System.
Where justified by a point of Work risk assessment, this Approved Written Procedure shall be used in
preparatory Work prior to jointing LV distributor mains and service cables of the following types:
Waveform (3 or 4-core)
Districable
PILC
Consac
Plastic Service
The preparatory Work covered by this Approved Written Procedure includes involving accessing, testing
and cutting cables.
The specific requirements of Safety Instruction-18, ‘Low Voltage Cables’ shall be met.
1.3 This Approved Written Procedure details actions that shall be taken by appropriately trained and
authorised Authorised Persons to achieve a Safe System of Work.
The following categories of authorisation shall apply:
Authorised Person in charge of the Working Party: Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures
AWP-03.
Members of the Working Party: Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures AWP-03 or
Accompanying Person ACCOMP.
Persons under training: Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures under Personal
Supervision (one-to-one ratio, additional in number to minimum Working Party).
1.4 This Approved Written Procedure has been developed and Approved in accordance with the
requirements of Safety Instruction-9, ‘Approved Written Procedures’.
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ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/003/001 1st Edition (Issue 1)
2.1 The following actions shall be taken to maintain Safety from the System:
Jointing of Live Low Voltage cables shall only be permitted where there is suitable justification in
accordance with the requirements of Safety Instruction-8, ‘Live Work’.
Jointing of Live Low Voltage cables, or those cables being treated as Live, shall be in accordance with
the requirements of Safety Instruction-18, ‘Low Voltage Cables’.
All Work shall be carried out using Approved insulated tools, Approved test equipment, Approved
insulated shrouding and unless identified as inappropriate in the risk assessment, whilst positioned on an
Approved insulated mat. Details of Approved tools for this type of Work is included in Safety Instruction-
10, ‘Control and Management of Approved Equipment’.
Personal Protective Equipment requirements for Work on LV cables are detailed in Safety Instruction-
18, ‘Low Voltage Cables’. These minimum PPE requirements may be increased as a result of the point
of Work risk assessment identifying a requirement to wear head or hearing protection or wearing leather
protective outer gloves over insulated gloves when making connections.
The generalised procedures that follow are intended to supplement but not supersede the joint
manufacturer’s installation instructions by emphasising the need to maintain safe working practices when
working on Live LV cables.
Caution must be exercised at all times while stripping an LV cable.
The use of a hacksaw or other tool to cut directly into the cores of an LV cable through the outer sheath
and insulation is forbidden unless the conditions of sections 18.2.11 through 18.2.13 of Safety Instruction-
18, ‘Low Voltage Cables’, can be met.
The LV cables to be worked on shall be identified in accordance with Safety Instruction-18, ‘Low Voltage
Cables’. Permission from a supervisor shall be obtained before proceeding to strip a wire armoured cable.
Stripping of a PILC cable that is believed to be an LV cable shall cease immediately and advice be sought
from a Senior Authorised Person if:
The cable has a copper screen, metallised paper or carbon screen under the sheath
The cable contains only three cores
No Work shall be carried out at any point where there is evidence of damage, deterioration or distress to
an LV cable that has not been proven Dead. Refer to Safety Instruction-18, ‘Low Voltage Cables’ for
requirements for excavating and fault working.
Apply prods of test equipment in the connector area of cores and never in the vicinity of the crutch.
Check the integrity of the insulation and continuity of any new or out of service LV cable in accordance
with Safety Instruction-15, ‘Testing Low Voltage Plant’, prior to jointing. This may include a moisture
test.
Ensure that before preparing any LV cable for jointing, the remote end of the cable is properly terminated.
On service cables, where practicable cut-out fuses shall be withdrawn and Approved shrouds applied or
empty fuse carriers inserted leaving no Live contacts exposed.
Section 18.4.4 of Safety Instruction-18, ‘Low Voltage Cables’, sets out when insulating gloves, and
leather outer gloves where applicable, shall be worn when working on LV cables that are Live or being
treated as Live. For hand protection during other parts of the jointing activities, refer to the current
ScottishPower glove guide.
The specific requirements of section 8.6 of Safety Instruction-8, ‘Live Work’, shall be met.
The specific requirements of section 18.4 of Safety Instruction-18, ‘Low Voltage Cables’, shall be met.
Live Work techniques shall be used at all times when Work takes place on LV cables.
A – Accessing the phase, neutral and earth conductors (with reference to common cable types):
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ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/003/001 1st Edition (Issue 1)
Step-1 Remove outer PVC sheath using insulated ceramic stripping knife.
Step-2 Remove the soft unvulcanised rubber, if present, in which the neutral/earth or earth wires are
embedded using an insulated Hepnyf.
Step-3 Lift the neutral/earth or earth wires using an insulated core separator from the inner rubber
bedding.
Step-4 Remove the inner unvulcanised rubber from the cores using an insulated Hepnyf.
b) Districable cable:
Step-1 Remove the outer PVC sheath using insulated ceramic stripping knife.
Step-2 Remove steel armour tapes as follows – fix a wire binder against the end of the PVC sheath at
either end of the sheath cut. Cut the tapes in the centre of the joint using an insulated stripping
knife and tear off each side at the binder, nicking the tapes at the binders as necessary.
Step-3 Apply double wrap of PVC tape at the binders to prevent damage resulting from the sharp edges
of the steel tape.
c) PILC cable:
Concentric PILC main and triple concentric service cables shall not be jointed Live. They may be stripped
down Live to a point where the lead sheath and the belting papers have been removed. If it is confirmed
that the cable is a concentric PILC main or triple concentric service cable then it shall be Isolated. The
cable can be temporarily re-energised to allow polarity / phase testing to be carried out only after all cores
have been cut and insulated using Live Work techniques. Single phase PILC concentric service cables
may be jointed Live only if testing proves the outer strands / wires are the neutral conductor. If testing
proves the outer strands/wires are a phase then the cable shall be Isolated.
Step-1 Remove outer hessian serving using an insulated ceramic stripping knife.
Step-2 Strip the armours of the cable using a guarded saw, insulated junior hacksaw and/or tin-snips to
the dimensions given in the installation instructions.
Step-3 Remove any inner hessian or fabric tapes then clean and degrease to expose the lead sheath.
Step-4 Complete armour / earth bonds.
Step-5 Connect a temporary continuity bond on to the lead sheath adjacent to armour bonds.
Step-6 Remove the lead sheath and belting papers using insulated Hepnyf to the point where the neutral
and phase cores are accessible.
d) Consac cable:
Consac cables shall not be worked on Live. Before work starts all reasonably practicable steps shall be
taken to ensure cables are not Live. Although conductors are proved not Live, Live working techniques
shall be used.
Step-1 Remove PVC sheath using an insulated ceramic stripping knife and clean and degrease the
aluminium sheath.
Step-2 Strip the cable using the Approved Kennion Irvine Consac cable sheath cutting tool to the point
where the insulated phase cores are accessible.
Step-3 Test the three conductors and neutral with an Approved test lamp for phase-to-earth and phase-
to-phase voltages.
Step-4 Stop all Work on the cable if it is found to be Live and refer to the supervisor. Do no further Work
on the cable until it has been Isolated and proved to be Dead. After the cable has been Isolated,
Work may resume whilst continuing to use Live Work techniques.
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ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/003/001 1st Edition (Issue 1)
Step-3 Unwind the wires and reconnect together using and extended brass tunnel connector.
Step-4 Repeat for the other half of the remaining earth, neutral or neutral / earth wires.
Step-5 Remove inner PVC sheath if present and any plastic or fabric fillers from between and around the
phase conductors using an insulated ceramic coring knife.
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ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/003/001 1st Edition (Issue 1)
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
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ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/003/002 1st Edition (Issue 1)
1 General Requirements
1.1 Scope of Approved Written Procedure:
1.3 This Approved Written Procedure details actions that shall be taken by appropriately trained and
authorised Persons to achieve a Safe System of Work.
The following categories of authorisation shall apply:
Authorised Person in charge of the Working Party: Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures
AWP-03.
Members of the Working Party: Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures AWP-03 or
Accompanying Person ACCOMP.
Persons under training: Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures under Personal
Supervision (one-to-one ratio, additional in number to minimum Working Party).
1.4 This Approved Written Procedure has been developed and Approved in accordance with the
requirements of Safety Instruction-9, ‘Approved Written Procedures’.
2.1 The following actions shall be taken to maintain Safety from the System:
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ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/003/002 1st Edition (Issue 1)
c) Districable:
Step 5 Remove the lead covering from the neutral / earth conductor on the main cable.
Step 6 Make the service cable neutral / earth connection using the Approved mechanical connector
prior to connection of phases. Carry out polarity tests to confirm contact.
Step 7 Screen temporarily all exposed earth, neutral and neutral / earth conductors and exposed lead
sheaths with Approved screening material.
Step 8 Working on one phase at a time, connect the service cable phase conductors to the phase
conductors of the main cable using Approved mechanical connector.
Step 9 Remove the temporary Approved screening material from the earth, neutral or neutral / earth
conductor and lead sheath.
Step 10 Check the cut-out for incoming supply and correct polarity.
Step 11 Check the cut-out for incoming supply correct polarity, neutral and earth loop impedance and
phase rotation as applicable in accordance with Safety Instruction-15, ‘Testing Low Voltage
Plant’.
Step 12 Complete the joint in accordance with the appropriate installation instruction.
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ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/003/002 1st Edition (Issue 1)
d) PILC Cables:
Step 5 Make the permanent earth bond on the lead sheaths.
Step 6 Connect the Approved mechanical connector to the neutral core of the main and confirm
connection by using an Approved test lamp.
Step 7 For Non-P.M.E. supplies connect the service cable earth and neutral conductors in
accordance with the appropriate installation instruction.
For P.M.E. supplies connect the service cable neutral / earth to neutral and earth lead sheath
bond in accordance with the appropriate installation instruction.
Step 8 Screen, temporarily all exposed earth, neutral and neutral / earth conductors and lead sheaths
with Approved screening material.
Step 9 Working on one phase at a time, connect the service cable phase conductors to the phase
conductors of the main cable using Approved mechanical connector.
Step 10 Remove the temporary Approved screening material from the earth, neutral or neutral / earth
conductor and lead sheath.
Step 11 Check the cut-out for incoming supply and correct polarity.
Step 12 Check the cut-out for incoming supply correct polarity, neutral and earth loop impedance and
phase rotation as applicable in accordance with with Safety Instruction-15, ‘Testing Low
Voltage Plant’.
Step 13 Complete the joint in accordance with the appropriate installation instruction.
Title Service Cable to Service Cable Branch Joints using Mechanical Connectors
Ref Action
Note: The following procedure has been written to allow a single phase service cable to be
branched from a single or three phase service cable to give a supply to street furniture.
Step 1 Strip the new service cable end and terminate in cut-out in accordance with the appropriate
installation instruction.
Step 2 Strip the through service cable in accordance with the appropriate installation instruction. and
section AWP/03/001 of this Approved Written Procedure, to the point where the neutral and
phase cores are accessible.
Step 3 Confirm the voltage conditions of the cable by testing using an Approved test lamp, by
puncturing the core insulation away from the crutch of the cable. The punctures shall be over-
taped with PVC tape after testing.
Step 4 Strip the new service cable at the joint end following the appropriate installation instruction
and carry out insulation resistance and continuity tests in accordance with Safety Instruction-
15, ‘Testing Low Voltage Plant’.
Note: For PILC cables, make the permanent earth bond on the lead sheath.
Step 5 Connect the earth and neutral or neutral / earth, conductors in accordance with the appropriate
installation instruction.
Step 6 Screen, temporarily all exposed earth, neutral and neutral / earth conductors and lead sheaths
with Approved screening material.
Step 7 Working on one phase at a time set and cut core at the connector position. Complete
connection and insulation of the phase conductors in accordance with the appropriate
installation instructions.
Step 8 Remove the temporary Approved screening material from the earth, neutral or neutral / earth
conductor and lead sheath.
Step 9 Check the cut-out for incoming supply correct polarity, neutral and earth loop impedance and
phase rotation as applicable in accordance with Safety Instruction-15, ‘Testing Low Voltage
Plant’.
Step 10 Complete the joint in accordance with the appropriate installation instruction.
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ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/003/002 1st Edition (Issue 1)
Not applicable.
All members of the Working Party shall be withdrawn from the Work area and instructed not to Work on
the Plant.
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ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/003/003 1st Edition (Issue 1)
1 General Requirements
1.1 Scope of Approved Written Procedure:
1.3 This Approved Written Procedure details actions that shall be taken by appropriately trained and
authorised Persons to achieve a Safe System of Work.
The following categories of authorisation shall apply:
Authorised Person in charge of the Working Party: Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures
AWP-03.
Members of the Working Party: Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures AWP-03 or
Accompanying Person ACCOMP.
Persons under training: Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures under Personal
Supervision (one-to-one ratio, additional in number to minimum Working Party).
1.4 This Approved Written Procedure has been developed and Approved in accordance with the
requirements of Safety Instruction-9, ‘Approved Written Procedures’.
2.1 The following actions shall be taken to maintain Safety from the System:
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ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/003/003 1st Edition (Issue 1)
Step 5 Make the permanent earth, neutral or neutral / earth conductor connections in accordance
with the appropriate Approved installation instruction.
Step 6 Insulate temporarily all exposed earth, neutral or neutral/earth conductors and exposed lead
sheaths with Approved screening material.
Step 7 Confirm with an Approved test lamp, prior to connection and working on one phase at a time,
the conductors to be connected are safe to energise.
Step 8 Working on one phase at a time set and cut cores at the connector position. Complete
connection and insulation of the phase conductors in accordance with the appropriate
installation instructions.
Step 9 Remove the temporary Approved screening material from the earth, neutral or neutral / earth
conductor and lead sheath.
Step 10 Check the cut-out for incoming supply correct polarity, neutral and earth loop impedance and
phase rotation as applicable in accordance with Safety Instruction-15, ‘Testing Low Voltage
Plant’.
Step 11 Complete the joint in accordance with the appropriate installation instruction.
Not applicable.
All members of the Working Party shall be withdrawn from the Work area and instructed not to Work on
the Plant.
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ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/003/004 1st Edition (Issue 1)
1 General Requirements
1.1 Scope of Approved Written Procedure:
1.3 This Approved Written Procedure details actions that shall be taken by appropriately trained and
authorised Persons to achieve a Safe System of Work.
The following categories of authorisation shall apply:
Authorised Person in charge of the Working Party: Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures
AWP-03.
Members of the Working Party: Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures AWP-03 or
Accompanying Person ACCOMP.
Persons under training: Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures under Personal
Supervision (one-to-one ratio, additional in number to minimum Working Party).
1.4 This Approved Written Procedure has been developed and Approved in accordance with the
requirements of Safety Instruction-9, ‘Approved Written Procedures’.
2.1 The following actions shall be taken to maintain Safety from the System:
Page 1 of 2
ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/003/004 1st Edition (Issue 1)
Not applicable.
All members of the Working Party shall be withdrawn from the Work area and instructed not to Work on
the Plant.
Page 2 of 2