Reliable medium-voltage cable joints up to 36 kV – introducing the LoviX® R70
With the introduction of the LoviX® R70, Lovink Enertech expands the LoviX R portfolio with a robust joint solution suitable for medium-voltage applications up to 36 kV (previously 24 kV) and for larger cable sizes up to 1000 mm².
This development responds to a clear need in the field: cable connections must remain reliable in environments where installation conditions are defined by waterlogged soils, contamination and mechanical stress.
For utilities, contractors and industrial applications, this means one thing: a joint engineered to perform where environmental and operational challenges overlap, without compromising installation simplicity.
These principles are consistent across the LoviX R‑series. The LoviX R70 builds on this foundation, with a proposition‑led focus where each section below links a field challenge to the design choices behind the R70.
Increasing demands on cable connections in medium-voltage networks
Across utilities and industry, networks are facing increasing demands due to higher electrical loads, more complex operating conditions and stricter reliability requirements.
In practice, this means:
- Higher electrical loads on existing infrastructure
- Increased exposure to water, contamination and mechanical stress
- Stricter requirements for cable joint reliability
Reliable connections in waterlogged environments
Water ingress remains one of the main risks in underground cable networks. Maintaining a fully sealed connection under pressure is essential. The LoviX R70 is positioned for direct-buried connections in waterlogged soils, flooded areas and cable pits.
The LoviX R-series is designed as a waterproof cable joint, supported by:
- Tested water tightness up to 2 bar
- A mechanically robust construction supporting sealing integrity under demanding conditions
This supports reliable performance in direct-buried installations where water ingress is a key risk.
Reliable connections in contaminated environments
In addition to water exposure, certain applications involve contaminated or chemically influenced environments.
The LoviX R70 is designed for these conditions, where maintaining performance under contamination is essential.
Key characteristics include:
- Waterproof and chemicalproof properties for contaminated environments
- Mechanical robustness with high impact strength for demanding environmental conditions
In contaminated environments, cable connections are often exposed to a combination of chemical influence and mechanical stress. The design of the LoviX R70 is aligned with these conditions, supporting reliable performance where multiple external factors occur simultaneously.
The focus is not on claiming universal chemical resistance, but on reliable performance in field conditions where multiple stress factors occur simultaneously.
This is particularly relevant for critical infrastructure applications, where connections must be failure-resistant and withstand high-impact conditions in combination with water and chemical exposure.
Reliable performance under high continuous screen currents
In medium-voltage systems, high continuous screen currents can occur due to electromagnetic interaction between cables installed in close proximity.
This is particularly relevant in situations such as:
- Horizontal positioned
- Dense underground cable routes
Induced currents in the cable screens can create additional stress on the system.
For wire screen cables, the LoviX R70 offers the option for a direct earth screen connection, supporting reliable performance at locations where high continuous screen currents occur.
This is supported by:
- A direct earthing connection
- No use of mechanical spring elements
- A design that is less sensitive to disturbances caused by high screen currents
This supports reliable performance in installations where electromagnetic interaction between cables is unavoidable, reducing the risk of the joint becoming a weak point in the system.
Installation reliability without the use of a flame
Installation quality directly influences the performance of cable systems.
The LoviX R70 is designed for installation without the use of a flame.
This results in:
- Safer installation conditions
- Reduced installation risks
- More consistent installation quality
- Reduced environmental impact by avoiding the use of a gas burner during installation
From an operational perspective, this leads to:
• Lower failure costs
• Improved long-term reliability
This contributes to more predictable installation quality and reduces the likelihood of installation-related failures in the field.
Tested performance according to recognised standards
The LoviX R70 is tested according to Harmonisation Document (HD) standards.
This includes:
• Type testing according to HD standards 110°C
Reliable performance where conditions matter most
The LoviX R70 combines key performance characteristics required for modern medium-voltage cable systems.
By focusing on:
- Waterproof cable joint performance
- Resistance to environmental influences
- Reliable performance under high screen currents
- Safe and consistent installation
- Use of outer shell parts made from 100% recycled material
- Mechanical robustness for demanding installation conditions
These combined characteristics ensure that the LoviX R70 is not defined by a single feature, but by how it performs when multiple challenges occur simultaneously in real-world applications.
It supports reliable cable connections in applications where environmental and operational challenges occur simultaneously.
Interested in how the LoviX® R‑series can improve the reliability of your medium‑voltage cable joints in demanding environments?
Contact our specialists for expert advice on your medium-voltage network.
