Reliable Medium-Voltage Cable Splices 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 splice solution suitable for medium-voltage applications up to 36 kV (previously 24 kV) and for larger conductor 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 splice engineered to perform where environmental and operational challenges overlap—without compromising installation simplicity.
These principles apply across the entire LoviX R series. The LoviX R70 builds on this foundation, with a structured approach linking real-world field challenges to the specific 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
- More stringent reliability requirements for cable splices
Reliable Connections in Waterlogged Environments
Water ingress remains one of the primary risks in underground cable systems. Maintaining a fully sealed connection under pressure is critical.
The LoviX R70 is designed for direct-buried splices in waterlogged soils, flooded areas, and cable vaults.
The LoviX R series is designed as a waterproof cable splice, supported by:
- Tested watertightness up to 2 bar
- A mechanically robust design that maintains 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, some applications involve contaminated or chemically influenced environments.
The LoviX R70 is designed for these conditions, where maintaining performance under contamination is critical.
Key characteristics include:
- Waterproof and chemical-resistant properties for contaminated environments
- Mechanical robustness with high impact resistance
In contaminated environments, cable splices are often exposed to a combination of chemical exposure and mechanical stress. The LoviX R70 design is aligned with these conditions, supporting reliable performance where multiple stress factors occur simultaneously.
The focus is not on claiming universal chemical resistance, but on ensuring reliable performance in real-world conditions where multiple stressors interact.
This is particularly relevant for critical infrastructure, where splices must be failure-resistant and withstand high-impact conditions in combination with water and chemical exposure.
Reliable Performance Under High Continuous Shield Currents
In medium-voltage systems, high continuous shield currents can occur due to electromagnetic interaction between closely spaced cables.
This is especially relevant in situations such as:
- Horizontal installations
- Dense underground cable routes
Induced currents in the cable shields can create additional system stress.
For wire shield cables, the LoviX R70 offers the option of a direct grounding connection, supporting reliable performance in locations where high continuous shield currents occur.
This is supported by:
- A direct grounding connection
- No use of mechanical spring elements
- A design less sensitive to disturbances caused by high shield currents
This helps ensure reliable performance in installations where electromagnetic interaction between cables is unavoidable, reducing the risk of the splice becoming a weak point in the system.
Installation Without Open Flame
Installation quality directly impacts cable system performance.
The LoviX R70 is designed for installation without the use of an open flame.
This results in:
- Safer installation conditions
- Reduced installation risks
- More consistent installation quality
- Reduced environmental impact by eliminating the use of gas torches
From an operational perspective, this leads to:
- Lower failure-related costs
- Improved long-term reliability
This contributes to more predictable installation outcomes and reduces the risk of installation-related failures in the field.
Tested Performance According to Recognized Standards
The LoviX R70 is tested according to Harmonization Document (HD) standards.
This includes:
- Type testing according to HD standards at 110°C
Reliable Performance Where Conditions Matter Most
The LoviX R70 combines the key performance characteristics required for modern medium-voltage cable systems.
By focusing on:
- Waterproof splice performance
- Resistance to environmental influences
- Reliable performance under high shield currents
- Safe and consistent installation
- Use of outer shell components 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 overlap.
Interested in how the LoviX® R series can improve the reliability of your medium-voltage cable splices in demanding environments?
Contact our specialists for expert advice on your medium-voltage system.
