Assessment of materials and compatibility [power cable accessories]

The design and choice of materials of a cable accessory are vital to ensure its adequate performance during a long service life. Evaluation of material properties must always address the compatibility with the other materials that it will be in contact with, the effects of the environment and the rigours of installation. A wide range of tests may be applied to the materials during such assessments which then provide a high degree of confidence in all aspects of performance. An adequate assessment takes time and employs expensive resources but insures against disastrous accessory design