Gel Cable Joints: Hermetic Protection for Cable Connections

Key to Reliability in Harsh Conditions

Gel cable joints are modern and reliable electro-installation accessories that constitute a hermetic protective barrier for cable connections. They are essential wherever electrical connections are exposed to harmful external factors: moisture, water, dust, dirt, or chemical substances. Primarily used in low-voltage networks, they guarantee long-term and failure-free operation of electrical systems in industrial and domestic installations, indoors, outdoors, and underground.

Construction and Principle of Operation

A gel cable joint is a ready-to-use kit, usually consisting of a durable, two-part housing (shell) made of plastic (e.g., halogen-free PP) and a filling in the form of an elastic, non-toxic silicone gel (e.g., two-component RELICON gel). After placing the connected conductors inside the housing and closing it, the plastic gel surrounds the connection, ensuring:

• Excellent electrical insulation.
• Sealing at IP67 or IP68 level (resistance to dust and submersion in water, often up to a depth of 1 meter or more).
• Mechanical protection and resistance to vibrations.

Many modern joints are already equipped with integrated cable connectors, which further shortens the installation time.

Speed and Simplicity of Installation without Specialized Tools

One of the biggest advantages of gel cable joints, unlike traditional resin joints, is the speed and simplicity of installation. A gel cable joint is a ready-to-use product that eliminates the time-consuming mixing of resin and waiting for it to cure. Installation often takes place without the use of specialized tools – simple "hand-work" is sufficient. In the case of joints with PUSH IN technology, installation is even faster and more reliable, as the connection is resistant to vibrations and does not require periodic tightening checks. This translates into savings in the installer's working time, even by 60-80% compared to other methods.

Application of Gel Cable Joints

Thanks to their unique properties, gel cable joints find wide application:

• Outdoor and underground installations: For connecting and repairing power cables in gardens, parking lots, outdoor lighting systems (including LED), which are exposed to rain and continuous flooding.
• Underwater installations: In cable ducts, manholes, and even in continuous submersion (depending on the IP rating).
• Cable sheath repair: As a quick repair connector for damaged cable insulation.
• Connections in areas exposed to vibrations: In automation and industry, where constant clamping force is crucial.

The silicone gel is plastic, and in some types of joints, the housing can be re-opened for visual inspection or changing the conductor configuration (although the joint itself cannot be reused for a new installation to ensure proper clamping).