A step-by-step process for selecting an appropriate termination that is commensurate with a particular shielded power cable design is provided in this guide. Over the years, shielded power cables have been developed that employ many different insulating materials and many different shielding systems, such that, there are numerous issues to consider when selecting a termination for a particular cable design. Over the same period of time, many different termination methods and designs have been developed that serve the same purpose, but employ different application methodologies. This guide does not attempt to cover every cable and termination design, and is generally restricted to single conductor underground residential distribution (URD) and shielded power cable that have a voltage rating from 5 kV 46 kV, which includes some industrial cables. By nature, the terminations referred to in this guide are considered to be "live front," in that the terminations comprise a transition from a shielded power cable system to an energized component or bus that is either bare or simply covered.

This guide will discuss the reasons why a termination is necessary on a shielded power cable. Included is a short tutorial on termination theory, a general discussion of design and materials and a selection flow chart.

The purpose of this project is to guide the reader in selecting terminations for shielded-power cable 5 kV – 46 kV.