What Is the Purpose of a Stress Cone on an Electrical Termination?

Stress cones provide an extra layer of safety at the end of electrical terminations. They are required on medium to high voltage systems. Without a stress cone in place, the high concentration of flux between the conductor cable and shield termination could lead to fires or electric surges.

Stress cones are made of a heavy duty vulcanized polymer to provide reliable insulation against different voltage ratings. They can be used with terminals that support up to 25 Kv applications. Stress cones are used both indoors and outdoors. Some of the places where stress cones exist include high voltage-motor installations and pad-mounted transformers. Stress cones are also a useful addition to any medium-to-high voltage wiring where the shield cabling is being terminated.

Stress relief cones are made by increasing the gap between the conductor cable and shield termination. Depending on the type of termination, stress cones may either be built inside the pothead or molded over the original phase. Special care is taken to ensure that the termination is free of any foreign matter, which may weaken the insulation. Each stress cone comes with its own specific set of manufacturer guidelines, which need to be carefully followed. Because stress cones are sometimes used with high-voltage wires, care must be made to prevent electrocution.