French experience with the use of prefabricated joints in distribution and transmission systems is reviewed. In 24-kV systems, the use of these joints began in the early 1980s with a twofold purpose: easier installation and greater reliability. The technology has not as yet been utilized on 72.5- and 100-kV networks for economic reasons. On 245-kV systems, prefabricated joint blocks are tending to replace sophisticated technologies, such as in situ molding, which require considerable skill. For 420-kV systems, joints consist of stress-cones of terminations mounted end-to-end. Tests applicable to the various types of equipment are described together with actual in-service experience with the systems.
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