Abstract: An earthing electrode assembly and method for providing a submerged electrical apparatus with an earth path, the electrode assembly having an earthing electrode, an attachment device for attaching the electrode assembly to a cable, and an insulated electrical connection for connecting the earthing electrode to the submerged electrical apparatus. The connection is formed to be of sufficient length for the submerged electrical apparatus to be protected from electrochemical effects resulting from operation of the earthing electrode.

Abstract: In a cable system for connecting to an electrical apparatus, an earthing electrode assembly includes an earthing electrode, a mechanism for attaching the electrode to the cable while maintaining electrical insulation from the cable, and an electrical connection of the electrode to the electrical apparatus, the connection being long enough that the electrode is located at a distance from the apparatus such that the apparatus is substantially protected from the electrochemical effects resulting from operation of the electrode. The earthing electrode may include a titanium core which is coated with platinum or a mixed metal oxide of tantalum and iridium. Methods of attachment are also disclosed.

Abstract: A branching unit for an optical fibre cable system of the type which has an electrical power conductor for feeding current to electrical equipment provided along a main cable and a communication system and method of operating such a system is disclosed. The branching unit (10) has first and second connections (12, 14) for coupling two sections of trunk cable (16, 18) and a third connection (24) for an optical fibre spur cable (26). A switch arrangement (RL1, RL2, D9, D10) is provided on the conductor of the spur cable (26) to apply an earth (36) to the conductor of the trunk cable (16, 18). This maintains a current path in one trunk section when a failure or break occurs in the other trunk section.