Abstract: A water migration resisting filler for filling the interstices of a stranded conductor, an electrical power transmission cable including such filler and a method of making such cable. The filler includes a polymeric compound having a 100 gram needle penetration value between 50 anad 100 tenths of a millimeter at 25.degree. C. and particles of a water swellable material having a particle size of not greater than 20 microns are in contact with the polymeric compound either by admixing it with the compound or applying it to the surface thereof. In the method, the polymeric compound is flowed around the wires of the conductor as they are stranded together and the water swellable material is either admixed with the compound or applied thereto as the conductor is formed, a semi-conductive layer is extruded around the so-filled conductor and a layer of insulation is extruded around the semi-conductive layer.

Abstract: A high voltage electrical power cable with a stranded central conductor encircled by insulation, a metal tape, metal strips or metal wires following helical paths outwardly of the insulation and a water swellable material at least between the adjacent edges of the tape, strips or wires. Preferably, the water swellable material is included with a polymeric material which is flowable at a temperature at least as low as 100.degree. C., the polymeric material has a 100 gram needle penetration value in the range from 50-100 tenths of a millimeter at 25.degree. C. and the water swellable material has a particle size not greater than 200 microns.

Abstract: A high voltage electrical power cable with a longitudinally folded, smooth or corrugated, metal strip around a plurality of layers around the conductor and a water swellable material at least at the adjacent edges of the strip. Preferably, the water swellable material is included with a polymeric material which is flowable at a temperature at least as low as 100.degree. C., the polymeric material has a 100 gram needle penetration value in the range from 50-100 tenths of a millimeter at 25.degree. C. and the water swellable material has a particle size not greater than 200 microns.

Abstract: A water migration resisting filler for filling the interstices of a stranded conductor, an electrical power transmission cable including such filler and a method of making such cable. The filler includes a polymeric compound having a 100 gram needle penetration value between 50 and 100 tenths of a millimeter at 25.degree. C. and particles of a water swellable material having a particle size of not greater than 200 microns are in contact with the polymeric compound either by admixing it with the compound or applying it to the surface thereof. In the method, the polymeric compound is flowed around the wires of the conductor as they are stranded together and the water swellable material is either admixed with the compound or applied thereto as the conductor is formed, a semi-conductive layer is extruded around the so-filled conductor and a layer of insulation is extruded around the semi-conductive layer.