Abstract: Power distribution networks need to monitor the electrical power at points around the network. A unit which senses the electrical characteristics of the network can also sense other environmental characteristics of the electrical network at that location. An electrical sensor unit attachable to an insulated electrical distribution cable comprises at least one electrical sensor for at least one of current, voltage, and phase angle of electrical power being transmitted in the cable, a source of electrical power for driving the electrical sensors, and a socket for receiving an environmental sensor and comprising connections for the source of electrical power. The unit comprises an annular body defining an axial passage through which an electrical conductor can pass, the annular body housing an electrical sensor in the form of a current sensor including a loop extending around the axial passage.

Abstract: A kit for joining opposing ends of two medium-voltage (between about 3.3 kV and about 52 kV) electrical power distribution cables, comprising an electrically-conductive connector for connecting the conductors of the cables, an electrically-insulating surround material for enveloping the connector, a partial discharge detector, comprising a generally cylindrical, electrically-conductive sheath around the insulating surround, from which an electrically-conductive element extends in an axial direction along the length of at least one of the cables, an outer protective tube for surrounding the remainder of the kit, wherein the conductive element is sufficiently long to project out of the protective tube. A partial discharge detector and a medium voltage cable run are also described.

Abstract: Power distribution networks increasingly need to monitor the electrical power at points distributed around the network in order to cope with feed-in tariffs, etc. A unit which senses the electrical characteristics of the network can also be used to sense other environmental characteristics of the electrical network at that location. We describe an electrical sensor unit (50) attachable to an insulated electrical distribution cable (88) and comprising at least one electrical sensor for at least one of current, voltage, and phase angle of electrical power being transmitted in the cable (88), a source of electrical power for driving the electrical sensors, and a socket for receiving an environmental sensor and comprising connections for the source of electrical power.