GE's – When We Dig AMCL in Småland

When Three Customers Get the Same Care as Five Thousand

It’s a busy day at Gislaved Energi, but Tommy Elg still takes the time to let us tag along and see what’s happening out in the real world. Today, he’s standing along the old Nissastigen road just outside Gislaved, where an older Nexans Axclight TT cable is being jointed together with Nexans’ latest medium-voltage cable, the AMCL 3x150.

After 21 years as a distribution electrician, Tommy has accumulated more than a little experience. If there’s anyone who knows what works in the field—and what doesn’t—it’s probably him.

Tommy, why are we standing here today?

Gislaved Energi doesn’t have many overhead lines left in our network, and now it’s time for yet another one to be replaced by an underground cable. This is the final section of uninsulated overhead line that we can now dismantle. To be honest, it’s quite a lot of work considering only about three customers are affected, but we treat everyone the same. We want everyone connected to our network to have the same conditions and the same sense of security.

That sounds both admirable and very much like the sort of thing we enjoy hearing. Something else we enjoy is your choice of cable.

Haha, yes, we’re sticking with Nexans AMCL. It has a lower climate impact and works very well for us.

And by now you’ve gathered a few metres of experience with it?

Yes. The last time you visited, we installed the 95 mm² version. Since then, I’ve worked with the 240 mm² version in central Gislaved, and today we’re installing the 3x150. It’s actually become my personal favourite. It sits perfectly between the 95, which is almost a little too flexible, and the 240, which feels somewhat stiffer. This one is just perfect to work with in every direction. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the other dimensions, but if I have to pick a favourite, it’s this one.

Those are pretty kind words from someone who’s spent more than two decades working with cables.

Honestly, I haven’t had any issues with any version of the AMCL. Quite the opposite. I like it better than the older cables, and you notice it especially when stripping the cable. You can do it the old-fashioned way with a knife again. It’s very easy to strip and straightforward to joint.

So what’s most important in a new cable?

First and foremost, that it lasts over time. Ideally, I’d rather not have to come back to the same location before I retire.

I’m also very much a creature of habit. It’s important that I can use the same connectors, terminations and accessories that I’ve always used. And that works perfectly well with the new AMCL too. Cable joints have evolved enormously since I started. Today we use shear-bolt connectors and heat-shrink tubing, whereas we used to crimp the joints. That was both time-consuming and considerably harder work.

There’s something beautiful about innovation that actually makes everyday life easier.

Yes, absolutely.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I just want Nexans cables.

That’s a pretty clear message.

I’m not the one making the purchasing decisions, but they know that’s what I want.

And why Nexans specifically?

Quality. And the fact that they’re extremely locally produced. I don’t see any reason to choose anything else.

Thank you!

With those words, we leave Tommy to continue with the next cable joint before the new cables are energized. If you live in the Gislaved area, you can feel a little more relaxed the next time a storm rolls in. Tommy is busy burying the last remaining overhead lines.