What’s the Problem?
Electricity distribution network operators (DNOs) are responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable supply of electricity to new and existing customers requiring upgrades or modifications on the low voltage (LV) network.
To deliver this, distribution networks are extended, repaired and adapted. This work requires cable joints to be installed to connect new customer supplies or modify existing infrastructure serving existing customers. To minimise disruption to customers’ supplies, LV cable jointing is carried out live, as isolating circuits from link boxes or substations will result in a loss of supply. In these circumstances, cable jointers may not be aware if a fault exists on the cable to be connected at the time the jointing work is performed.
A key safety challenge is ensuring the section of cable being jointed to the live network is free from hidden or intermittent faults (as working on a faulty cable will pose significant risk of injury to the jointer). This problem becomes more challenging when customers remain connected to the cables being checked, as fault testing must be carried out at voltages below normal supply voltage levels to avoid damaging customers’ equipment.
Currently Drummond test lamps are used to test voltages, but these tests don’t positively confirm the condition of the cable to be connected, an insulation failure may not be detected.
Preferred Output
UK Power Networks (UKPN) want a device that can confirm whether the insulated core of a cable is free from hidden or intermittent faults, ensuring jointers are safe to carry out their work. The device will:
- Provide a simple indication that the test results are positive and it is safe to proceed with jointing
- Be quick and easy to use so that it becomes a tester of choice
- Be safe to use and comply with relevant regulations
- Be robust for use in a cable joint hole
- Be simple to connect/test conductors
- Protect itself against short circuits
- Be affordable as this will be a high-volume device.
Deadline
The deadline for this opportunity is 11.59pm on 24 April 2026. Please submit your proposal above.
Q&A Registration
The Q&A session for this opportunity will take place on 8 April 2026 at 1pm. You can register by clicking the button at the top of this page, or directly below. Please pre-submit any questions for the Q&A by 5pm on 7 April 2026.