Bond Cables for Cathodic Protection

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    Cathodic protection (CP) bond or “jumper” cables are used for making electrical contact between two or more metallic structures to achieve electrical continuity where it may not already exist.  When two metallic structures, such as a pipeline joint, are bonded together, cathodic protection current can pass through the bond cable to achieve corrosion protection for both structures.

    Bond cables are often used on pipeline joints, across pipe fittings, or other similar structures.  Each bond cable is custom made for a specific need, and the cable is connected to the pipe or fittings by exothermic welding or pin brazing.

    CP bond cables are constructed of stranded copper cable with a jacket or insulation made for direct burial, such as High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE).  The cable diameter ranges depending on the amount of CP current to be passed through cable.  At Farwest, we cut the cables to length, remove the cable insulation from both ends, and, if required, attached copper cable sleeves to the cable ends. 

     

    Ordering Information

    When ordering bond cables, the following information is needed:

    ·       Cable gauge or size - usually ranges from #8 AWG to #2/0 AWG

    ·       Bond cable length, such as 12”, 18”, 24”, etc.  Be sure to order adequate length for the connection span.

    ·       Cable insulation type such as HMWPE

    ·       Cable insulation color (black is standard)

    ·       Copper cable sleeve details, if required cables

    ·       Details of any special terminal ends for pin brazing or mechanical connections or any other special equipment

     

    Connection Methods

    CP bond cables are attached to metallic structures by exothermic welding or pin brazing.  Both methods are commonly used, but exothermic welding is most popular.  In either case, you will need equipment to make the connections and Farwest representatives can assist you with product selection, which may include:

    Exothermic welding:

            ·       An appropriately sized mold or welder

            ·       Weld metal charges

            ·       Tools to remove any coating or corrosion prior to welding

            ·       Coating repair materials

    ·       Tool and accessories to assist in the process


     

    Pin Brazing:

    ·       Pin braze welding gun

    ·       Battery and charger

    ·       Consumables to include pins, ferrules and cable terminals

     

     

    CP bond cables are essential for many types of cathodic protection systems. Whether you are bonding water line joints, connecting different pipeline systems together or making another type of electrical bond, Farwest’s custom-made CP bond cables can help with your project.