UNSPSC 39122101: Cable pothead

Cable potheads are used in substations to terminate the high-voltage, oil-filled transmission cables. As termination points, potheads have two basic functions. One function is to provide an electrical connection between the underground cable and the overhead bus. The other function is to provide a seal or end cap for the dielectric oil system.

UNSPSC 39122101 Cable pothead is a Commodity code that encompasses electrical termination and connection hardware used in power distribution, data systems, and control infrastructure at water treatment plants, airports, municipal facilities, and convention centers. State and local governments procure these components as part of larger electrical infrastructure projects, maintenance contracts, and system upgrades. Recent solicitations show cable potheads appearing as part of broader electrical and low-voltage infrastructure work rather than as standalone items—the DeKalb County tennis center reconstruction (ITB 2026-076-ITB, due July 13, 2026) specified conduit, pathways, raceways, cabling, and terminations as part of a complete IT and low-voltage systems installation, while the Washington State Department of Ecology electrical maintenance contract (IFB 2618 ADM, due July 20, 2026) includes preventative maintenance on switchboards, panel boards, transformers, and distribution infrastructure where cable potheads serve as critical connection points.

State departments, county water districts, municipal aviation authorities, and city convention centers drive demand under this code. Activity concentrates in the Southeast (Georgia, Florida), the Pacific Northwest (Washington), and California, with additional work in Arizona. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority's VFD repair RFP (RFP 26-414, due March 31, 2026) and Eastern Municipal Water District's particle counter and drive module procurements (RFB 3921 and RFB 3918, due April 30 and March 25, 2026 respectively) show water utilities and airport operators addressing aging electrical and mechanical systems. The City of Phoenix Water Services Department's five-year VFD contract (IFB 26-0087, due September 15, 2025) and multiple Tampa Convention Center single-source awards to Stan Weaver & Company for ABB VFD products and preventative maintenance indicate sustained activity in water treatment and HVAC control infrastructure requiring electrical termination and connection components.