Accessories for both paper-insulated and polymeric-insulated power cables up to 33kV have seen major changes in recent years, with modern materials such as cold pour resins, cold shrink systems, moulded rubber components and new tapes with specialised electrical properties being introduced. These new materials, in conjunction with the latest mechanical connecting systems, have gradually replaced traditional techniques like sweating, plumbing, taping, use of hot poured bitumen etc., with resulting reduction of installation times. This article explains the design philosophies behind some of the latest accessories, looking at the important electrical and mechanical properties of modern materials and the reasoning behind their choice.