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INTRODUCTION
SAFETY
Before conducting tests on a cable system, verify that the cable system is properly de-energized.
If the system has been previously energized, follow the prescribed rules for switching necessary
to de-energize, lockout, tag, and ground the cable system. The personnel conducting the testing
must be qualified to operate the test equipment and be familiar with the cable system and its
components.
Southwire - Leading North American manufacturer of residential, commercial, industrial and utility wire and cable products.
Disconnect cables from non-cable system equipment and apparatus. This will reduce the
possibility of erroneous test results. In the case of HVDC (High-Voltage-Direct-Current) testing,
it will prevent damage to equipment and apparatus. Adequate physical clearances between the
cable ends, and other equipment, other energized conductors, and to electrical ground must be
checked. During the testing, be sure that unauthorized access to the cable system is maintained.
Verify that proper procedures are taken to clear all tap(s) or lateral(s) in the circuit. Remove
grounds from the cable phase to be tested. Phases not under test should remain grounded at all
ends.
CONDUCTING TEST
Conduct test according to prescribed procedures and instructions. Record test results and retain
for future reference.
XHHW/RHH/RHW
USE
THHN/THWN
14
4800
---
3200
12
4800
4800
3200
4800
4800
3200
4800
5600
3200
1 - 4/0
6400
6400
4000
250 - 500
8000
8000
4800
550 - 1000
9600
9600
5600
1100 - 2000
11200
11200
6400
10
8-
XHHW/RHH/RHW
USE
THHN/THWN
Southwire - Leading North American manufacturer of residential, commercial, industrial and utility wire and cable products.
14
2400
---
1600
12
2400
2400
1600
10
2400
2400
1600
8-2
2800
2800
1600
1-4/0
3200
3200
2000
250-500
4000
4000
2400
550-1000
4800
4800
2800
1100-2000
5600
5600
3200
Southwire - Leading North American manufacturer of residential, commercial, industrial and utility wire and cable products.
IEEE Standard 400 tests are "go no-go" tests. The system is required to withstand the
specified voltage for the specified time duration. These tests will normally reveal gross
imperfections due to improper field handling such as excessive bending or air gaps
between the insulation and shield interfaces.
Table 1
Field Test Voltages for Shielded Power Cable Systems
5 kV to 35 kV
System
Voltage
(kV rms)
phase-phase
System BIL
(kV)
(crest)
(cond-gnd)
Acceptance Test
Voltage*
(kV dc)
(cond-gnd)
Maintenance Test
Voltage**
(kV dc)
75
28
23
95
36
29
15
110
56
46
25
150
75
61
28
170
85
68
35
200
100
75
AEIC CS-5-94
"Specifications for Cross-Linked Polyethylene Insulated Shielded Power Cables Rated 5
Through 46 kV"
Tests During and After Installation
During Installation. At any time during installation, a dc proof test may be made at a
voltage not exceeding the dc test voltage specified for During Installation, applied for five
consecutive minutes.
After installation. After the cable has been completely installed and placed in service, a
dc proof test may be made at any time within the first five years at a voltage not
exceeding the dc test voltage specified for the First five Years, applied for five consecutive
minutes. After that time, dc testing is not recommended.
DC test voltages are applied to discover gross problems such as improperly
installed accessories or mechanical damage. DC testing is not expected to reveal
deterioration due to aging in service. There is some evidence that dc testing of aged crosslinked polyethylene cables can lead to early cable failures.
Southwire - Leading North American manufacturer of residential, commercial, industrial and utility wire and cable products.
Table 2
DC FIELD TEST VOLTAGES
Cross-Linked Polyethylene Insulated Shielded Power Cables
DC Test Voltages (kV)
Rated Voltage During First
Phase to Phase (kV)
Insulation Thickness During Installation (5 min) First 5 Years (5 min)
5
90
28
9
5 or 8
115
36
11
15
175
56
18
15
220
64
20
25
260
80
25
25
320
96
30
28
280
84
26
35
345
100
31
35
420
124
39
AEIC CS-6-?? ---DO NOT SPECIFY COMPLIANCE--"Specifications for Ethylene Propylene Rubber Insulated Shielded Power Cables Rated
5 Through 69 kV"
This information has not been adopted and is pending review by AEIC!
Table 3
DC FIELD TEST VOLTAGES
Ethylene Propylene Rubber Insulated Shielded Power Cables
DC Test Voltages (kV)
Rated Voltage Phase to
Phase (kV)
Insulation Thickness During Installation (5 min) First 5 Years (5 min)
5
90
28
22
5 or 8
115
36
29
15
175
56
45
15
220
64
51
25
260
80
64
25
320
96
77
28
280
84
67
35
345
100
80
35
420
124
99
http://www.southwire.com/processGetArticle.do?commonId=cb9975a98c70ff00VgnVCM1000002702a8c0____ (7 of 9) [4/17/2008 3:23:32 PM]
Southwire - Leading North American manufacturer of residential, commercial, industrial and utility wire and cable products.
This information has not been adopted and is pending review by AEIC!
Time-Leakage Test
For more sophisticated evaluations, it is important to recognize the components of dc "leakage"
current. The output current of the test set into the cable is not the true leakage current. The
output current is the sum of three currents; geometric capacitance, absorption, and true leakage
current. The absolute value of output current is not of primary importance. This value is virtually
impossible to predict and is dependent upon the previously mentioned factors which can affect
the resultant output current from a few microamperes to hundreds of microamperes.
Time-Leakage Test, Components of DC Test Output Current (Diagram not available)
It is the shape of the total current curve (it) with respect to time that indicates the condition of
the dielectric. A drop-off of current with respect to time is an indication of sound insulation. A
rising current is an indication of questionable condition or impending failure. A flat curve is
generally due to test conditions.
The output current variation with respect to time of voltage application is generally considered
more indicative than the absolute value. The characteristic shapes of the time-leakage current
curve and probable causes are outlined below.
1. A rising leakage curve at a steady voltage may be indicative of faulty insulation.
However, other leakage paths (over porcelain surfaces and through insulating fluids) can
contribute to such a result.
2. A falling leakage curve is indicative of good insulation characteristics, especially if at
similar levels for all phases.
3. A flat leakage curve at low value is generally indicative of acceptable insulation.
Flatness may be influenced by circuit length, cable geometry, and possible presence of
moisture or contaminants over terminal surfaces.
4. A flat leakage curve at high value may indicate any of the following conditions:
a. presence of moisture
b. contaminants over terminal surfaces or other creepage surfaces
c. surface leakage greater than volume leakage
d. moist laminated insulation
e. condition of insulating fluids
f. air ionization losses (corona) from projections
5. Dissimilar leakage curvesare indicative of nonuniformity of circuit insulation. The
characteristic curve of each phase should be analyzed to determine the cause of dissimilarity. Air
ionization losses from projections may affect one phase more than the others, dependent upon
corona shielding (such as at terminals), temperature and humidity transients, air movement, and
the like.
Generally speaking, the increase of current with test voltage is approximately linear for sound
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insulation. Care should be exercised to prevent terminal corona and minimize terminal surface
leakage as these can mask test results.
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