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Medium Voltage

Cable Testing Technologies

Presented by: Craig Goodwin


Most Commonly Used Cable Testing
Methods

Energization Sources:

DC and DC Leakage Methods (Insulation


Resistance)

Damped AC (20-300 Hz)

AC Power Frequency

AC Low Frequency (VLF 0.1 Hz)


Most Commonly Used MV Cable Testing
Methods

Cable Diagnostic Technique:

Withstand
Tan Delta / Dissipation Factor
Partial Discharge (Online and Offline)
TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry)
Thermal Imaging
Others
Combination of the Above - Smart
Online versus Offline
Online testing is generally easier to
carry out, and is so called non-
destructive its effectiveness is
also limited..

Offline testing, while requiring


more preparation and setup,
provides more insight into
the cables true condition.
IEEE MV Cable Field Testing Chart
IEEE 400 (OmniBus) - 2012
Guide for Field Testing & Evaluation of
the Insulation of Shielded Power Cable
Systems Rated 5kV and above

IEEE 400.1 IEEE 400.2 2013 IEEE 400.3


Field Testing of Laminated Field Testing of Shielded PD Testing of Shielded Power
Cables Rated 5kV and above Power Cables using Very Low Cables in the Field
using DC. Frequency VLF Environment

Note 1 there is no IEEE 60Hz field withstand testing


standard for MV Cables
Note 2 there is no IEEE DC field testing standard for any
extruded cables.
The Demise of the DC Hipot for Testing
MV Cables

Potential Negative Impact on the Service


Reliability of Extruded Cables

Ineffectiveness to Detect Serious Defects in


Cable Insulation

Ref: IEEE400-2012
Concentric Neutral Design Vs. Tape Shielded

Cable Design Can Impact the Effectiveness and Usability


of Certain Diagnostic Techniques That are Rich in
Frequencies.
Which Energization Source and
Diagnostic Method/s to use and
when.
Applicability Of Testing Methods

IEEE 400 has an Informative Table in the


Appendix on the Applicability of Various Testing
Methods.

Comments
Some Methods Were Not Analyzed Due to
Lack of Information / Data.
Some Methods were shown to be useful and
some were Not.
Table Does Not Address Tape Shielded
Cables and Mainly Focuses on Utility Style
CN Type.
Test and Diagnostic Selection Matrix:
Expanded from IEEE 400 - 2012
Method New Extruded Old Extruded PILC Old Unjacket Accessories
Acceptance Maintenance Laminat Hybrid ed (Splice &
ed Combo Term)
Shield Type Tape CN Tape CN Mixed Mixed CN Mixed

DC Withstand X X X X X X Limited
Testing

VLF AC Withstand
Test

Tan Delta /
Dissipation Factor
Test
Partial Discharge
Test Offline Limited Limited Limited

Partial Discharge
Test Online Limite
Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited
d
Smart VLF W/S Test
- combination with
TD
Smart VLF W/S Test
- combination with Limited Limited Limited
PD
TDR (Time Domain
Reflectometry) Not
Useful Useful Useful Useful Limited Useful
Useful
Conclusions

Testing Organizations Need to Be Aware of the


Changes in Standards and Guides

A Need to Inform and Educate Customers / End


Users

Careful Consideration When DC is Requested

Choice of Test Method Often Determined By Age


and Type of Cable and the Intended Defect
Diagnosis

Often, a Testing Strategy Involving a Combination


of Tests is Most Appropriate.

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